Bharatpedia - User contributions [en]

Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India

2022-02-25T03:52:13Z

117.254.76.81:

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=August 2015}}
'''Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India''' is the largest [[Mennonite]] denomination of [[India]]. Its membership exceeds 100,000 persons, in 840 congregations. The Presiding officer for the conference is Dr P B Arnold. The headquarters at [[Jadcherla]], [[Telangana]].<ref name=":0">[[Mennonite World Conference]]: [http://www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/PDF-PPT/2006asiapacific.pdf Asia & Pacific] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419075353/http://www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/PDF-PPT/2006asiapacific.pdf |date=2009-04-19 }}</ref> It is a member of larger [[Anabaptists|Anabaptist]] worldwide community [[Mennonite World Conference]].<ref>{{Cite web
| url = https://www.mwc-cmm.org/mwc_map/country/1101#
| title = Membership {{!}} Mennonite World Conference
| website = www.mwc-cmm.org
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref>

The Conference also runs a Medical Center at [[Jadcherla]] by name M B Medical Center many patients are treated here. It was established in 19th century from its inception it has been doing a great service to the people. There is a proposal for a Medical College. The [[Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College]] is the theological arm of the Conference with affiliation to the [[Senate of Serampore College (University)]].

As of 1957 it was [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-speaking and in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. At this point, its membership is about 1% of the population of Andhra Pradesh.

==Origin==
The Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India began like many other global church communities: with mission. [[Mennonite Brethren Church]] in Russia sent their first missionaries, Abraham J. and Maria Friesen, to India in 1889.<ref name="penner">Penner, Peter. The Mennonite Brethren Mission in India, 1885-1975: Russians, North Americans, and Telugus. Hillsboro: Kindred Productions, 1997.</ref> Abraham and Maria started the first mission station in [[Nalgonda]], India.<ref name="penner" /> This work was affiliated with [[American Baptist Churches USA|American Baptist]] Telugu Mission and after the discontinuation of MB Mission from Russia after [[World War I]] broke out in 1914, the whole work was taken by [[Baptist Missions|Baptist Mission]].<ref>{{Cite web
| url = http://gameo.org/index.php?title=Mennonite_Brethren_Church#India
| title = Mennonite Brethren Church - GAMEO
| website = gameo.org
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref> Andhra Mennonite Brethren Convention went on to become The Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India and became independent from foreign missionaries in 1957, but did not have full independence until 1973.<ref name="enns-rempel">Enns-Rempel, Kevin. e-mail interview, 14 April 2011.</ref>

===Timeline===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|valign="top" width="200"|'''1889'''
|First Mennonite Brethren Missionaries come to India. Their names were Abraham and Maria Friesen, and they were from Russia. Abraham and Maria were the first Mennonite Brethren Missionaries. They started the mission station in Nalgonda, India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''4 January 1891'''
|The First Mennonite Brethren Church is organized by Abraham and Maria Friesen.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''October, 1899'''
|First American Mennonite Brethren arrive. They were Rev. and Mrs. N. N. Hiebert and Elizabeth S. Neufeld. Abraham and Maria Friesen assisted the American missionaries.<ref name="janzen">Janzen, A.E., ed.. Foreign Missions: India: The American Mennonite Brethren Mission in India, 1898-1948. Hillsboro: Board of Foreign Missions of the Mennonite Brethren Church of North America, 1948.</ref> Miss Anna Suderman, also an American, joined them later that year. The American Mennonite Brethren’s first mission station in India was started in Hughestown the same year. Russian and American Mennonite Brethren mutually ran mission work until 1914 when the American Missionaries gained complete control of foreign Mennonite Brethren Mission work in India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''27 March 1904'''
|Two more American MB missionaries arrive in India. The two new missionaries, Rev. and Mrs. John H. Pankratz, along with Elizabeth S. Neufeld and Anna Suderman and First American founded Mennonite Brethren Congregation in India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
!1914
|American Mennonite Brethren Church takes complete control of Foreign Mennonite Brethren Missions. This was partly due to the fact that Russian Missionaries lost funding during World War I. Russian Mennonite Brethren saw this as a temporary takeover, but Russian revolution, extreme famine, and mass Mennonite emigration out of Russia.
|-
!1918
|The first MB convention for churches in India is organized by AMBM. It was called the Telugu Conference, and it met annually.
1952-Jadcherla Medical Centre was started by Dr. And Mrs. Jake Friesen, AMBM missionaries.
|-
!1954
|Governing Council is created for Indian Mennonite Brethren to gain more leadership. It replaced the governing model that was originally placed by foreign missionaries.
1957-Yarrow Statement was presented this year. It was a document that laid the ground work for the Indian Mennonite Brethren Church to become a separate entity from American MB.
|-
!1973
|Although the Yarrow Statement was completed in 1957 it is not until 1973 that the Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India becomes an independent body from American Mennonite Brethren Missions.
|-
!17 January 2010
| AMB 150 anniversary. India has a special ceremony to commemorate being the first missions place.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mbherald.com/mb-anniversary-celebrations-begin-in-india/|title=MB anniversary celebrations begin in India - Mennonite Brethren Herald|website=Mennonite Brethren Herald|language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-09}}</ref>
|}

===Brief summary of the church today===
As of 2010, Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches of India included 840 congregations and 103,488 members. The majority of the churches and the Conference's main offices are in the [[Telangana]].<ref name=":0" />

===What does it mean to be Anabaptist?===
Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India is connected to the original Anabaptists through the Mennonite Brethren missionaries. Although, "…they are not well rooted in [[Anabaptists|Anabaptist]] teachings." Mennonite Brethren Indian historian and professor, believes that Gandhi would have respected the Mennonite Brethren church in India for embodying the teachings of Jesus.

===How does the church nurture a sense of continuity with the Anabaptist tradition?===
The conference has historical archives located in Shamshabad, India. The India Conference is a member of the International Community of Mennonite Brethren. In 2006, they made a mission partnership between themselves and American Mennonite Brethren. They called the partnership the Delhi Project, and it focuses on ministry of the middle class in India.

===Major challenges===
The India church struggles now with leadership. When the church was first independent from foreign missions the leadership had conflicts rooted in "regional, family, and other social considerations…," which led to lawsuits over church power. India has a lack of qualified pastors. Rev. Dr. R.S. Lemuel, Chairman of Mennonite Brethren Board of Theological Education, says that in 1999 there were "837 M.B. Congregations and only about 197 trained pastors." India has a caste system, which primarily oppresses the Harijans group (all known as the lower class). Historically, the Mennonite Brethren church in India has also seen conversions from Islam; one mission station relocated following the conversion of several Muslims to Christianity.

