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

ellow members and to intercede for them in prayer Through teaching, encour- agement and counseling the fellowship provides the care for its members,"16 The Confession of Faith further stated: "All questions related to doctrine and life in the congregation are decided according to the example of the apostolic church, as we read: Acts 15:1-28; 1 Cor, 14:40; 2 Cor. 3:17, etc Rule and guide for the church for all times are the Holy Scriptures, es- pecially the New Testament,"17 44 MB UNDERSTANDING OF A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH The Mennonite Brethren understood the basic prayer of the true church to be "thy kingdom come" (Matt. 6:10), In the knowledge that Christ at his first coming carried human sin to the cross, the church was waiting for his appearance for their salvation in glory (Heb. 9:28).* While in a waiting position the church was not to be idle, Its members earned their livelihood amidst a relationship of love with their neighbors. The true church continued "stead- fastly in the apostles1 doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42). The command of Jesus, "teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have com- manded you" (Matt. 28:20), was central for the early Menno- nite Brethren. The ardent application of this assignment, as they understood it, to the various situations of life, gave rise to tension and intolerance in their relationship to the wider Mennonite community.15' Members who did not conform to the scriptural standards, as understood by the corporate body, were to be admonished in love. Where private counseling failed, the church sought to exercise redemptive discipline. The offender was formally excluded from the fellowship of the church for disregarding warnings and persisting in rebellion.10 The church, however, was to continue to love the erring member and seek restora- tion. When there was repentance, the church was to forgive, receive the member back into the fellowship and resume Christian nurture/1 Covenant community expressed the interrelated character of the church. Members committed themselves to a covenant statement-later referred to as "church rules"-that spoke to the nurture of their spiritual life, to their relationship within the larger fellowship, to the world and to principles of lifestyle. There was the expectation that local church members would accept the Confession of Faith of the larger church community and be willing to accept the decisions and resolutions of the conference on questions of faith, practice and program.22 45 A PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH The confessional