June 22, 2009 issue
Evangelical identity
FEC congregations retain Mennonite connections, but few keep the name
By Celeste Kennel-Shank Mennonite Weekly ReviewARCHBOLD, Ohio — With a café and children’s space visible when people walk into its new building, Archbold Evangelical Church aims to welcome all.
Archbold (Ohio) Evangelical Church built a coffee shop in the foyer of its new building, where people gather for fellowship time after the service May 31. — Photo by Celeste Kennel-Shank/MWR
“We wanted the facility to be inviting,” said Lynn Aschliman, chair of the 650-member church, which dropped “Mennonite” from its name last year.
He said the congregation wants to attract people from the community who do not attend any of its churches — several of which share Archbold Evangelical’s Anabaptist roots.
“It’s our purpose to work in harmony with those who don’t define everything exactly as we do,” Aschliman said.
Andy Brodbeck, head elder, said the church especially focuses on attracting children, hoping to draw families as well.
“There’s a difference between reaching people at a surface level and helping people become disciples so they can reach other people,” he said.
Archbold Evangelical is part of the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches, based in Fort Wayne, Ind., formerly known as the Evangelical Mennonite Church.
The FEC changed its name in 2003. In Archbold, some older residents remember when the denomination was called the Defenseless Mennonites from 1908 to 1948.
The group began as the Egly Amish in 1866 under the leadership of Old Order Amish bishop Henry Egly. Egly emphasized experiencing regeneration and salvation personally.
Archbold Evangelical Church, founded in 1870, took “Mennonite” out of its name in December when the congregation moved into a new building. In the area, they are known to many as “Evan” and decided to keep “evangelical.”
Comments
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On page three of Evangelical identity,the author stated that there is a church in the Boise-Nampa,Idaho area. I would really like to know who the church is and a contact person. I am presently attending a Nazerine church,but so miss my Mennonite roots. Would you please reply at the above e-mail address. Thank You John Rhodes 327 Oak Circle Boise,Id 83713
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The Fellowship of Evangelical Congregations church in Nampa is Lakeview Bible Church. There is also a Mennonite Church USA congregation in Boise, Hyde Park Mennonite Fellowship; one in Caldwell, Evergreen Heights Mennonite Church; and one in Meridian, Emmaus Christian Fellowship. I hope you find a church that is right for you.
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