The present administrative head of the Governing Council had approved a mortgage amounting to Rs.38 Crores from various banks by using many of the properties associated to the Conference which were accumulated by the missionaries for various purposes of community development and welfare activities, such as schools, hospitals and boarding for underprivileged children.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/church-properties-face-encroachment-in-ts-ap/article7419019.ece|title=Church properties face encroachment in TS, A.P.|date=2015-07-14|newspaper=The Hindu|issn=0971-751X|access-date=2016-03-08}}</ref> As of February 2016 the loan has not been repaid, thus the lenders are proceeding with an auction sale of the properties at [[Jadcherla]] on which the Mennonite Brethren Medical Center is present.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://digital.namasthetelangaana.com/c/8779696|title=Clipping of Namasthe Telangaana Telugu Daily - Mahaboobnagar|website=digital.namasthetelangaana.com|access-date=2016-03-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tenders.gov.in/innerpage.asp?choice=tc5&tid=tela806992&work=1|title=Tenders India, The Indian Government Tenders Information System|website=www.tenders.gov.in|access-date=2016-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309024616/http://www.tenders.gov.in/innerpage.asp?choice=tc5&tid=tela806992&work=1|archive-date=9 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Key people ===
* P. B. Arnold- Dr. Arnold took/was given charge over the Jadcharla Medical Center when the American Missionaries left.
* Rev. Dr. R. S. Lemuel, President, Board of Evangelism & Church Ministries, Board of Theological Education and Vice President Mennonite Brethren Conference of India.
*Rev. Dr. I.P. Asheervadam, Principal, MBC Bible College, Shamshabad (2011–present).
* Rev.V.K.Rufus, Former Principal, Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College in [[Shamshabad]], India
* Rev. Dr.Solomon Sowlollu, M.A., M.A., B.D., M.Phil, CTP. ,D.Min., A legendry figure and an unsung hero of the Governing Council and, a World Leader of Menonite World Conference who had dedicated 32 years of his life for the several hundreds of Church planting and development of the Menonnite Churches in India followed by his wife Ms.Vasantha Solomon who served as Faculty at the M.B.Bible Institute and later dedicated their elder son Rev.Samuel Prasad who at present serves as the Pastor at Bethany M.B.Church,Shamshabad, Rev.Dr.S.Solomon, called to His glory on the March.01.2008 until then he served as General Secretary cum Treasurer of the Governing Council Mennonite Brothren Church India,Principal of the Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College & Bible Institute in Shamshabad; Founder cum Director of Peace Studies, Pastor- Bethany M.B.Church,Shamshabad, Director cum Custodian of Mennonite Property Association of India and also served in various senior level positions at the National and International level Mennonite Conference Committees till his sudden demise in the USA ;ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mbcbcindia.com/home.html|title=Home|website=Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College|language=en-IN|access-date=2016-03-09}}</ref>
* P. Abraham Prakash, Principal of MBC Junior college, [[Mahabubnagar]]
* Dr. E.D. Solomon, M.Th (New Testament), Ph.D. Senior Faculty and Vice Principal of Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute in Shamshabad, India and Director of Development.
* Rev. M.J. Krupaiah as Honorary Treasurer
* Rev. David Jakkula, M.A Public and personnel management [M.A., LLB], Executive Director at Mennonite Brethren Development Organization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mbdoindia.org/contact/|title=Contact Us – Mennonite Brethren Development Organisation|website=mbdoindia.org|access-date=2016-03-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310015236/http://mbdoindia.org/contact/|archive-date=10 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/I53.html India] at Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online

[[Category:Mennonite denominations]]
[[Category:Mennonitism in India]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Organizations with year of establishment missing]]

Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India

2022-02-25T03:50:18Z

117.254.76.81:

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=August 2015}}
'''Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India''' is the largest [[Mennonite]] denomination of [[India]]. Its membership exceeds 100,000 persons, in 840 congregations. The Presiding officer for the conference is Dr P B Arnold. The headquarters at [[Jadcherla]], [[Telangana]].<ref name=":0">[[Mennonite World Conference]]: [http://www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/PDF-PPT/2006asiapacific.pdf Asia & Pacific] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419075353/http://www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/PDF-PPT/2006asiapacific.pdf |date=2009-04-19 }}</ref> It is a member of larger [[Anabaptists|Anabaptist]] worldwide community [[Mennonite World Conference]].<ref>{{Cite web
| url = https://www.mwc-cmm.org/mwc_map/country/1101#
| title = Membership {{!}} Mennonite World Conference
| website = www.mwc-cmm.org
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref>

The Conference also runs a Medical Center at [[Jadcherla]] by name M B Medical Center many patients are treated here. It was established in 19th century from its inception it has been doing a great service to the people. There is a proposal for a Medical College. The [[Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College]] is the theological arm of the Conference with affiliation to the [[Senate of Serampore College (University)]].

As of 1957 it was [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-speaking and in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. At this point, its membership is about 1% of the population of Andhra Pradesh.

==Origin==
The Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India began like many other global church communities: with mission. [[Mennonite Brethren Church]] in Russia sent their first missionaries, Abraham J. and Maria Friesen, to India in 1889.<ref name="penner">Penner, Peter. The Mennonite Brethren Mission in India, 1885-1975: Russians, North Americans, and Telugus. Hillsboro: Kindred Productions, 1997.</ref> Abraham and Maria started the first mission station in [[Nalgonda]], India.<ref name="penner" /> This work was affiliated with [[American Baptist Churches USA|American Baptist]] Telugu Mission and after the discontinuation of MB Mission from Russia after [[World War I]] broke out in 1914, the whole work was taken by [[Baptist Missions|Baptist Mission]].<ref>{{Cite web
| url = http://gameo.org/index.php?title=Mennonite_Brethren_Church#India
| title = Mennonite Brethren Church - GAMEO
| website = gameo.org
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref> Andhra Mennonite Brethren Convention went on to become The Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India and became independent from foreign missionaries in 1957, but did not have full independence until 1973.<ref name="enns-rempel">Enns-Rempel, Kevin. e-mail interview, 14 April 2011.</ref>

===Timeline===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|valign="top" width="200"|'''1889'''
|First Mennonite Brethren Missionaries come to India. Their names were Abraham and Maria Friesen, and they were from Russia. Abraham and Maria were the first Mennonite Brethren Missionaries. They started the mission station in Nalgonda, India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''4 January 1891'''
|The First Mennonite Brethren Church is organized by Abraham and Maria Friesen.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''October, 1899'''
|First American Mennonite Brethren arrive. They were Rev. and Mrs. N. N. Hiebert and Elizabeth S. Neufeld. Abraham and Maria Friesen assisted the American missionaries.<ref name="janzen">Janzen, A.E., ed.. Foreign Missions: India: The American Mennonite Brethren Mission in India, 1898-1948. Hillsboro: Board of Foreign Missions of the Mennonite Brethren Church of North America, 1948.</ref> Miss Anna Suderman, also an American, joined them later that year. The American Mennonite Brethren’s first mission station in India was started in Hughestown the same year. Russian and American Mennonite Brethren mutually ran mission work until 1914 when the American Missionaries gained complete control of foreign Mennonite Brethren Mission work in India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''27 March 1904'''
|Two more American MB missionaries arrive in India. The two new missionaries, Rev. and Mrs. John H. Pankratz, along with Elizabeth S. Neufeld and Anna Suderman and First American founded Mennonite Brethren Congregation in India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
!1914
|American Mennonite Brethren Church takes complete control of Foreign Mennonite Brethren Missions. This was partly due to the fact that Russian Missionaries lost funding during World War I. Russian Mennonite Brethren saw this as a temporary takeover, but Russian revolution, extreme famine, and mass Mennonite emigration out of Russia.
|-
!1918
|The first MB convention for churches in India is organized by AMBM. It was called the Telugu Conference, and it met annually.
1952-Jadcherla Medical Centre was started by Dr. And Mrs. Jake Friesen, AMBM missionaries.
|-
!1954
|Governing Council is created for Indian Mennonite Brethren to gain more leadership. It replaced the governing model that was originally placed by foreign missionaries.
1957-Yarrow Statement was presented this year. It was a document that laid the ground work for the Indian Mennonite Brethren Church to become a separate entity from American MB.
|-
!1973
|Although the Yarrow Statement was completed in 1957 it is not until 1973 that the Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India becomes an independent body from American Mennonite Brethren Missions.
|-
!17 January 2010
| AMB 150 anniversary. India has a special ceremony to commemorate being the first missions place.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mbherald.com/mb-anniversary-celebrations-begin-in-india/|title=MB anniversary celebrations begin in India - Mennonite Brethren Herald|website=Mennonite Brethren Herald|language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-09}}</ref>
|}

