Summer 2001

EAF and the Future Our Vision and Purpose Setting a New Course Difficult But Necessary A Final Word of Thanks Our Vision and Purpose This ministry was conceived in the hope of influencing the shape and direction of the denominations represented by our founders and our growing constituency. It has never been our goal, however, merely to occupy "a seat at the table" when matters related to the future of our denominations are discussed. When a ship's course is set for an inevitable collision with an iceberg, the passengers are not well served by a crew that touts its diversity but ignores those voices calling for a course change. We have consistently issued such a call. So far, it has not been heeded. For some of our constituents, the time has come to look for another vessel. When a ship's course is set for an inevitable collision with an iceberg, the passengers are not well served by a crew that touts its diversity but ignores those voices calling for a course change. Let me make one point absolutely clear. The intention of the founders was not that EAF would one day become a new denomination. From our inception we have been an association of individuals, and a few congregations, from a variety of denominational backgrounds. We have sought to provide a context for identity, inspiration, information, and encouragement. As a voice for spiritual renewal within the denominations represented by our constituency, we have never, up to now, advised or encouraged any of our members to sever their ties with any existing conference or denomination nor to seek affiliation elsewhere. Having established that point, however, I hasten to add that our purpose for existence has never included the preservation of any particular denomination, especially at the sacrifice of the core principles which we hold dear. Thus, when our counsel is sought by individuals and/or congregations exploring the possibility of a new affiliation, we will do whatever we can to assist them in making a decision that is prudent, responsible, and well-informed. In the two years since the MC/GC General Assembly in St. Louis in the summer of 1999, we have received several such requests. Our response to one of them resulted in a brief reference to EAF in the church press about a year ago and prompted some questions on the part of a few of our members. Late in the fall of 1999, two Pennsylvania pastors contacted EAF with a request for assistance. Would it be both possible and appropriate, they wondered, for EAF, as a "neutral party," to convene a meeting of church leaders interested in talking about alternatives to the new Mennonite Church USA as a context for fellowship and denominational identity? The EAF Board of Directors considered their request and concluded that facilitating this type of discussion, although unlike anything we had previously undertaken as an organization, would not be inconsistent with our original purpose and vision. Top Previous | Next Home | About | Contact | Guestbook | Newsletter | Views © 2001 Evangelical Anabaptist Fellowship