Summer 2001

EAF and the Future Our Vision and Purpose Setting a New Course Difficult But Necessary A Final Word of Thanks EAF and the Future of Evangelical Anabaptism by Eric A. Kouns Executive Secretary of EAF From its inception nearly nine years ago, EAF has steadfastly pursued the goal of advancing the worthy tenets of historical Anabaptism within a framework of evangelical orthodoxy. All of our endeavors have been driven by our firm commitment to two foundational principles. First is our belief that historical Anabaptism, as a product of the Protestant Reformation, was an evangelical movement with its roots firmly planted in the soil of orthodox Christian doctrine. Second is our conviction that the vision which energized historical Anabaptism, with its emphasis on discipleship and the ethic of love and nonresistance, is still alive today and can make a vital contribution to the Christian community and the work of the Kingdom of God. Our charter members were almost exclusively members of the Mennonite Church. Over the years, our constituency has grown to include members of the General Conference Mennonite Church, the Conservative Mennonite Conference, the Evangelical Mennonite Church, the Brethren in Christ Church, and several other groups. Our members come from nearly 30 states, several provinces of Canada, and a few other countries. By far the largest percentage of our members represent either the Mennonite Church or the General Conference Mennonite Church. For that reason, MC and GC issues have tended to dominate our agenda, especially in light of the proposed merger of those denominations. We have sought to be a voice for spiritual renewal within contemporary Anabaptism. It is true that EAF's founders were motivated by their conviction that the foundation of evangelical orthodoxy, upon which their denomination had been built, was rapidly eroding under the influence of forces such as theological liberalism and postmodernism. Still, we have attempted to offer our critique of the contemporary situation as gently as we could, and to focus more on declaring what we believe than on merely condemning what we oppose. Top Next Home | About | Contact | Guestbook | Newsletter | Views © 2001 Evangelical Anabaptist Fellowship