Basic Mennonite library for MB congregations

1. Mennonite history
2. Mennonite theology and biblical studies
3. Mennonite peacemaking
4. Mennonite mission, witness and service
5. Mennonite life
6. Biography
7. Mennonite literature
8. Books for younger readers
9. Reference works
10. Films and videos
11. Books of regional interest

• Ordering information

Introduction

The Mennonite story is a wonderful story. It is a story of over 450 years spanning many continents and cultures. It is a story rich in heroic figures and stirring commitments. Like the story of the Children of Israel, it is the story of God’s presence, grace and faithfulness.

This small listing of books and videos about the larger Mennonite and the more specific Mennonite Brethren world is intended to assist congregations in building a congregational library. There are items here that are appropriate for the life-long member and the newcomer, for adults and children. Reading these materials or viewing the videos will help all to become better informed about our faith tradition.

This is a short and selective listing. There are many other fine books that could be included. We have included here the indispensable items that the Historical Commission recommends for every congregational library. All of the items listed are still in print and available.

We offer the listing assured that as we become more literate about who the Mennonite Brethren are we will become more confident about our witness and ministry in the world. We hope every congregation in North America will use this aid to encourage the development of greater understanding of who we are as a people of God.

I. Mennonite history

1. General works

   • Cornelius. J. Dyck, ed., An Introduction to Mennonite History (Herald Press, 1993).

     A concise survey of the Anabaptist–Mennonite story from the sixteenth to the twentieth century.

   • Richard G. Kyle, From Sect to Denomination: Church Types and Their Implications for Mennonite Brethren History (Hillsboro: Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies, 1985).

     An exploration of the transformation of the Mennonite Brethren from a separatist sectarian group to a more mainline Protestant denomination.

   • Harry Loewen, No Permanent City: Stories From Mennonite History and Life (Herald Press, 1992).

     Forty-five short accounts reflecting the history, faith and practice of Mennonites and their Anabaptist forebears from the sixteenth century to the present.

   • Harry Loewen and Steven Nolt, Through Fire and Water: An Overview of Mennonite History (Herald Press, 1996).

     A popularized history of the Mennonite story from the 1500s to the present. Appropriate for readers of high school age or older.

   • C. Henry Smith, The Story of the Mennonites (Faith & Life Press, 1981).

     A detailed one-volume history of the Anabaptists and Mennonites.

   • J. B. Toews, A Pilgrimage of Faith: The Mennonite Brethren Church, 1860–1990 (Kindred Press, 1993).

     A historical overview of the Mennonite Brethren movement and a call to renewed faithfulness today.

   • Paul Toews, ed. Mennonites and Baptists: A Continuing Conversation (Kindred Productions, 1993).

     This collection of essays explores the ways in which these two groups have influenced each other.

2. Anabaptism

   • Harold S. Bender, The Anabaptist Vision (Herald Press, 1955).

     A classic statement on the essence of the Anabaptist movement.

   • Thieleman J. van Braght, The Martyrs Mirror (Herald Press, 1972).

     First published in 1660, this is a collection of martyrs’ stories from the first through the seventeenth centuries, with particular focus on the Anabaptist martyrs.

   • Cornelius J. Dyck, ed., Spiritual Life in Anabaptism (Herald Press, 1995).

     A collection of Anabaptist writings on prayer, Bible reading and worship.

   • William R. Estep, The Anabaptist Story (Eerdmans, 1975).

     A general historical survey of the Anabaptist movement.

   • Hans Juergen-Goertz, The Anabaptists (Routledge, 1996).

     Originally published in German, this English edition provides a brief overview of recent Anabaptist scholarship.

   • Walter Klassen, ed., Anabaptism in Outline: Selected Primary Sources (Herald Press, 1981).

     Excerpts from the writing of early Anabaptists.

   • John S. Oyer and Robert S. Kreider, Mirror of the Martyrs (Good Books, 1990).

     A brief introduction to van Braght’s Martyr’s Mirror.

   • C. Arnold Snyer, Anabaptist History and Theology: An Introduction (Pandora Press, 1995).

     A useful summary of the origin and development of Anabaptist beliefs and practices.

   • J. Denny Weaver, Becoming Anabaptist: The Origin and Significance of Sixteenth-Century Anabaptism (Herald Press, 1987).

     Describes the Anabaptist movement utilizing the latest scholarly work in that field, and offers suggestions as to the meaning of that movement for today.

3. Russia

   • Abe J. Dueck, Moving Beyond Secession: Defining Russian Mennonite Brethren Mission and Identity, 1872–1922 (Kindred Productions, 1997).

