Jesus. Community. Peace. Anabaptist.
Palmer Becker articulates three core Anabaptists values:
- Jesus is the center of our faith
- Community is the center of our lives
- Peacemaking is the center of our work (mission)
Purpose and Mission
The center was established at FPU in 2011 through the generosity of Dr. Herb and Jessie Penner. Its purpose is to foster communication regarding the study of Anabaptist theology, history, ecclesiology and peacemaking among scholars, students, church leaders and people with potential to influence the church and world. This is done through academic scholarship, theological training programs, and other forms of communication and study with the goal of helping participants proclaim the Good News of Jesus, particularly as it relates to peacemaking, justice and reconciliation. The center’s work is rooted in a vision of the church as a community of faith embodied in nonviolent service, devout discipleship, and a primary identity with the people of God.
The center funds initiatives that encourage dialogue around Anabaptist theology and practices. It hosts the Believers Church Lecture Series, also funded by Dr. Herb Penner, which offers an additional forum for theological exploration. The center welcomes collaboration with others who wish to explore both the roots and contemporary expressions of Anabaptism.
Resources
- LEAD Podcast: What Makes a "Mennonite," and Celebrating 500 years of Anabaptism (César García & Dr. Tim Geddert)
- Brian McLaren, Shane Claiborne, Stuart Murray, Palmer Becker, Kurt Willems
- US MB Confession of Faith
- USMB Anabaptism
- Mennonite USA
- Anabaptist Mennonite Network
- Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism
- Anabaptist World Review
