A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Ja Toews

In the initial planning of this history several consultations were held with members of the Executive of the Board of Christian Literature and others interested in the project. It was agreed that the book should be well documented and adapted for use in colleges and Bible institutes. The history was also to be written with the wider reading constituency in mind — including people who are not acquainted with the cultural and ethnic background of European Mennonitism. It was also thought that the scope and purpose of the book would not permit a treatment of developments on a local church level. Congregational histories are found in some of the earlier books. 1 Developments in local churches have been described if these were considered to be significant for understanding general trends in the brotherhood. It is not easy for an active participant in the work of the church to attain and maintain the perspectives of historical objectivity. It has been my earnest endeavor to give an accurate and balanced account of developments in the M.B. Church. I have sought to honestly portray not only its vision, faith and achievements, but also its limitations, weaknesses and failures. To bring a history up-to-date is always a hazardous undertaking, since it involves the treatment of men and movements, churches and institutions, policies and programs which are in "the process of becoming," and which will have to await a more objective appraisal by future historians. Hence the opinions expressed about contemporary trends and developments must of necessity be regarded as provisional in nature. One thing I gladly admit, however: I xi xii HISTORY OF THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH have written this history as one who has a loving concern for the brotherhood and a deep appreciation for its spiritual heritage. For any error of fact or judgment I accept full responsibility. In the preparation of the manuscript I have greatly profited from the work of those men who have blazed the trail of Mennonite Brethren historiography before me. Others have labored, and we have entered into their labors. The following sources have been most valuable in my research in early M.B. history: P. M. Friesen, Die Alt-Evangelische Mennonitische Bruederschaft; Franz Isaac, Die Molotschnaer Mennoni- ten; and Jacob Becker's Memoirs {Tagebuch). For information on recent history I have relied heavily on conference yearbooks, reports, periodicals, historical monographs, and unpublished theses. I am grateful to the administration of the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, California, for providing adequate facilities for the research and writing assignment. The stimulating fellowship with teachers and students in the seminary community provided many opportunites for testing hypotheses and verifying factual information. I am especially indebted to the brethren Elmer Martens and A. J. Klassen for their sustained interest and constant