A Local Regina Church
As a church, our name is Parliament Community Church (we are named Parliament because the community we are in is called Parliament Place here in Regina, SK, near Harbour Landing). Still, we identify with the Mennonite Brethren family of churches in Canada. As a result, we are often asked what Mennonite and what Brethren mean. I’ve even been asked if we are a ‘typical’ church. I assured them we are a Bible-believing, Christ-following, spirit-led church similar to many evangelical churches. However, some things in our heritage make us unique.
To understand what it means to be a Mennonite Brethren, we need to understand three terms: Mennonite, Brethren, and the third term is Anabaptist.
What does Mennonite mean?
Mennonite is a term that refers to the larger tradition of Anabaptists. Anabaptist means to “baptize again.” This is a reference to the anabaptist tradition of baptizing people again as a profession of faith rather than their infant baptism done by their parents. Mennonite refers to a key figure in the anabaptist movement named Menno Simons. Menno lived from 1496 to 1561 and was a Dutch priest who eventually became a leader in the Anabaptist movement.
The Anabaptist Movement
The Anabaptist movement experienced persecution in Europe, leading to groups in Russia and, Eventually, North America. Over the centuries, the Anabaptist movement created various groups, including the Mennonites, Amish, Hutterites, and others—each unique and distinct in their practices. Along with emphasizing adult baptism, this movement also prioritized pacifism (now described as peacemaking) and separation from the affairs of the government.
What does Brethren Mean?
The term Brethren means ‘brother’ and, over time, has come to mean fellow believers. It emphasizes the community and the commitment to living out faith together, supporting one another and doing ministry together. While some Anabaptist groups such as the Amish and Hutterites practice communal living, the Mennonite Brethren tradition reflects the value of the community that gathers together for worship and ministry, but also the value of congregational leadership that is practiced today – meaning all levels of leadership and decision-making are accountable to the larger congregation.
The Mennonite Brethren Church
The Mennonite Brethren Church began in 1860 in Russia as a revival movement in existing Mennonite communities. It emphasized personal faith and Bible study while maintaining their value for the community. Today, you can find Mennonite Brethren Churches in many countries, with at least 450,000 members globally.
A Mennonite Brethren church will resemble many evangelical churches in theology and ministry style while maintaining its core values as an anabaptist church. We would affirm the Apostle’s Creed alongside our confession of faith.
A Mennonite Brethren Church in Regina
When you come to Parliament Community Church, you will find something similar to many other churches in Regina, SK. We are a community of disciples of Jesus Christ, led by the Spirit, seeking to love God and our neighbour. We have people from all different age groups and backgrounds. Our united faith in Jesus is stronger than our differences, and we desire to honour God and do life together.
Further Resources to explore:
The Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith
SKMB – Saskatchewan Mennonite Brethren
CCMBC – Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren
Mennonite Brethren History and Timeline
Mike Engbers is the Lead Pastor at Parliament Community Church in Regina, SK, near Harbour Landing. As a church, we offer programs for all ages, from children to youth, young adults to Seniors who are part of our Heritage groups. We are also diverse in cultural backgrounds but share a desire to grow as disciples of Christ together.
