ELDERS TEACHING RESOURCE
ANABAPTISM AT 500 YEARS EVENT
This special ETR-sponsored event encouraged thoughtful group discussion built around three main presentations dealing with the influence and ongoing impact of Anabaptism on our church.
Myths and misunderstandings about Anabaptism and its role in the Froehlich tradition circulate. The ETR is taking the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism as an opportunity to begin clarifying the record by organizing conversation around key questions. Where did Anabaptism come from? What were Anabaptists’ shared beliefs, and how did those beliefs differ from other faith traditions? How did Anabaptism influence Froehlich? Is our church Anabaptist? What might be the future of Anabaptism in the ACCA?
(Zurich, Switzerland - birthplace of anabaptism pictured)
Session 1: Anabaptism in the 1500s
Anabaptism in the 1500s
Bro. Matt Drayer outlines the events and religious setting that catalyzed the anabaptist movement in the 1520s. Many of the early anabaptist leaders were attracted to the teachings of the Protestants, but they believed Protestants were reluctant to actually follow where Scripture led.
Resource - Presentation slides in PDF format
Resource - Discussion Guide in PDF format
Session 2: Anabaptism and the Froehlich Tradition
Anabaptism and the Froehlich Tradition
Bro. Nathan Rassi demonstrates how Samuel Froehlich began his preaching career as Reformed and later became independent. Froehlich was heavily influenced by what we might call evangelicalism in central Europe in the mid-1800s. Through various life circumstances he came to appreciate the views of Anabaptist groups in Europe.
Resource - Presentation slides in PDF format
Resource - General Froehlich history in PDF format
Resource - Discussion Guide in PDF format
Session 3: Anabaptism and the Future of the ACCA
Anabaptism and the Future of the ACCA
Bro. Fred Witzig reflects on Anabaptist values: Which ones seem enduring as we look to the future? Which ones seem more precarious? Which ones seem to differ from Anabaptism to begin with? Anabaptism is not the standard by which we should be judging ourselves - the Bible is. However, understanding who we have been might give us insight about our future.
Resource - Presentation slides in PDF format
Resource - Discussion Guide in PDF format