     This brief volume publishes for the first time several Mennonite Brethren conference proceedings and other primary source documents. Also includes statistical summaries of the Mennonite Brethren church in Russia before the Revolution.

   • Peter M. Friesen, The Mennonite Brotherhood in Russia, 1789–1910 (Board of Christian Literature, 1978).

     A massive history of the Mennonite Brethren Church in Russia, which includes many primary sources relating to the birth of that group.

   • H. Goerz, Mennonite Settlements in Crimea (CMBC Publications, 1992).

     An English translation of Goerz’s important work on Mennonites in Crimea, the birthplace of the Krimmer Mennonite Brethren Church.

   • H. Goerz, The Molotschna Settlement (CMBC Publications, 1993).

     A history of the place where the Mennonite Brethren Church was born.

   • C. P. Toews et al., The Kuban Settlement (CMBC Publications, 1989).

     The only English-language history of this settlement, founded by Mennonite Brethren settlers in the 1860s.

   • John B. Toews, ed., Journeys: Mennonite Stories of Faith and Survival in Stalin’s Russia (Kindred Productions, 1998).

     Toews has translated eight personal accounts of this difficult period in Mennonite history.

   • John B. Toews, Perilous Journey: The Mennonite Brethren in Russia, 1860–1910 (Kindred Press, 1988).

     A study of the early years of the Mennonite Brethren Church in Russia within the context of the larger Russian Mennonite story.

   • James Urry, None But Saints: The Transformation of Mennonites in Russia, 1789–1889 (Hyperion Press, 1990).

     A ground breaking study of the social and cultural development of the Russian Mennonite colonies.

4. North America

   • Clarence Hiebert, comp. & ed., Brothers in Deed to Brothers in Need: a Scrapbook About Mennonite Immigrants from Russia, 1870–1885 (Faith & Life Press, 1974).

     Contains ship lists of Mennonite immigrants and hundred of newspaper clippings pertaining to the immigration of Mennonites from Russia to North America in the late nineteenth century.

   • Paul Toews, ed., Bridging Troubled Waters: The Mennonite Brethren at Mid-Century (Kindred Productions, 1995).

     A collection of essays that explores the transitional period 1940–1960 in the North American Mennonite Brethren Church.

5. United States

   • The Mennonite Experience in America (Herald Press).

     A four-volume history of Mennonites in the United States. Individual volumes include:

     • Richard K. MacMaster, Land, Piety, Peoplehood: The Establishment of Mennonite Communities in America, 1683–1790 (1985).

     • Theron F. Schlabach, Peace, Faith, Nation: Mennonites and Amish in Nineteenth-Century America (1988)

     • James C. Juhnke, Vision, Doctrine, War: Mennonite Identity and Organization in America, 1890–1930 (1989).

     • Paul Toews, Mennonites in American Society, 1930–1970: Modernity and the Persistence of Religious Community (1996).

6. Canada

   • Abe J. Dueck, ed., Canadian Mennonites and the Challenge of Nationalism (Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society, 1994).

     A collection of essays exploring church/state relations among Mennonites in Canada.

   • Mennonites in Canada

     A three-volume account of the Canadian Mennonite story. Individual volumes include:

     • Frank H. Epp, Mennonites in Canada, 1786–1920: The History of a Separate People (Macmillan, 1974).

     • Frank H. Epp, Mennonites in Canada, 1920–1940: A People’s Struggle for Survival (Herald Press, 1982).

     • T. D. Regehr, Mennonites in Canada, 1939–1970: A People Transformed (Mennonite Historical Society of Canada, 1996).

   • Margaret Loewen Reimer, One Quilt, Many Pieces: A Concise Reference Guide to Mennonite Groups in Canada (Mennonite Publishing Service, 1990).

     A useful guide to the numerous different groups within the Mennonite–Amish family in Canada.

II. Mennonite theology and biblical studies

• A. J. Dueck, H. J. Giesbrecht, V. G. Shillington, eds., The Bible and the Church: Essays in Honour of Dr. David Ewert (Kindred Press, 1988).

  A collection of essays on the interpretation of Scripture and issues pertaining to church life and ministry.

• Delores Friesen, ed., All Are Witnesses: A Collection of Inspirational Sermons and Devotionals (Kindred Productions, 1996).

  All the sermons and devotionals in this collection were written by Mennonite Brethren women.

• Donald B. Kraybill, The Upside-Down Kingdom (Herald Press, 1990).

