Holdeman Mennonites: My Opinion

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       My Opinion of the One True Church
  
  First of all, the Holdeman (official name Church of God in Christ, Mennonite) church is not the only true church. John Holdeman in the 19th century did not receive any special revelation like Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon religion. In all fairness, he was a sort of Martin Luther, seeing and realizing a need to break away from the lax and lukewarm old Mennonite church in order for a spiritual revival and renewal to begin its work. Well, a revival did happen. A return to the original teachings of the Anabaptists to a certain extent. However as time went by and the church grew and became more organized, the main focus-apostolic teachings-became somewhat obscured by the belief that "we" are the true church. This led to rigid Mennonite traditions that eventually led the church into turmoil in the 1970's in the US. William and Viv Stoppel have written extensively on the Holdeman church and even done a video documentary on it. I laughed when I read one of their articles titled Holdeman Scare Tactics. "Sounds like a bitter ex-Holdie letting out steam" I thought. A decade later, I stopped laughing. Because after going through many experiences, researching, reading, and finding out for myself hidden truths, I have come to realize that:
  Second, the true church of God is not, has not, and will never be known by a man-made name. The true church of God is made up of born-again, repentant sinners who genuinely seek to follow and apply New Testament teachings in their daily lives; therefore a church can only call itself the true church when the members are upholding sound Biblical teachings and active in the kingdom of God. Their new lives are based not on man-created traditions handed down through generations but by a meaningful relationship with the Lord first and foremost. 
  Third, after a group establishes itself as a church, there must be doctrines to serve as guidelines and to give the church a structured form. Unfortunately too many Christians shy away from anything to do with doctrine, equating the word with rigid regulations and cold Pharisaical lifestyle. But a McDonald or Wal-Mart with a "come-and-go" attitude towards its employees would soon collapse; hence the need for an organized, structured framework. Scheduled work hours, specific uniforms, nightshifts, punch clocks, etc. So it is with the true church whether it be a remote group of Christians in the Himalayas or a handful of college students in the suburbs of Toronto, without Biblical doctrines they would be left in the dark. Their willingness to return to these apostolic teachings and the radical effect it has on their lives characterizes the true church. Some of these radical changes would be to dress differently than the world, to avoid places of entertainment, to meet often for prayer, prophesying and Bible study (things which the Holdeman church has been lacking), feet washing during communion service, teaching of the Trinity, expelling of members who commit sins such as adultery, drunkenness and murder, teaching of heaven and hell, etc. That is my opinion of a true church and a church that drifts away from these basic doctrines ceases to be a true church. If you're part of such a church, whatever label or title your group has been given, I encourage you to remain firm in your commitment because you are part of the true church no matter if the name is Amish, Pentecostal, Holdeman or Beachy. If the Holdeman church you are currently in is experiencing a spiritual revival, by all means stay. Don't we all need a revival? But if it has grown cold and stiff, it is certainly time to step up and out.
  Fourth, the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite is only a small fragment of the true church of God, it is not THE one and only true church. While there are members who are genuine, it is sad to see many trusting in their membership to save them. I understand a church does not save people but I do believe a church is for saved people. The finer points of doctrines should be worked out among members and followed accordingly for order and unity but ultimately it is our relationship with God (faith), not our adherence to dress code and color of shoes on Sundays, that will save us. A life of faith produces good works, good works justify our faith, our faith justifies our lives.

                                                 A. Mendoza

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