Missing Holdeman Mennonite Conference Reports from 1864 & 1871: Throwback
Gospel publishers prints and distributes a book titled Conference Reports, which provides a brief overview of the decisions made at Church of God in Christ Mennonite’s general conferences over the years. However, they opted not to include the conference reports from the first two general conferences.
A copy of the omitted reports, written in John Holdeman’s own handwriting, is stored at the Mennonite Library & Archives in North Newton, Kansas. What follows is a translation of John Holdeman’s description of the decisions made at the first two general conferences, one held in 1864 and a second held in 1871.
1. The first conference after our after our — illegible — from the sin decayed church, was held in the year 1864, the beginning of Oct at Fulton Co. Ohio. This conference was called concerning the calling of ministers.
The conference concluded & decided on the two fold sending to the scriptures- the first calling is from God only. As Paul was called, the church is to accept such a calling. The second calling is by the agreement of the church, and confirmed by the laying on of hands, but no brother shall preach without the consent of the church (such a calling as Paul’s excepted). In some cases ministers can be taken on trial. If proved by trial, he shall be ordained by the laying on of the hands. No minister shall go beyond his ability.
Secondly, Matthew 18 shall be strictly observed.
Thirdly, The avoidance of excommunicated members, understood to include bodily eating & drinking, buying and selling, talk and conversation, but brethren how law bound and precise it was not determined to extend beyond eating and drinking, and matrimonial intercourse and such things which allow them to stay at home. If we are not strict enough, further experience, time and circumstance shall decide.
2. The second conference was held on the 12th and 13th of Oct 1871 Fulton Co. Ohio. The different views on baptism were the main cause of this conference. The first day the conference commenced in the afternoon. It was decided that baptism in its original design was connected with the death of Christ, and his gospel, and that all believers at that time were to be united into one body in the church of God. Also if any would have built a church outside of the church of God, that it would have been damnable heresy and a baptism administered by such a church not valid. Also that we shouldn’t preach another baptism, save the one baptism contained in the Word of God. And such baptisms not administered according to its original design of gospel baptism are not to be preached as valid baptisms, and are not to be received. Unless we receive an evidence from God, as infallible as his word, that is by prophesy or direct teachings of the Spirit. Mere pretended convictions will not be received, for therein many err, and have erred, and they often stand in contradiction, to save other. We should be careful in receiving members, and it was decided to have applicants tried outside of the church, rather than within, when danger is feared. The unanimous consent of the church is desired before reception of applicants.
Secondly, no deacon, or exhorter, much less (possibly “or such a” ) a brother shall baptize because we have neither teaching nor example therefore. Bishops, pastors, evangelists & C. should baptize; unless we receive an infallible evidence, which must be more than pretended convictions.
Third, no one shall be excommunicated, after he has repented, though his deed would expel him. That is if a brother sin, and from ignorance or neglect be retained in the church, and truly repents before expelled, he shall not then be excommunicated, for there is no ground in the word of God, to excommunicate the truly converted, but the hardened sinner.
Fourth It was decided not to withdraw the kiss from a brother before he is excommunicated, unless his sin has already excommunicated him; as by fornication, and adultery, & ect.