  A study of the kingdom of God in the synoptic Gospels emphasizing the radical nature of that kingdom.

• Paul M. Lederach, A Third Way (Herald Press, 1980).

  This book sets forth some of the key affirmations of Mennonite faith.

• Howard John Loewen, One Lord, One Church, One Hope, and One God: Mennonite Confessions of Faith (Institute of Mennonite Studies, 1985).

  Traces the historical development and continuity of various Mennonite confessional statements.

• Luminaire Studies Series (Kindred Productions).

  A series of Bible commentaries by Mennonite Brethren authors. Volumes include:

  • David Ewert, The Church in a Pagan Society: Studies in I Corinthians

  • David Ewert, The Church Under Fire: Studies in Revelation

  • Erwin Penner, The Power of God in a Broken World: Studies in Ephesians

  • David Ewert, When the Church Was Young: Studies in the Thessalonian Epistles

  • David Ewert, A Testament of Joy: Studies in Philippians

• Elmer A. Martens, God’s Design: A Focus on Old Testament Theology (Baker Book House, 1994).

  The author examines the design of God for building His kingdom on earth as in heaven.

• Elmer A. Martens & Howard H. Charles, eds., Believers Church Bible Commentary (Herald Press).

  Sixteen volumes have been published at this time:

  • Eugene F. Roop, Genesis

  • Waldemar Janzen, Exodus

  • Terry L. Brensinger, Judges

  • Eugene F. Roop, Ruth, Jonah, Esther

  • Elmer A. Martens, Jeremiah

  • Millard Lind, Ezekiel

  • Paul M. Lederach, Daniel

  • Allen R. Guenther, Amos, Hosea

  • Richard B. Gardiner, Matthew

  • Timothy J. Geddert, Mark

  • Chalmer E. Faw, Acts

  • V. George Shillington, 2 Corinthians

  • Thomas R. Yoder Neufeld, Ephesians

  • Ernest D. Martin, Colossians, Philemon

  • Jacob W. Elias, 1–2 Thessalonians

  • Erland Waltner and J. Daryl Charles, 1–2 Peter, Jude

  Other volumes are scheduled for publication in the coming years.

• John E. Toews, Valerie Rempel & Katie Funk Wiebe, eds., Your Daughters Shall Prophesy: Women in Ministry in the Church (Kindred Press, 1991).

  A collection of essays on the issue of women’s roles in the church.

• J. C. Wenger, What Mennonites Believe (Herald Press, 1991).

  A brief description of who Mennonites are and what they stand for.

III. Mennonite peacemaking

• Jon Bonk, The World at War, The Church at Peace: A Biblical Perspective (Kindred Press, 1988.)

  A study guide that seeks to establish a biblical theology for the role of the Christian peacemaker in the world today.

• Leo Driedger & Donald B. Kraybill, Mennonite Peacemaking: From Quietism to Activism (Herald Press, 1994).

  The authors trace changes in Mennonite understandings of peacemaking during the twentieth century.

• Jacob A. Loewen & Wesley J. Prieb, Only the sword of the Spirit (Kindred Productions, 1997).

  A wide-ranging study of Mennonite peace theology and how it has been expressed since the sixteenth century.

• John E. Toews & Gordon Nickel, eds., The Power of the Lamb (Kindred Press, 1986).

  A collection of essays on peacemaking and nonresistance from a Mennonite Brethren perspective. A study guide is also available (Kindred Press, 1987).

• John Howard Yoder, The Politics of Jesus (Eerdmans, 1972).

  An influential study on Jesus’ teachings regarding social ethics.

IV. Mennonite mission, witness and service

• Wilbur Shenk, ed., Anabaptism and Mission (Herald Press, 1984).

  Essays on Christian mission from the Anabaptist theological tradition.

• G. W. Peters, Foundations of Mennonite Brethren Missions (Kindred Press, 1984).

  A general overview of the history and basis of Mennonite Brethren foreign mission work.

• Peter & Elfrieda Dyck, Up From the Rubble (Herald Press, 1991).

  A first-hand account of the epic rescue of thousands of war-ravaged Mennonite refugees following World War II and their subsequent relocation to South America.

• Robert S. Kreider & Rachel Waltner Goossen, Hungry, Thirsty, a Stranger: The MCC Experience (Herald Press, 1988).

  A collection of case studies concerning the various aspects of Mennonite Central Committee’s work around the world.

• Peter Penner, Russians, North Americans and Telugus: The American Mennonite Brethren Mission to India (Kindred Productions, 1997).