===Brief summary of the church today===
As of 2010, Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches of India included 840 congregations and 103,488 members. The majority of the churches and the Conference's main offices are in the [[Telangana]].<ref name=":0" />

===What does it mean to be Anabaptist?===
Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India is connected to the original Anabaptists through the Mennonite Brethren missionaries. Although, "…they are not well rooted in [[Anabaptists|Anabaptist]] teachings." Mennonite Brethren Indian historian and professor, believes that Gandhi would have respected the Mennonite Brethren church in India for embodying the teachings of Jesus.

===How does the church nurture a sense of continuity with the Anabaptist tradition?===
The conference has historical archives located in Shamshabad, India. The India Conference is a member of the International Community of Mennonite Brethren. In 2006, they made a mission partnership between themselves and American Mennonite Brethren. They called the partnership the Delhi Project, and it focuses on ministry of the middle class in India.

===Major challenges===
The India church struggles now with leadership. When the church was first independent from foreign missions the leadership had conflicts rooted in "regional, family, and other social considerations…," which led to lawsuits over church power. India has a lack of qualified pastors. Rev. Dr. R.S. Lemuel, Chairman of Mennonite Brethren Board of Theological Education, says that in 1999 there were "837 M.B. Congregations and only about 197 trained pastors." India has a caste system, which primarily oppresses the Harijans group (all known as the lower class). Historically, the Mennonite Brethren church in India has also seen conversions from Islam; one mission station relocated following the conversion of several Muslims to Christianity.

The present administrative head of the Governing Council had approved a mortgage amounting to Rs.38 Crores from various banks by using many of the properties associated to the Conference which were accumulated by the missionaries for various purposes of community development and welfare activities, such as schools, hospitals and boarding for underprivileged children.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/church-properties-face-encroachment-in-ts-ap/article7419019.ece|title=Church properties face encroachment in TS, A.P.|date=2015-07-14|newspaper=The Hindu|issn=0971-751X|access-date=2016-03-08}}</ref> As of February 2016 the loan has not been repaid, thus the lenders are proceeding with an auction sale of the properties at [[Jadcherla]] on which the Mennonite Brethren Medical Center is present.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://digital.namasthetelangaana.com/c/8779696|title=Clipping of Namasthe Telangaana Telugu Daily - Mahaboobnagar|website=digital.namasthetelangaana.com|access-date=2016-03-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tenders.gov.in/innerpage.asp?choice=tc5&tid=tela806992&work=1|title=Tenders India, The Indian Government Tenders Information System|website=www.tenders.gov.in|access-date=2016-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309024616/http://www.tenders.gov.in/innerpage.asp?choice=tc5&tid=tela806992&work=1|archive-date=9 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Key people ===
* P. B. Arnold- Dr. Arnold took/was given charge over the Jadcharla Medical Center when the American Missionaries left.
* Rev. Dr. R. S. Lemuel, President, Board of Evangelism & Church Ministries, Board of Theological Education and Vice President Mennonite Brethren Conference of India.
*Rev. Dr. I.P. Asheervadam, Principal, MBC Bible College, Shamshabad (2011–present).
* Rev.V.K.Rufus, Former Principal, Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College in [[Shamshabad]], India
* Rev. Dr.Solomon Sowlollu, M.A., M.A., B.D., M.Phil, CTP. ,D.Min., A legendry figure and an unsung hero of the Governing Council and a World Leader of Menonite World Conference who dedicated 32 years of his life for the several hundreds of Church planting and development of the Menonnite Churches in India followed by his wife Ms.Vasantha Solomon who served as Faculty at the M.B.Bible Institute and later dedicated their elder son Rev.Samuel Prasad who at present serves as the Pastor at Bethany M.B.Church,Shamshabad, Rev.Dr.S.Solomon, called to His glory on the March.01.2008 until then he served as General Secretary cum Treasurer of the Governing Council Mennonite Brothren Church India,Principal of the Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College & Bible Institute in Shamshabad; Founder cum Director of Peace Studies, Pastor- Bethany M.B.Church,Shamshabad, Director cum Custodian of Mennonite Property Association of India and also served in various senior level positions at the National and International level Mennonite Conference Committees till his sudden demise in the USA ;ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mbcbcindia.com/home.html|title=Home|website=Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College|language=en-IN|access-date=2016-03-09}}</ref>
* P. Abraham Prakash, Principal of MBC Junior college, [[Mahabubnagar]]
* Dr. E.D. Solomon, M.Th (New Testament), Ph.D. Senior Faculty and Vice Principal of Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute in Shamshabad, India and Director of Development.
* Rev. M.J. Krupaiah as Honorary Treasurer
* Rev. David Jakkula, M.A Public and personnel management [M.A., LLB], Executive Director at Mennonite Brethren Development Organization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mbdoindia.org/contact/|title=Contact Us – Mennonite Brethren Development Organisation|website=mbdoindia.org|access-date=2016-03-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310015236/http://mbdoindia.org/contact/|archive-date=10 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/I53.html India] at Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online

[[Category:Mennonite denominations]]
[[Category:Mennonitism in India]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Organizations with year of establishment missing]]

Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India

2022-02-25T03:48:05Z

117.254.76.81:

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=August 2015}}
'''Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India''' is the largest [[Mennonite]] denomination of [[India]]. Its membership exceeds 100,000 persons, in 840 congregations. The Presiding officer for the conference is Dr P B Arnold. The headquarters at [[Jadcherla]], [[Telangana]].<ref name=":0">[[Mennonite World Conference]]: [http://www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/PDF-PPT/2006asiapacific.pdf Asia & Pacific] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419075353/http://www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/PDF-PPT/2006asiapacific.pdf |date=2009-04-19 }}</ref> It is a member of larger [[Anabaptists|Anabaptist]] worldwide community [[Mennonite World Conference]].<ref>{{Cite web
| url = https://www.mwc-cmm.org/mwc_map/country/1101#
| title = Membership {{!}} Mennonite World Conference
| website = www.mwc-cmm.org
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref>

The Conference also runs a Medical Center at [[Jadcherla]] by name M B Medical Center many patients are treated here. It was established in 19th century from its inception it has been doing a great service to the people. There is a proposal for a Medical College. The [[Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College]] is the theological arm of the Conference with affiliation to the [[Senate of Serampore College (University)]].

