Counsel Regarding Congregations at Variance

     We believe that the church of Jesus Christ is one body with many members, ordered in such a way that, through the one Spirit, believers may be built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God. 
     As God's people, the church is a holy temple, a spiritual house, founded upon the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. Church order is needed to maintain unity on important matters of faith and life so that each may serve and be served, and the body of Christ may be built up in love. Love and unity in the church are a witness to the world of God's love. 
     In making decisions, whether to choose leaders or resolve issues, members of the church listen and speak in a spirit of prayerful openness, with the Scriptures as the constant guide. Persons shall expect not only affirmation, but also correction. In a process of discernment, it is better to wait patiently for a word from the Lord leading toward consensus, than to make hasty decisions.
                                                                                                                         --from Article 16, Confession of Faith in Mennonite Perspective, 1995
On this page you will find the documents and resources related to the question of how we give and receive counsel within the body of Christ when congregations differ on matters of faith, such as same sex orientation and committed same sex relationships. 

We also offer resources for creating settings for Bible study, healthy dialogue, and spiritual discernment in your local congregation. May God's Spirit lead us to fullness of grace and truth.

Documents related to the 2012 discernment process regarding Faith Mennonite Church

2012 Regional Meetings for Giving and Receiving Counsel
Resources Provided to Participants:

Summary of the counsel received at the regional meetings

From the Conference Board in Response
to the Regional Meetings

April 24, 2013 Letter to Congregations and Participants
Bible Study on Revelation 1-3, "How Would Jesus Exercise Regional Church Discipline?"

The Pastoral Leadership Committee credential review

March 2014 Letter from Moderator Nathan Luitjens and Report from the Pastoral Leadership Committee

Church-wide Statements

Denominational Studies and Statements on Human Sexuality:

Resources that Model or Help to Foster Healthy Dialogue


Book-length Resources that are Aligned with the Mennonite Church Teaching Positions on Human Sexuality


Other Resources for Further Thought and Discernment