  An in-depth study of the Mennonite Brethren Church’s first overseas mission program.

V. Mennonite life

• Leo Driedger & J. Howard Kauffman, The Mennonite Mosaic: Identity and Modernization (Herald Press, 1991).

  An interpretation and summary of the Church Member Profile survey, a project in which the Mennonite Brethren Church participated.

• Leland Harder, Doors to Lock and Doors to Open: The Discerning People of God (Herald Press, 1993).

  The author offers guidance for churches making decisions about doctrinal and ethical issues. A companion book to The Mennonite Mosaic.

• A. E. Janzen & Herbert Giesbrecht, eds., We Recommend . . . Recommendations and Resolutions of the General Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches (Board of Christian Literature, 1978).

  A compilation of resolutions by the General Conference of MB Churches.

• Calvin Wall Redekop, Mennonite Society (Johns Hopkins, 1989).

  An ambitious work that seeks to interpret all aspects of North American Mennonite faith and life.

• Katie Funk Wiebe, Who Are The Mennonite Brethren? (Kindred Press, 1984).

  A lay reader’s introduction to the Mennonite Brethren Church.

VI. Biography

• Orlando Harms, Pioneer Publisher: The Life and Times of J.F. Harms (Kindred Press, 1984).

  A biography of a prominent educator, journalist and minister in the Mennonite Brethren Church.

• Al Keim, Harold S. Bender, 1897–1962 (Herald Press, 1998).

  A biography of perhaps the most influential North American Mennonite leader of the twentieth century.

• Elizabeth Suderman Klassen, Trailblazer for the Brethren: The Story of Johann Claassen, a Leader in the Early Mennonite Brethren Church (Board of Christian Literature, 1978).

  The story of one of the most important early leaders in the Mennonite Brethren Church in Russia.

• Herbert Klassen, Ambassador to His People: C. F. Klassen and the Russian Mennonite Refugees (Kindred Press, 1990).

  The story of C.F. Klassen’s work in the resettlement of Mennonite refugees from Russia in the 1920s and 1940s.

• Ted Koontz, ed., Godward: Personal Stories of Grace (Herald Press, 1996).

  Twenty-four Mennonites share how they have been personally touched and changed by God’s gracious spirit.

• Harry Loewen, ed., Why I Am a Mennonite (Herald Press, 1988).

  Autobiographical essays on the personal significance of Mennonite faith and identity.

• John A. Moore, Anabaptist Portraits (Herald Press, 1984).

  Sketches of the lives of six Anabaptist leaders.

• Elfrieda Toews Nafziger, A Man Of His Word: A Biography of John A. Toews (Kindred Press, 1992).

  Recounts the life of this influential conference leader, teacher and historian.

• Wesley Prieb, Peter C. Hiebert: He Gave Them Bread (Hillsboro: Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies, 1990).

  The life story of a prominent Mennonite Brethren minister, relief worker and educator.

• Aaron A. Toews, Mennonite Martyrs: People Who Suffered For Their Faith, 1920–1940 (Kindred Press, 1990).

  Stories of martyrdom and persecution among Russian Mennonites following the Bolshevik Revolution.

• J. B. Toews, JB: A Twentieth-Century Mennonite Pilgrim (Fresno: Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies, 1995).

  An autobiography by one of the Mennonite Brethren Church’s most influential leaders.

VII. Mennonite literature

• Margaret Epp, Chariots in the Smoke (Kindred Productions, 1990).

  A novel tracing the Mennonites from their origins in sixteenth-century Holland to twentieth-century North America.

• Jean Janzen, The Upside-down Tree (Henderson Books, 1992) and Snake in the Parsonage (Good Books, 1995).

  Two volumes of poetry exploring a variety of Mennonite themes.

• Sarah Klassen, Journey to Yalta (Turnstone Press, 1988) and Borderwatch (Netherlandic Press, 1993).

  Poems written out of a Russian–Canadian Mennonite context.

• Al Reimer, My Harp Is Turned to Mourning (Hyperion Press, 1985).

  A fictionalized account of the Mennonite experience in Russia preceding and following the Revolution.

• David Waltner-Toews, The Impossible Uprooting (McClelland & Stewart, 1995).

  A collection of poems highlighting the author’s interest in the natural world and his Mennonite upbringing.

• Rudy Wiebe, Peace Shall Destroy Many (McClelland & Stewart, 1962).

  A controversial novel about Canadian Mennonites during World War II.

VIII. Books for younger readers

• Cornelius. J. Dyck, Twelve Becoming: Biographies of Mennonite Disciples from the Sixteenth to the Twentieth Century (Faith & Life Press, 1973).