As of 1957 it was [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-speaking and in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. At this point, its membership is about 1% of the population of Andhra Pradesh.

==Origin==
The Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India began like many other global church communities: with mission. [[Mennonite Brethren Church]] in Russia sent their first missionaries, Abraham J. and Maria Friesen, to India in 1889.<ref name="penner">Penner, Peter. The Mennonite Brethren Mission in India, 1885-1975: Russians, North Americans, and Telugus. Hillsboro: Kindred Productions, 1997.</ref> Abraham and Maria started the first mission station in [[Nalgonda]], India.<ref name="penner" /> This work was affiliated with [[American Baptist Churches USA|American Baptist]] Telugu Mission and after the discontinuation of MB Mission from Russia after [[World War I]] broke out in 1914, the whole work was taken by [[Baptist Missions|Baptist Mission]].<ref>{{Cite web
| url = http://gameo.org/index.php?title=Mennonite_Brethren_Church#India
| title = Mennonite Brethren Church - GAMEO
| website = gameo.org
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref> Andhra Mennonite Brethren Convention went on to become The Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India and became independent from foreign missionaries in 1957, but did not have full independence until 1973.<ref name="enns-rempel">Enns-Rempel, Kevin. e-mail interview, 14 April 2011.</ref>

===Timeline===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|valign="top" width="200"|'''1889'''
|First Mennonite Brethren Missionaries come to India. Their names were Abraham and Maria Friesen, and they were from Russia. Abraham and Maria were the first Mennonite Brethren Missionaries. They started the mission station in Nalgonda, India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''4 January 1891'''
|The First Mennonite Brethren Church is organized by Abraham and Maria Friesen.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''October, 1899'''
|First American Mennonite Brethren arrive. They were Rev. and Mrs. N. N. Hiebert and Elizabeth S. Neufeld. Abraham and Maria Friesen assisted the American missionaries.<ref name="janzen">Janzen, A.E., ed.. Foreign Missions: India: The American Mennonite Brethren Mission in India, 1898-1948. Hillsboro: Board of Foreign Missions of the Mennonite Brethren Church of North America, 1948.</ref> Miss Anna Suderman, also an American, joined them later that year. The American Mennonite Brethren’s first mission station in India was started in Hughestown the same year. Russian and American Mennonite Brethren mutually ran mission work until 1914 when the American Missionaries gained complete control of foreign Mennonite Brethren Mission work in India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''27 March 1904'''
|Two more American MB missionaries arrive in India. The two new missionaries, Rev. and Mrs. John H. Pankratz, along with Elizabeth S. Neufeld and Anna Suderman and First American founded Mennonite Brethren Congregation in India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
!1914
|American Mennonite Brethren Church takes complete control of Foreign Mennonite Brethren Missions. This was partly due to the fact that Russian Missionaries lost funding during World War I. Russian Mennonite Brethren saw this as a temporary takeover, but Russian revolution, extreme famine, and mass Mennonite emigration out of Russia.
|-
!1918
|The first MB convention for churches in India is organized by AMBM. It was called the Telugu Conference, and it met annually.
1952-Jadcherla Medical Centre was started by Dr. And Mrs. Jake Friesen, AMBM missionaries.
|-
!1954
|Governing Council is created for Indian Mennonite Brethren to gain more leadership. It replaced the governing model that was originally placed by foreign missionaries.
1957-Yarrow Statement was presented this year. It was a document that laid the ground work for the Indian Mennonite Brethren Church to become a separate entity from American MB.
|-
!1973
|Although the Yarrow Statement was completed in 1957 it is not until 1973 that the Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India becomes an independent body from American Mennonite Brethren Missions.
|-
!17 January 2010
| AMB 150 anniversary. India has a special ceremony to commemorate being the first missions place.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mbherald.com/mb-anniversary-celebrations-begin-in-india/|title=MB anniversary celebrations begin in India - Mennonite Brethren Herald|website=Mennonite Brethren Herald|language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-09}}</ref>
|}

===Brief summary of the church today===
As of 2010, Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches of India included 840 congregations and 103,488 members. The majority of the churches and the Conference's main offices are in the [[Telangana]].<ref name=":0" />

===What does it mean to be Anabaptist?===
Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India is connected to the original Anabaptists through the Mennonite Brethren missionaries. Although, "…they are not well rooted in [[Anabaptists|Anabaptist]] teachings." Mennonite Brethren Indian historian and professor, believes that Gandhi would have respected the Mennonite Brethren church in India for embodying the teachings of Jesus.

===How does the church nurture a sense of continuity with the Anabaptist tradition?===
The conference has historical archives located in Shamshabad, India. The India Conference is a member of the International Community of Mennonite Brethren. In 2006, they made a mission partnership between themselves and American Mennonite Brethren. They called the partnership the Delhi Project, and it focuses on ministry of the middle class in India.

===Major challenges===
The India church struggles now with leadership. When the church was first independent from foreign missions the leadership had conflicts rooted in "regional, family, and other social considerations…," which led to lawsuits over church power. India has a lack of qualified pastors. Rev. Dr. R.S. Lemuel, Chairman of Mennonite Brethren Board of Theological Education, says that in 1999 there were "837 M.B. Congregations and only about 197 trained pastors." India has a caste system, which primarily oppresses the Harijans group (all known as the lower class). Historically, the Mennonite Brethren church in India has also seen conversions from Islam; one mission station relocated following the conversion of several Muslims to Christianity.

