Do I have to be "Mennonite" to be part of EMU?

Definitely not! Dozens of Christian denominations and other faiths are represented on campus. You probably will be most at home at EMU if you share some basic values of the Mennonite community*. These include peacemaking, a sense of community, and service to others.

Peacemaking

Mennonites — and EMU — are known worldwide for bringing people together to solve conflicts with words, rather than weapons. Nobody says this is easy. Nor do Mennonites claim to have all the answers. But students at EMU will be challenged to look for new ways to solve conflict; peace is a regular topic of conversation at EMU, in the classroom and out.

Community

"Community" is a word you hear a lot on our campus. We care for each other in tangible ways through prayer, friendship and support in times of crisis. Students know faculty members on a first-name basis. Many graduates consider faculty members as friends and life-long mentors.

Service

Mennonites are known internationlly among Christian denominations for their work in disaster relief and strong emphasis on voluntary service. All EMU students participate in community service. They hear regularly from people serving "in the Name of Christ," around the world with Mennonite Central Committee. And students are challenged to think about how they can serve others through vocational and educational choices.

Environmental sustainability

Another common Mennonite value could be called "thriftiness." Most Mennonites were into recycling, eating locally grown food and environmental sustainability long before those concepts became trendy. Many didn't know these practices had a name. They just knew you should wash out and reuse sandwich bags, plant a garden, can fruits and vegetables, and ride your bike whenever possible.

Fellowship

Mennonites are noted for good food, shared generously. If you're new to the Mennonite faith, you may want to visit a local congregation when they are having a potluck or fellowship meal. It's a great time to meet people and enjoy some homemade goodness! And if you are sick in bed, don't be surprised if your Mennonite friends show up at your door bearing more food than you can eat.

A growing church

Mennonites are not just in North America. In fact, some of the largest Mennonite church bodies can be found in Africa! Read more about the international community of Anabaptist-related churches at the Mennonite World Conference website. The current Mennonite World Conference president, Nancy Heisey, comes from EMU's communtiy, where she is associate professor of Bible and religion.

EMU students are prepared to serve and lead in a global context. That focus is an outgrowth of our Mennonite values. Come join our community and the values we share.

*Keep in mind that Mennonites are not all alike. Just like all Baptists or Catholics are not alike, you'll find variations among Mennonite Christians, from "plain" dressing more conservative to socially progressive and politically active Mennonites.