  Twelve biographical sketches from Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Asia.

• Cornelia Lehn, Peace Be With You (Faith & Life Press, 1980).

  Stories of Christian peacemaking from the first through the twentieth century.

• Phyllis Martens, ed., Why Papa Went Away and Other Stories (Kindred Press, 1988).

  The stories of five families from Russian Mennonite Brethren history, written for readers age eleven to thirteen.

• Barbara Smucker, Henry’s Red Sea (Herald Press, 1955).

  The story of Mennonite refugee evacuation from Germany following World War II.

• Louise Vernon, Night Preacher (Herald Press, 1969).

  A fictionalized account of the persecution suffered by a Dutch family who protected Menno Simons.

• Louise Vernon, The Secret Church (Herald Press, 1967).

  A fictionalized story of three young people who join the Anabaptist movement.

• Esther Loewen Vogt, A Race For Land (Herald Press, 1992).

  The story of Mennonites who participated in the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1893.

IX. Reference works

• Harold S. Bender and C. Henry Smith, eds., The Mennonite Encyclopedia, volumes 1–4 (Herald Press, 1955–1959); Cornelius J. Dyck and Dennis D. Martin, eds., The Mennonite Encyclopedia, volume 5 (Herald Press, 1990).

  The standard and comprehensive reference work for the Anabaptist–Mennonite movement.

• William Schroeder & Helmut T. Huebert, Mennonite Historical Atlas (Springfield Publishers, 1996).

  The authors use maps and text to trace the history of Mennonites from the Netherlands, Prussia and Russia to North America.

X. Films and videos

• The Birth of Anabaptism (Historical Commission of the Mennonite Brethren Church, 1989).

  Abraham Friesen, a historian of the Reformation, traces the origins and contemporary significance of Anabaptism. Illustrated with archival photos. Available in VHS format.

• Elfrieda and Peter Dyck Tell MCC Stories (Mennonite Central Committee, 1995).

  The Dycks tell stories of MCC’s beginnings in Russia and South America.

• The Mennonite Brethren Church: A Missionary Movement (Historical Commission of the Mennonite Brethren Church, 1988).

  J. B. Toews presents the story of Mennonite Brethren foreign missions in this three-part series of 25 minute films/videos. Richly illustrated with archival photos. Available in 16mm (rental only) and VHS format.

• The Radicals (Sisters & Brothers, 1990).

  A dramatization of Anabaptist origins, as seen through the lives of Michael and Margaretha Sattler.

• And When They Shall Ask (David B. Dueck, 1983).

  A dramatization of the Mennonite experience during the aftermath of the Soviet Revolution. Available in VHS format.

XI. Books of regional interest

1. Pacific District Conference

   • Esther Jost, ed., 75 Years of Fellowship: Pacific District Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches, 1912–1987 (Pacific District Conference of MB Churches, 1987)

     A collection of essays on various aspects of the district’s historical development.

   • A. J. Klassen, ed., Resolutions of the Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, 1911–1978 (Pacific District Conference of MB Churches, 1979).

     A compilation of resolutions passed by the Pacific District Conference.

2. Southern District Conference

   • Orlando Harms, A Conference in Pilgrimage: The Story of the Southern District Mennonite Brethren Conference and its Churches (Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies: Hillsboro, 1992).

     A history of the Southern District written by one of its long-time leaders.

   • William J. Johnson, ed., Approved: Recommendations and Resolutions of the Southern District Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies: Hillsboro, 1989).

     A compilation of resolutions passed by the Southern District Conference.

   • Marvin E. Kroeker, Comanches and Mennonites on the Oklahoma Plains: A. J. and Magdalena Becker and the Post Oak Mission (Kindred Productions, 1997).

     A history of the first Mennonite Brethren mission effort among Native American people, focusing particularly on the work of A. J. and Magdalena Becker.

3. Manitoba Conference

   • Looking Back in Faith: Commemorating the Centennial of Manitoba Mennonite Brethren in Photos and Writing (Manitoba Mennonite Brethren Centennial Committee, 1988).

     A photo essay on the history of the Manitoba conference.

   • William Neufeld, From Faith to Faith: The History of the Manitoba Mennonite Brethren Church (Kindred Press, 1989).

     A history of the Manitoba conference written by one long active in the conference.

Ordering information

If any of these items are not available from your local bookseller, the Historical Commission recommends that you order them from Kindred Productions, Mennonite Books or MennoLink Books.