The present administrative head of the Governing Council had approved a mortgage amounting to Rs.38 Crores from various banks by using many of the properties associated to the Conference which were accumulated by the missionaries for various purposes of community development and welfare activities, such as schools, hospitals and boarding for underprivileged children.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/church-properties-face-encroachment-in-ts-ap/article7419019.ece|title=Church properties face encroachment in TS, A.P.|date=2015-07-14|newspaper=The Hindu|issn=0971-751X|access-date=2016-03-08}}</ref> As of February 2016 the loan has not been repaid, thus the lenders are proceeding with an auction sale of the properties at [[Jadcherla]] on which the Mennonite Brethren Medical Center is present.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://digital.namasthetelangaana.com/c/8779696|title=Clipping of Namasthe Telangaana Telugu Daily - Mahaboobnagar|website=digital.namasthetelangaana.com|access-date=2016-03-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tenders.gov.in/innerpage.asp?choice=tc5&tid=tela806992&work=1|title=Tenders India, The Indian Government Tenders Information System|website=www.tenders.gov.in|access-date=2016-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309024616/http://www.tenders.gov.in/innerpage.asp?choice=tc5&tid=tela806992&work=1|archive-date=9 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Key people ===
* P. B. Arnold- Dr. Arnold took/was given charge over the Jadcharla Medical Center when the American Missionaries left.
* Rev. Dr. R. S. Lemuel, President, Board of Evangelism & Church Ministries, Board of Theological Education and Vice President Mennonite Brethren Conference of India.
*Rev. Dr. I.P. Asheervadam, Principal, MBC Bible College, Shamshabad (2011–present).
* Rev.V.K.Rufus, Former Principal, Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College in [[Shamshabad]], India
* Rev. Dr.Solomon Sowlollu, M.A., M.A., B.D., M.Phil, CTP. ,D.Min., A legendry figure of the Governing Council and a World Leader of Menonite World Conference who dedicated 32 years of his life for the several hundreds of Church planting and development of the Menonnite Churches in India followed by his wife Ms.Vasantha Solomon who served as Faculty at the M.B.Bible Institute and later dedicated their elder son Rev.Samuel Prasad who at present serves as the Pastor at Bethany M.B.Church,Shamshabad, Rev.Dr.S.Solomon, called to His glory on the March.01.2008 until then he served as General Secretary cum Treasurer of the Governing Council Mennonite Brothren Church India,Principal of the Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College & Bible Institute in Shamshabad; Founder cum Director of Peace Studies, Pastor- Bethany M.B.Church,Shamshabad, Director cum Custodian of Mennonite Property Association of India and also served in various senior level positions at the National and International level Mennonite Conference Committees till his sudden demise in the USA ;ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mbcbcindia.com/home.html|title=Home|website=Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College|language=en-IN|access-date=2016-03-09}}</ref>
* P. Abraham Prakash, Principal of MBC Junior college, [[Mahabubnagar]]
* Dr. E.D. Solomon, M.Th (New Testament), Ph.D. Senior Faculty and Vice Principal of Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute in Shamshabad, India and Director of Development.
* Rev. M.J. Krupaiah as Honorary Treasurer
* Rev. David Jakkula, M.A Public and personnel management [M.A., LLB], Executive Director at Mennonite Brethren Development Organization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mbdoindia.org/contact/|title=Contact Us – Mennonite Brethren Development Organisation|website=mbdoindia.org|access-date=2016-03-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310015236/http://mbdoindia.org/contact/|archive-date=10 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/I53.html India] at Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online

[[Category:Mennonite denominations]]
[[Category:Mennonitism in India]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Organizations with year of establishment missing]]

Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India

2022-02-25T03:44:37Z

117.254.76.81:

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=August 2015}}
'''Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India''' is the largest [[Mennonite]] denomination of [[India]]. Its membership exceeds 100,000 persons, in 840 congregations. The Presiding officer for the conference is Dr P B Arnold. The headquarters at [[Jadcherla]], [[Telangana]].<ref name=":0">[[Mennonite World Conference]]: [http://www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/PDF-PPT/2006asiapacific.pdf Asia & Pacific] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419075353/http://www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/PDF-PPT/2006asiapacific.pdf |date=2009-04-19 }}</ref> It is a member of larger [[Anabaptists|Anabaptist]] worldwide community [[Mennonite World Conference]].<ref>{{Cite web
| url = https://www.mwc-cmm.org/mwc_map/country/1101#
| title = Membership {{!}} Mennonite World Conference
| website = www.mwc-cmm.org
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref>

The Conference also runs a Medical Center at [[Jadcherla]] by name M B Medical Center many patients are treated here. It was established in 19th century from its inception it has been doing a great service to the people. There is a proposal for a Medical College. The [[Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College]] is the theological arm of the Conference with affiliation to the [[Senate of Serampore College (University)]].

As of 1957 it was [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-speaking and in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. At this point, its membership is about 1% of the population of Andhra Pradesh.

==Origin==
The Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India began like many other global church communities: with mission. [[Mennonite Brethren Church]] in Russia sent their first missionaries, Abraham J. and Maria Friesen, to India in 1889.<ref name="penner">Penner, Peter. The Mennonite Brethren Mission in India, 1885-1975: Russians, North Americans, and Telugus. Hillsboro: Kindred Productions, 1997.</ref> Abraham and Maria started the first mission station in [[Nalgonda]], India.<ref name="penner" /> This work was affiliated with [[American Baptist Churches USA|American Baptist]] Telugu Mission and after the discontinuation of MB Mission from Russia after [[World War I]] broke out in 1914, the whole work was taken by [[Baptist Missions|Baptist Mission]].<ref>{{Cite web
| url = http://gameo.org/index.php?title=Mennonite_Brethren_Church#India
| title = Mennonite Brethren Church - GAMEO
| website = gameo.org
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref> Andhra Mennonite Brethren Convention went on to become The Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India and became independent from foreign missionaries in 1957, but did not have full independence until 1973.<ref name="enns-rempel">Enns-Rempel, Kevin. e-mail interview, 14 April 2011.</ref>

===Timeline===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|valign="top" width="200"|'''1889'''
|First Mennonite Brethren Missionaries come to India. Their names were Abraham and Maria Friesen, and they were from Russia. Abraham and Maria were the first Mennonite Brethren Missionaries. They started the mission station in Nalgonda, India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''4 January 1891'''
|The First Mennonite Brethren Church is organized by Abraham and Maria Friesen.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''October, 1899'''
|First American Mennonite Brethren arrive. They were Rev. and Mrs. N. N. Hiebert and Elizabeth S. Neufeld. Abraham and Maria Friesen assisted the American missionaries.<ref name="janzen">Janzen, A.E., ed.. Foreign Missions: India: The American Mennonite Brethren Mission in India, 1898-1948. Hillsboro: Board of Foreign Missions of the Mennonite Brethren Church of North America, 1948.</ref> Miss Anna Suderman, also an American, joined them later that year. The American Mennonite Brethren’s first mission station in India was started in Hughestown the same year. Russian and American Mennonite Brethren mutually ran mission work until 1914 when the American Missionaries gained complete control of foreign Mennonite Brethren Mission work in India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''27 March 1904'''
|Two more American MB missionaries arrive in India. The two new missionaries, Rev. and Mrs. John H. Pankratz, along with Elizabeth S. Neufeld and Anna Suderman and First American founded Mennonite Brethren Congregation in India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
!1914
|American Mennonite Brethren Church takes complete control of Foreign Mennonite Brethren Missions. This was partly due to the fact that Russian Missionaries lost funding during World War I. Russian Mennonite Brethren saw this as a temporary takeover, but Russian revolution, extreme famine, and mass Mennonite emigration out of Russia.
|-
!1918
|The first MB convention for churches in India is organized by AMBM. It was called the Telugu Conference, and it met annually.
1952-Jadcherla Medical Centre was started by Dr. And Mrs. Jake Friesen, AMBM missionaries.
|-
!1954
|Governing Council is created for Indian Mennonite Brethren to gain more leadership. It replaced the governing model that was originally placed by foreign missionaries.
1957-Yarrow Statement was presented this year. It was a document that laid the ground work for the Indian Mennonite Brethren Church to become a separate entity from American MB.
|-
!1973
|Although the Yarrow Statement was completed in 1957 it is not until 1973 that the Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India becomes an independent body from American Mennonite Brethren Missions.
|-
!17 January 2010
| AMB 150 anniversary. India has a special ceremony to commemorate being the first missions place.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mbherald.com/mb-anniversary-celebrations-begin-in-india/|title=MB anniversary celebrations begin in India - Mennonite Brethren Herald|website=Mennonite Brethren Herald|language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-09}}</ref>
|}

===Brief summary of the church today===
As of 2010, Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches of India included 840 congregations and 103,488 members. The majority of the churches and the Conference's main offices are in the [[Telangana]].<ref name=":0" />

===What does it mean to be Anabaptist?===
Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India is connected to the original Anabaptists through the Mennonite Brethren missionaries. Although, "…they are not well rooted in [[Anabaptists|Anabaptist]] teachings." Mennonite Brethren Indian historian and professor, believes that Gandhi would have respected the Mennonite Brethren church in India for embodying the teachings of Jesus.

