THE MENNONITE BROTHERHOOD IN RUSSIA (1789 - 1910), P. M. Friesen, 1911

ion of their mother church, 2) a printed copy of the 21 Mennonite catechism in Russian translation, and 3) the documents 22 which pertain to the confessional questions of the Mennonites (1910 edition). “Our spiritual workers: church-elders and preachers (‘spiritual teachers’— Article 1105)— are not called in a superficial manner. They are elected by the respective church-parishes (congregations, brotherhood- meetings) at a solemn prayer-worship service in their houses of assembly. They are chosen from the ranks of persons who have proven their Christian character in word and deed, and who possess the necessary knowledge of Christian doctrine, as well as the ability to instruct. They acquire the specific knowledge in schools of various kinds, from the lowest to the highest. The doctrines of the faith, however, are primarily acquired ‘in the bosom of the church,’ i.e., in their worship assemblies. “For this purpose, so-called ‘Bible-discussion meetings’ are conducted in their churches from time to time, lasting from two to four days, in addition to their regular worship services. These are conducted by the local church elder or minister in cooperation with the respective church, at which every participant has the right to ask questions or give answers. The right to participate in these Bible-discussions is granted to everyone who desires it— although within the framework of the Mennonite church-order, and after due consideration by and under the responsibility of the leader. “In addition to this, there are periodic ‘Biblical Review and Deeper Life Courses’ for ministers (spiritual teachers, Article 1105) and ministerial candidates conducted within the framework of Mennonite doctrine and church-order. “The supervision and responsibility for these courses are assigned to the local church elder or minister. The special administration of these courses— if necessary— is assigned by him to a qualified person— with the consent of the local congregation (where the courses are held) and its other spiritual teachers (ministers). "After an examination, not on the basis of a scholarly program, but on the basis of the Word of God and the needs of the fellowship, the elected ‘spiritual persons’ are ordained to the ministry at a solemn religious ceremony, according to the practice of the apostles, through the act of the laying on of hands, or solemn certification. Preservation of Independence 639 “Our ‘spiritual teachers’ are (Article 1105): 1) the elders (presbyters, senior ministers) who have all the rights for the spiritual ministry: preaching, the administration of the holy sacraments of holy baptism and holy communion, the laying on of hands and other religious functions; 2) the spiritual teachers or ‘preachers,’ who also have the right and duty to preach, to officiate at marriages and burials, to keep church records, etc. In such matters as the administration of the holy sacraments, or leadership, e