Who We Are
The Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, is a relatively small denomination within the broader Mennonite tradition. Our goal is to faithfully follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles in all aspects of faith and daily life. Throughout history, true Christians—such as the Waldenses—have upheld this faith, often enduring obscurity and persecution.
At the heart of our beliefs is God’s grace, which grants personal salvation through the new birth. This transformation begins with faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, leading to repentance from sin and a commitment to obey His teachings. Through this new life in Christ, we are united in fellowship and brotherly love.
We uphold believer’s baptism, nonresistance, and a simple, modest way of life. The Bible calls Christians to be separate from the world in spirit, attitude, and daily conduct. As citizens of God’s kingdom, we strive to live in peace with others. Therefore, we do not participate in politics, hold elected government positions, or serve in the military. We also believe that men should wear beards and that Christian women should wear a devotional head covering as an expression of faith.
Origins of the Mennonites
The Mennonites trace their origins to the Anabaptist movement of the 16th century, which emphasized believer’s baptism over infant baptism. This conviction led to severe persecution from both Catholic and Protestant authorities, who viewed the Anabaptists’ rejection of state church practices as subversive. Thousands were executed by burning, drowning, or beheading for their beliefs.
In 1536, Menno Simons, a Catholic priest from Friesland in the Netherlands, began to question Catholic doctrines, particularly transubstantiation and infant baptism. His studies of the Bible led to a personal transformation and acceptance of believer’s baptism. Baptized by the Anabaptists, Menno became a devoted minister and emerged as a prominent leader within the movement.
Menno’s leadership was instrumental in uniting the scattered and persecuted Anabaptist groups in the Low Countries. His followers, emphasizing peaceful, simple, and devout living, came to be known as Mennonites. They were distinguished by their commitment to Christ’s teachings in all aspects of life, including pure speech, modest dress, diligence in work, moral purity, separation from worldly influences, and nonresistance.
Central to Mennonite belief is the necessity of a personal conversion experience, marked by repentance and a commitment to a transformed life in Christ. This change of heart is foundational to their way of life and community.
The Mennonite Church in America
Mennonites began immigrating to America in 1683 to escape persecution and seek religious freedom, with migration continuing into the late 1800s. They became known as quiet, God-fearing people—sober and devout in faith, industrious in work, and committed to a life of peace, refusing to participate in war.
However, times of testing and prosperity led to spiritual decline. In the 19th century, John Holdeman (1832–1900) of Wayne County, Ohio, felt that the Mennonite Church had drifted from true doctrine. After appealing for revival with little response, he and a group of like-minded believers began worshiping separately in 1859. This led to the formation of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.
Holdeman was a dedicated evangelist, teacher, and writer who sought to restore the church to its biblical foundations. While our church bears his name, we do not worship John Holdeman but God alone. His work simply helped bring about a revival of faithfulness to Christ’s teachings—a legacy that continues today in the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.
The Holdeman Church Today
Following John Holdeman’s passing, the church continued to grow, with organized mission efforts beginning in the 1930s. As membership increased, congregations were established across many states and provinces. Today, there are congregations and mission stations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and numerous countries across Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Europe. While the largest concentration of members remains in North America, the church now has a worldwide membership of over 27,000.
Most congregations operate Christian schools to protect children from worldly influences while providing a Christ-centered education. The church also publishes and distributes Christian literature, engages in evangelism and missionary outreach, and provides disaster relief and humanitarian aid.
We invite people of all cultures, races, and nations to come to Jesus Christ for salvation. With full confidence in God’s grace for our salvation and spiritual well-being, we look to the future with faith, ever watching for the return of our Lord.
Want to Learn More?
Visit the official Church of God in Christ, Mennonite website and learn more about what we believe and why believe it.