===How does the church nurture a sense of continuity with the Anabaptist tradition?===
The conference has historical archives located in Shamshabad, India. The India Conference is a member of the International Community of Mennonite Brethren. In 2006, they made a mission partnership between themselves and American Mennonite Brethren. They called the partnership the Delhi Project, and it focuses on ministry of the middle class in India.

===Major challenges===
The India church struggles now with leadership. When the church was first independent from foreign missions the leadership had conflicts rooted in "regional, family, and other social considerations…," which led to lawsuits over church power. India has a lack of qualified pastors. Rev. Dr. R.S. Lemuel, Chairman of Mennonite Brethren Board of Theological Education, says that in 1999 there were "837 M.B. Congregations and only about 197 trained pastors." India has a caste system, which primarily oppresses the Harijans group (all known as the lower class). Historically, the Mennonite Brethren church in India has also seen conversions from Islam; one mission station relocated following the conversion of several Muslims to Christianity.

The present administrative head of the Governing Council had approved a mortgage amounting to Rs.38 Crores from various banks by using many of the properties associated to the Conference which were accumulated by the missionaries for various purposes of community development and welfare activities, such as schools, hospitals and boarding for underprivileged children.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/church-properties-face-encroachment-in-ts-ap/article7419019.ece|title=Church properties face encroachment in TS, A.P.|date=2015-07-14|newspaper=The Hindu|issn=0971-751X|access-date=2016-03-08}}</ref> As of February 2016 the loan has not been repaid, thus the lenders are proceeding with an auction sale of the properties at [[Jadcherla]] on which the Mennonite Brethren Medical Center is present.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://digital.namasthetelangaana.com/c/8779696|title=Clipping of Namasthe Telangaana Telugu Daily - Mahaboobnagar|website=digital.namasthetelangaana.com|access-date=2016-03-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tenders.gov.in/innerpage.asp?choice=tc5&tid=tela806992&work=1|title=Tenders India, The Indian Government Tenders Information System|website=www.tenders.gov.in|access-date=2016-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309024616/http://www.tenders.gov.in/innerpage.asp?choice=tc5&tid=tela806992&work=1|archive-date=9 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Key people ===
* P. B. Arnold- Dr. Arnold took/was given charge over the Jadcharla Medical Center when the American Missionaries left.
* Rev. Dr. R. S. Lemuel, President, Board of Evangelism & Church Ministries, Board of Theological Education and Vice President Mennonite Brethren Conference of India.
*Rev. Dr. I.P. Asheervadam, Principal, MBC Bible College, Shamshabad (2011–present).
* Rev.V.K.Rufus, Former Principal, Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College in [[Shamshabad]], India
* Rev. Dr.Solomon Sowlollu, M.A., M.A., B.D., M.Phil, CTP. ,D.Min., A legendry figure of the Governing Council and a World Leader of Menonite World Conference who dedicated 32 years of his life for the development of the Menonnite Churches in India followed by his wife Ms.Vasantha Solomon who served as Faculty at the M.B.Bible Institute and later dedicated their elder son Rev.Samuel Prasad who at present serves as the Pastor at Bethany M.B.Church,Shamshabad, Rev.Dr.S.Solomon, called to His glory on the March.01.2008 until then he served as General Secretary cum Treasurer of the Governing Council Mennonite Brothren Church India,Principal of the Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College & Bible Institute in Shamshabad; Founder cum Director of Peace Studies, Pastor- Bethany M.B.Church,Shamshabad, Director cum Custodian of Mennonite Property Association of India and also served in various senior level positions at the National and International level Mennonite Conference Committees till his sudden demise in the USA ;ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mbcbcindia.com/home.html|title=Home|website=Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College|language=en-IN|access-date=2016-03-09}}</ref>
* P. Abraham Prakash, Principal of MBC Junior college, [[Mahabubnagar]]
* Dr. E.D. Solomon, M.Th (New Testament), Ph.D. Senior Faculty and Vice Principal of Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute in Shamshabad, India and Director of Development.
* Rev. M.J. Krupaiah as Honorary Treasurer
* Rev. David Jakkula, M.A Public and personnel management [M.A., LLB], Executive Director at Mennonite Brethren Development Organization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mbdoindia.org/contact/|title=Contact Us – Mennonite Brethren Development Organisation|website=mbdoindia.org|access-date=2016-03-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310015236/http://mbdoindia.org/contact/|archive-date=10 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/I53.html India] at Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online

[[Category:Mennonite denominations]]
[[Category:Mennonitism in India]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Organizations with year of establishment missing]]

Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India

2022-02-25T03:41:00Z

117.254.76.81:

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=August 2015}}
'''Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India''' is the largest [[Mennonite]] denomination of [[India]]. Its membership exceeds 100,000 persons, in 840 congregations. The Presiding officer for the conference is Dr P B Arnold. The headquarters at [[Jadcherla]], [[Telangana]].<ref name=":0">[[Mennonite World Conference]]: [http://www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/PDF-PPT/2006asiapacific.pdf Asia & Pacific] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419075353/http://www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/PDF-PPT/2006asiapacific.pdf |date=2009-04-19 }}</ref> It is a member of larger [[Anabaptists|Anabaptist]] worldwide community [[Mennonite World Conference]].<ref>{{Cite web
| url = https://www.mwc-cmm.org/mwc_map/country/1101#
| title = Membership {{!}} Mennonite World Conference
| website = www.mwc-cmm.org
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref>

The Conference also runs a Medical Center at [[Jadcherla]] by name M B Medical Center many patients are treated here. It was established in 19th century from its inception it has been doing a great service to the people. There is a proposal for a Medical College. The [[Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College]] is the theological arm of the Conference with affiliation to the [[Senate of Serampore College (University)]].

As of 1957 it was [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-speaking and in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. At this point, its membership is about 1% of the population of Andhra Pradesh.

