Mennonite educators claim distinctives

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Mennonites educators and leaders explored the distinctives of Mennonite Education at a symposium in Lancaster, Pa.

Approximately 50 Mennonite educators and administrators and people from Mennonite Church USA conferences and agencies attended the symposium "Mennonite Education: Why and How?" at the Lancaster campus of Lancaster Mennonite School on May 8.

Gerald Mast, professor of communication, Bluffton (Ohio) University, started his presentation by acknowledging that it is impossible to predict the outcome of Mennonite education. He also shared his story of education at a conservative Mennonite grade school in Holmes County, Ohio, a Christian high school that taught "the story of the church pretty much identical to the story of America," and Malone College, Canton, Ohio, where professors introduced him to the writings Anabaptist theologians, which he connected back to his grade school education.

"The affects of Mennonite education are more widespread and complex than we might think," he said.

Mast named three ways that Mennonite higher education "proclaims the good news": the cognitive experience of new sight; spiritual discovery of the mission of the church; and the practical development of Christ-following habits.

Elaine Moyer, principal of Christopher Dock Mennonite High School and upcoming associate director of Mennonite Education Agency, described the strategic planning initiative, GPS 2012 (Global Positioning Students) of Penn View Christian School, Quakertown Christian School, Dock, Eastern District Conference and Franconia Mennonite Conference. She said the plan's vin diagram with overlapping circles for home, church and school is a "basis for interactive conversation."

Moyer also said Mennonite education must address the dynamics of church and state in our society. Mennonites feel more comfortable when the overlap between the two is smaller, she said.

The information gathered at these symposiums will be used to update the book published in 1971, "Mennonite education: why and how? A philosophy of education for the Mennonite Church." John D. Roth, professor at Goshen (Ind.) College, attended the symposium and will write the new book.

MEA and Mennonite Schools Council sponsored this first of two symposiums. The second will be held Oct. 23 in the Goshen, Ind., area.

Other presenters included: Carlos Romero, executive director of MEA; Judy Mullet, professor of psychology and education, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Va.; Sheri Wenger, teacher, Lancaster Mennonite School; and Conrad Swartzentruber, administrator, Shalom Christian Academy.

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