A Pilgrimage Of Faith, J.B. Toews, 1993

the teaching of Christ and His apostles; the diligent searching of the Scriptures and the preaching of the pure Gospel in all the world; practice of the holy ordinances of Christ which are, bap- tism and the Lord's Supper, the free confession of God 40 MB UNDERSTANDING OF A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH and Jesus Christ before all men; fervent brotherly love, fel- lowship and submission among themselves and love of their neighbors; diligence to uphold the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace; taking up the cross in follow- ing Jesus; watching with prayer and supplication and thanksgiving for all men, and the prayerful and joyful waiting for the coming of the Lord and the establishment of His Kingdom. 1 John 4:1; Matt. 3:8-9; Matt. 6:10; Acts 1:6-7; Luke 21:31; Heb. 9:28; 2 Thess. 1:7 and 10. 2 Pet. 3:12-14; (cf. II, "Church" and IV. "Prayer" and V.).6 The implications of this statement of faith were obedience to the Word of God and submission to the lordship of Christ in faithful discipleship. As described by Jesus, disciples were those who held to his teaching (John 8:31), who loved as he had (John 13:34), who reflected the character described in the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount, and who fulfilled the teachings and example which he gave. The church-the redeemed community in Mennonite Brethren understanding-was to be an interdependent fellow- ship. In the church every member was to be concerned for the welfare of fellow-members.7 This principle applied not only to the local congregation but also extended to the churches' asso- ciation as a larger fellowship or conference. The implications of such interdependence surfaced visibly in the crisis known as the June Reform of 1865.8 Following are some of the basic principles reflected in the records of that occasion: 1. They acknowledged the aberrations that had beset some of the early Mennonite Brethren (1860-1864), as well as irresponsible actions of individuals in leadership. The meeting of the entire body for a day of prayer, fasting and repentance identified the whole church with the aberrations. 2. Recognition of the church's final authority was founda- tional for a life of interdependence. The resolution recorded on June 26 and 27, 1865 was significant: 41 A PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH The church chooses the minister, a brother from her midst who is considered capable and has the confidence of the church, to watch over them, thus it is the duty of the min- ister to serve the church and carry out whatever decisions the church may make. In return, the church is obl