As God's children we belong to a spiritual family that is made up of many parts. "For as one body we have many members…so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually members one of another" (Rom. 12:4-5). We most often experience this in terms of the local congregation.
But we are also members of a larger body—the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. Our denomination is called to be one family, serving one Lord, unified by one mission—transforming individuals, families and communities with the good news. We accomplish this mission most effectively when we pull together as 200 congregations.
The essays that follow highlight this benefit of denominational affiliation. You will read how six pastors complete this statement: Partnering together as one national family is important as we…. Their stories and reflections remind us that together is better.—Connie Faber, CL editor
Essays in this series:
Working with the larger family by Josue Aaron Hernandez
Living our faith in the world by Chris Eidse
Discerning together what the Bible teaches by Brad Bonnett
Planting churches by Paul Robie
Striving to be missional by Phil Stangland
Preparing leaders by Paul Bartel
