This photo was observed at this address
http://theaestheticelevator.com/2009/07/01/intentional-observation-mennonites-in-flip-flops/
When you see the thousand different shades of Mennonites---Holdemons are like those pictured above. The men encourage one another to wear the beard and dress in plain (albeit, store-bought) clothing. The women usually have their dresses sown or sew their own dresses. They are encouraged to maintain a uniform modesty.
There is quite abit of material on the web about Holdemon Mennonites. There is quite amount of material that is misleading or even negative. This is usually the case when the doctrine of the One True Church Doctrine, or Church Discipline is discussed. It really is not that difficult or even unusual to comprehend. When talking to older people I find alot of denominations used to live alot of the Bible doctrines or teachings we still uphold today. The Church of God in Christ, Mennonite was started as a official "denomination" around 1859. This was spear headed by Mennonite reformer John Holdemon. He had concerns about a slip in spiritual well being of the Old Mennonite Church and a concern that unconverted people were being brought in and also a lapse in child training, etc.
What I write here is really a contemporary view and is not an "authorized" version. I am happily a member in this Church and recommend it as a Church that deals with sin . I personally have a heart out there for people that are looking for a Church that "really" is living the "Faith delivered to saints" and calls sin, sin.
Let me explain:
To become a member you must be "Born-Again"
When you become baptized you become responsible to "walk circumspectly" and righteously. We are all human and not perfect by any means, but we work together as a brotherhood to encourage one another to good works and keep our focus on Christ.
As far as the OTC doctrine it is only Bible based. It is necessary for Church discipline. A scary word? Discipline? Just because most Churches avoid it today does not make it any less Biblical. Does not every successful business or company have a set of guidelines or code of ethics that are to be followed? God is a Lord of decency and order. You can not serve God and Mammon at the same time. So if you are harboring and living in sins like adulatory, fornication, premeditated lying, etc. you will be disfellowshipped, with the hopes of you seeing the seriousness of the sin and repenting of it so you can be restored. The Church is to be without spot or blemish and so to this end when such sin becomes known it is dealt with to keep the Church pure as well. It does not matter if you are an elder (minister) or lay member you must repent and become accountable for the sin in your life. Just because the World says it is okay to do away with moral obligations--it does not allow Churches to allow open sinning in the camp. To tell you the truth it also makes you think twice before throwing your life away to immorality and loose living (1 Tim 5:20) .
The Church has the keys to the kingdom to work as a body to work towards spreading the Gospel and making sure our lives are not a reproach to the World. The Church as Christ's bride needs to be a light to the World in these times. Alot of Christian people know what is right and wrong, but are helpless to collectively deal with sin.
Another plus is the bond of the brotherhood. For the most part one can travel from congregation to congregation and feel a common bond of fellowship. I find it refreshing to sit with someone you have never met before and talk about the spiritual fight as if you knew each other your whole life. I don't know really more what to say then that I want to recommend to you that there is still a place or Church that strives not to bow to Baal. We are not a utopia on earth but rather a people and a Church committed to making it to heaven. We have our human tendencies but that does not stop us for reaching for the mark of living for Christ. If you want to know more look up http://churchofgodinchristmennonite.net/
May God Bless you and remember to pray for direction daily, because we all are truly in a spiritual war that is not being fought with guns and bullets, but rather with the matters that have to do with the soul, heart and spirit.
As far as Bible References about discipline and those things of which I feebly wrote:
The seriousness of ignoring sin and living a life of disobedience : Rev.20:12-15 Rev.21:8
Eph. 5:25-27
Mat. 18:15-17
1 Cor. 5:4-7,11
2 Thess. 3:14-15
Avoidance
1 Cor. 5:11
2 Thess. 3:6,14
Rom. 16:17
AMEN BROTHER
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