==Origin==
The Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India began like many other global church communities: with mission. [[Mennonite Brethren Church]] in Russia sent their first missionaries, Abraham J. and Maria Friesen, to India in 1889.<ref name="penner">Penner, Peter. The Mennonite Brethren Mission in India, 1885-1975: Russians, North Americans, and Telugus. Hillsboro: Kindred Productions, 1997.</ref> Abraham and Maria started the first mission station in [[Nalgonda]], India.<ref name="penner" /> This work was affiliated with [[American Baptist Churches USA|American Baptist]] Telugu Mission and after the discontinuation of MB Mission from Russia after [[World War I]] broke out in 1914, the whole work was taken by [[Baptist Missions|Baptist Mission]].<ref>{{Cite web
| url = http://gameo.org/index.php?title=Mennonite_Brethren_Church#India
| title = Mennonite Brethren Church - GAMEO
| website = gameo.org
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref> Andhra Mennonite Brethren Convention went on to become The Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India and became independent from foreign missionaries in 1957, but did not have full independence until 1973.<ref name="enns-rempel">Enns-Rempel, Kevin. e-mail interview, 14 April 2011.</ref>

===Timeline===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|valign="top" width="200"|'''1889'''
|First Mennonite Brethren Missionaries come to India. Their names were Abraham and Maria Friesen, and they were from Russia. Abraham and Maria were the first Mennonite Brethren Missionaries. They started the mission station in Nalgonda, India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''4 January 1891'''
|The First Mennonite Brethren Church is organized by Abraham and Maria Friesen.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''October, 1899'''
|First American Mennonite Brethren arrive. They were Rev. and Mrs. N. N. Hiebert and Elizabeth S. Neufeld. Abraham and Maria Friesen assisted the American missionaries.<ref name="janzen">Janzen, A.E., ed.. Foreign Missions: India: The American Mennonite Brethren Mission in India, 1898-1948. Hillsboro: Board of Foreign Missions of the Mennonite Brethren Church of North America, 1948.</ref> Miss Anna Suderman, also an American, joined them later that year. The American Mennonite Brethren’s first mission station in India was started in Hughestown the same year. Russian and American Mennonite Brethren mutually ran mission work until 1914 when the American Missionaries gained complete control of foreign Mennonite Brethren Mission work in India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''27 March 1904'''
|Two more American MB missionaries arrive in India. The two new missionaries, Rev. and Mrs. John H. Pankratz, along with Elizabeth S. Neufeld and Anna Suderman and First American founded Mennonite Brethren Congregation in India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
!1914
|American Mennonite Brethren Church takes complete control of Foreign Mennonite Brethren Missions. This was partly due to the fact that Russian Missionaries lost funding during World War I. Russian Mennonite Brethren saw this as a temporary takeover, but Russian revolution, extreme famine, and mass Mennonite emigration out of Russia.
|-
!1918
|The first MB convention for churches in India is organized by AMBM. It was called the Telugu Conference, and it met annually.
1952-Jadcherla Medical Centre was started by Dr. And Mrs. Jake Friesen, AMBM missionaries.
|-
!1954
|Governing Council is created for Indian Mennonite Brethren to gain more leadership. It replaced the governing model that was originally placed by foreign missionaries.
1957-Yarrow Statement was presented this year. It was a document that laid the ground work for the Indian Mennonite Brethren Church to become a separate entity from American MB.
|-
!1973
|Although the Yarrow Statement was completed in 1957 it is not until 1973 that the Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India becomes an independent body from American Mennonite Brethren Missions.
|-
!17 January 2010
| AMB 150 anniversary. India has a special ceremony to commemorate being the first missions place.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mbherald.com/mb-anniversary-celebrations-begin-in-india/|title=MB anniversary celebrations begin in India - Mennonite Brethren Herald|website=Mennonite Brethren Herald|language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-09}}</ref>
|}

===Brief summary of the church today===
As of 2010, Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches of India included 840 congregations and 103,488 members. The majority of the churches and the Conference's main offices are in the [[Telangana]].<ref name=":0" />

===What does it mean to be Anabaptist?===
Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India is connected to the original Anabaptists through the Mennonite Brethren missionaries. Although, "…they are not well rooted in [[Anabaptists|Anabaptist]] teachings." Mennonite Brethren Indian historian and professor, believes that Gandhi would have respected the Mennonite Brethren church in India for embodying the teachings of Jesus.

===How does the church nurture a sense of continuity with the Anabaptist tradition?===
The conference has historical archives located in Shamshabad, India. The India Conference is a member of the International Community of Mennonite Brethren. In 2006, they made a mission partnership between themselves and American Mennonite Brethren. They called the partnership the Delhi Project, and it focuses on ministry of the middle class in India.

===Major challenges===
The India church struggles now with leadership. When the church was first independent from foreign missions the leadership had conflicts rooted in "regional, family, and other social considerations…," which led to lawsuits over church power. India has a lack of qualified pastors. Rev. Dr. R.S. Lemuel, Chairman of Mennonite Brethren Board of Theological Education, says that in 1999 there were "837 M.B. Congregations and only about 197 trained pastors." India has a caste system, which primarily oppresses the Harijans group (all known as the lower class). Historically, the Mennonite Brethren church in India has also seen conversions from Islam; one mission station relocated following the conversion of several Muslims to Christianity.

The present administrative head of the Governing Council had approved a mortgage amounting to Rs.38 Crores from various banks by using many of the properties associated to the Conference which were accumulated by the missionaries for various purposes of community development and welfare activities, such as schools, hospitals and boarding for underprivileged children.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/church-properties-face-encroachment-in-ts-ap/article7419019.ece|title=Church properties face encroachment in TS, A.P.|date=2015-07-14|newspaper=The Hindu|issn=0971-751X|access-date=2016-03-08}}</ref> As of February 2016 the loan has not been repaid, thus the lenders are proceeding with an auction sale of the properties at [[Jadcherla]] on which the Mennonite Brethren Medical Center is present.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://digital.namasthetelangaana.com/c/8779696|title=Clipping of Namasthe Telangaana Telugu Daily - Mahaboobnagar|website=digital.namasthetelangaana.com|access-date=2016-03-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tenders.gov.in/innerpage.asp?choice=tc5&tid=tela806992&work=1|title=Tenders India, The Indian Government Tenders Information System|website=www.tenders.gov.in|access-date=2016-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309024616/http://www.tenders.gov.in/innerpage.asp?choice=tc5&tid=tela806992&work=1|archive-date=9 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Key people ===
* P. B. Arnold- Dr. Arnold took over the Jadcharla Medical Center when the American Missionaries left.
* Rev. Dr. R. S. Lemuel, President, Board of Evangelism & Church Ministries, Board of Theological Education and Vice President Mennonite Brethren Conference of India.
*Rev. Dr. I.P. Asheervadam, Principal, MBC Bible College, Shamshabad (2011–present).
* Rev.V.K.Rufus, Former Principal, Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College in [[Shamshabad]], India
* Rev. Dr.Solomon Sowlollu, M.A., M.A., B.D., M.Phil, CTP. ,D.Min., A legendry figure of the Governing Council and a World Leader of Menonite World Conference who dedicated 32 years of his life for the development of the Menonnite Churches in India followed by his wife Ms.Vasantha Solomon who served as Faculty at the M.B.Bible Institute and later dedicated their elder son Rev.Samuel Prasad who at present serves as the Pastor at Bethany M.B.Church,Shamshabad, Rev.Dr.S.Solomon, called to His glory on the March.01.2008 until then he served as General Secretary cum Treasurer of the Governing Council Mennonite Brothren Church India,Principal of the Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College & Bible Institute in Shamshabad; Founder cum Director of Peace Studies, Pastor- Bethany M.B.Church,Shamshabad, Director cum Custodian of Mennonite Property Association of India and also served in various senior level positions at the National and International level Mennonite Conference Committees till his sudden demise in the USA ;ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mbcbcindia.com/home.html|title=Home|website=Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College|language=en-IN|access-date=2016-03-09}}</ref>
* P. Abraham Prakash, Principal of MBC Junior college, [[Mahabubnagar]]
* Dr. E.D. Solomon, M.Th (New Testament), Ph.D. Senior Faculty and Vice Principal of Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute in Shamshabad, India and Director of Development.
* Rev. M.J. Krupaiah as Honorary Treasurer
* Rev. David Jakkula, M.A Public and personnel management [M.A., LLB], Executive Director at Mennonite Brethren Development Organization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mbdoindia.org/contact/|title=Contact Us – Mennonite Brethren Development Organisation|website=mbdoindia.org|access-date=2016-03-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310015236/http://mbdoindia.org/contact/|archive-date=10 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/I53.html India] at Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online

