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

specially the leading brethren. In doctrine there were uncertainties. Not considering the exposition con- cerning the participation at the Lord's Table, there was the teaching concerning the distinction between the Kingdom and the Church, where some parts of the New Testament found no application for us, they applied only to the fu- ture of Israel and that quite inclusive. To have an Elder, is not scriptural for the church, there must be several Elders. . . . For a time it weakened my conscience; whether you believe or do so or otherwise, does not matter so much because it can be interpreted both ways. How far can we go in a dual interpretation of the Word?39 If Janz saw the negative effects of the struggles brought by the influence of the more liberal Alliance movement, there were positive contributions as well. CHURCH POLITY The polity of the early Mennonite Brethren emerged from their understanding of the church as an interdependent fel- lowship. The June Reform of 1865 was significant in shaping their understanding of basic principles governing the life of the church.40 We note the following: 1. To discern the meaning of scriptural teaching did not 51 A PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH rest with the individual alone, but with the corporate body. They continually sought to implement the Anabaptist belief in community discernment. 2. They recognized that the church as a body shared re- sponsibility for unscriptural practices and sins within the church. They prayed and fasted together in repentance, seek- ing forgiveness and purification.41 3. The structure of church government was a fellowship- ping community, not a hierarchy of bishops. The final deci- sion-making authority rested in the congregation, not in a group of elders and ministers.4* Deliberations concerning the understandings of Scripture in relation to faith, life and ethics took place in the assembly of the * Bundeskonferenz" the larger conference. It was this body that articulated positions on the form of baptism, church organization, church discipline, relationships to civil govern- ment and war and many other issues needing regulation-43 52 CHAPTER 5 Leadership and the Teaching Ministry The Mennonite Brethren rooted their understanding of leadership and the teaching ministry in their commit- ment to Scripture. Quite simply, they understood ministers and leaders to be a provision of God. Eph- esians 4:11-12 was foundational: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some pastors and teachers." The Confession of Faith outlined a process for appoi