The first Anabaptists of the 16th century played a distinctive role. As neither Catholic or Protestant, they presented a sort of third way. From our beginnings, Anabaptists have been counter-cultural with a commitment to be led by the teachings of Jesus, formed by scripture and community.
Today, it is too easy to point to the legacy of Anabaptism in a nostalgic fashion, with core ideals like believer’s baptism, discipleship, peace and nonviolence, the separation of church and state and life in community. Certainly, remembering well is important; however, it is critical we don’t simply celebrate stories from the past. We need to do the hard work together to understand how God is calling us to live out those ideals today.
In a far more individualized society, which values self-determination and personal success, how do we live in community effectively? How do we share our lives together in a radical way that reflects Jesus?
The early Anabaptists valued a separation from church and state in a time they were under threat for those convictions. Today, we experience significant religious freedom and, even at times, political power for our beliefs. What is our approach then to the separation of church and state? It would be easy for us to be selective, only applying this principle when it is to our advantage.
And what about peacemaking? Anabaptists took a radical position in a time when they suffered martyrdom in shocking numbers for their faith. They refused to return violence for violence at great personal cost. How do we live this same type of response out toward those who might oppose us?
At the center of many Anabaptist ideals is a commitment to take Jesus’ words seriously and apply them to daily life. People considered the early Anabaptists radical for their commitment to personal discipleship and lives directed by the teachings of Jesus, regardless of the cost.
So, how are you applying Jesus’ teachings to your daily life? Disciples are those learning to obey (i.e., live out) the teachings of Jesus. We would all do well to revisit Jesus’ words again and again, each time considering how they are to be applied today. I am convinced this practice can make us no less radical than those who came before us.
Would you grab your Bible, and take 10 minutes to reread Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-8? And as you read, consider what it looks like in your context to take the teachings of Jesus and apply them radically in your own life.
I would love to hear what you are learning and applying to your life.
Aaron Box began serving as the USMB national director in July 2024. Previously, Box served for 13 years as senior pastor of North Park Community Church in Eugene, Oregon. He has more than 20 years of ministry leadership experience and served on the USMB Leadership Board from 2014-2022. Box and his wife, Jennifer, have two children and reside in Eugene.
