Our Mission
Kalamazoo Mennonite Fellowship (KMF) is an Anabaptist congregation that supports an active, Jesus-shaped faith by providing regular opportunities for God’s Spirit to form us through participatory worship, caring relationships, learning experiences, and seeking God’s shalom for all of Creation.
KMF’s Mission Statement
Anabaptist Congregation
Humbled by the courageous faith of the early Anabaptists, we join with Anabaptists around the world in our commitment to a bold, living faith that takes Jesus’ teachings seriously. As Anabaptists, we commit ourselves to Jesus, the Word made flesh; the work of peace and justice; and shared, collaborative leadership.
Active, Jesus-Shaped Faith
Our faith is a combination of beliefs, behavior, belonging, and experience. Our faith affects our everyday life. We seek to honor God, ourselves, all people, creatures, and our earth in the way we live and decisions we make. We look to the totality of Jesus’ life as we seek to understand what it means to be followers of Jesus.
Participatory Worship
We seek to know and worship the triune God. Our worship is in response to God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. We covenant to regular participation in worship through both our presence and the sharing of our gifts. We extend grace to one another in order to create a mistake-friendly worship environment that gives space for experimentation. We allow one another to “come as we are.”
Caring Relationships
We seek to love and care for each other. We will generously care for ourselves and one another through self-care, listening, praying, providing meals, and sharing our resources. In our desire for mutuality, we will practice receiving the gifts of others. We commit to healthy communication and conflict resolution; allowing space for differing thoughts and beliefs; and giving space to tell and hear each other’s stories.
Learning Experiences
God continues to speak to us, expanding our perspectives and understandings. Through listening and learning, especially to non-dominant voices and oppressed peoples, we will allow the easy and hard truths to shape us.
God’s Shalom for All
God calls us to engage the world that God loves and seek shalom for all. We practice sustainable living so that all may have enough and our earth home is cared for. We support those among us who have a vision for partnering with God. We gladly offer our time and talents to beneficial groups and share money with outside organizations that seek to make God’s shalom on earth as it is in heaven.