[[Category:Mennonite denominations]]
[[Category:Mennonitism in India]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Organizations with year of establishment missing]]

Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India

2022-02-25T03:38:33Z

117.254.76.81:

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=August 2015}}
'''Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India''' is the largest [[Mennonite]] denomination of [[India]]. Its membership exceeds 100,000 persons, in 840 congregations. The Presiding officer for the conference is Dr P B Arnold. The headquarters at [[Jadcherla]], [[Telangana]].<ref name=":0">[[Mennonite World Conference]]: [http://www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/PDF-PPT/2006asiapacific.pdf Asia & Pacific] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419075353/http://www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/PDF-PPT/2006asiapacific.pdf |date=2009-04-19 }}</ref> It is a member of larger [[Anabaptists|Anabaptist]] worldwide community [[Mennonite World Conference]].<ref>{{Cite web
| url = https://www.mwc-cmm.org/mwc_map/country/1101#
| title = Membership {{!}} Mennonite World Conference
| website = www.mwc-cmm.org
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref>

The Conference also runs a Medical Center at [[Jadcherla]] by name M B Medical Center many patients are treated here. It was established in 19th century from its inception it has been doing a great service to the people. There is a proposal for a Medical College. The [[Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College]] is the theological arm of the Conference with affiliation to the [[Senate of Serampore College (University)]].

As of 1957 it was [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-speaking and in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. At this point, its membership is about 1% of the population of Andhra Pradesh.

==Origin==
The Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India began like many other global church communities: with mission. [[Mennonite Brethren Church]] in Russia sent their first missionaries, Abraham J. and Maria Friesen, to India in 1889.<ref name="penner">Penner, Peter. The Mennonite Brethren Mission in India, 1885-1975: Russians, North Americans, and Telugus. Hillsboro: Kindred Productions, 1997.</ref> Abraham and Maria started the first mission station in [[Nalgonda]], India.<ref name="penner" /> This work was affiliated with [[American Baptist Churches USA|American Baptist]] Telugu Mission and after the discontinuation of MB Mission from Russia after [[World War I]] broke out in 1914, the whole work was taken by [[Baptist Missions|Baptist Mission]].<ref>{{Cite web
| url = http://gameo.org/index.php?title=Mennonite_Brethren_Church#India
| title = Mennonite Brethren Church - GAMEO
| website = gameo.org
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref> Andhra Mennonite Brethren Convention went on to become The Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India and became independent from foreign missionaries in 1957, but did not have full independence until 1973.<ref name="enns-rempel">Enns-Rempel, Kevin. e-mail interview, 14 April 2011.</ref>

===Timeline===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|valign="top" width="200"|'''1889'''
|First Mennonite Brethren Missionaries come to India. Their names were Abraham and Maria Friesen, and they were from Russia. Abraham and Maria were the first Mennonite Brethren Missionaries. They started the mission station in Nalgonda, India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''4 January 1891'''
|The First Mennonite Brethren Church is organized by Abraham and Maria Friesen.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''October, 1899'''
|First American Mennonite Brethren arrive. They were Rev. and Mrs. N. N. Hiebert and Elizabeth S. Neufeld. Abraham and Maria Friesen assisted the American missionaries.<ref name="janzen">Janzen, A.E., ed.. Foreign Missions: India: The American Mennonite Brethren Mission in India, 1898-1948. Hillsboro: Board of Foreign Missions of the Mennonite Brethren Church of North America, 1948.</ref> Miss Anna Suderman, also an American, joined them later that year. The American Mennonite Brethren’s first mission station in India was started in Hughestown the same year. Russian and American Mennonite Brethren mutually ran mission work until 1914 when the American Missionaries gained complete control of foreign Mennonite Brethren Mission work in India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''27 March 1904'''
|Two more American MB missionaries arrive in India. The two new missionaries, Rev. and Mrs. John H. Pankratz, along with Elizabeth S. Neufeld and Anna Suderman and First American founded Mennonite Brethren Congregation in India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
!1914
|American Mennonite Brethren Church takes complete control of Foreign Mennonite Brethren Missions. This was partly due to the fact that Russian Missionaries lost funding during World War I. Russian Mennonite Brethren saw this as a temporary takeover, but Russian revolution, extreme famine, and mass Mennonite emigration out of Russia.
|-
!1918
|The first MB convention for churches in India is organized by AMBM. It was called the Telugu Conference, and it met annually.
1952-Jadcherla Medical Centre was started by Dr. And Mrs. Jake Friesen, AMBM missionaries.
|-
!1954
|Governing Council is created for Indian Mennonite Brethren to gain more leadership. It replaced the governing model that was originally placed by foreign missionaries.
1957-Yarrow Statement was presented this year. It was a document that laid the ground work for the Indian Mennonite Brethren Church to become a separate entity from American MB.
|-
!1973
|Although the Yarrow Statement was completed in 1957 it is not until 1973 that the Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India becomes an independent body from American Mennonite Brethren Missions.
|-
!17 January 2010
| AMB 150 anniversary. India has a special ceremony to commemorate being the first missions place.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mbherald.com/mb-anniversary-celebrations-begin-in-india/|title=MB anniversary celebrations begin in India - Mennonite Brethren Herald|website=Mennonite Brethren Herald|language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-09}}</ref>
|}

===Brief summary of the church today===
As of 2010, Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches of India included 840 congregations and 103,488 members. The majority of the churches and the Conference's main offices are in the [[Telangana]].<ref name=":0" />

===What does it mean to be Anabaptist?===
Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India is connected to the original Anabaptists through the Mennonite Brethren missionaries. Although, "…they are not well rooted in [[Anabaptists|Anabaptist]] teachings." Mennonite Brethren Indian historian and professor, believes that Gandhi would have respected the Mennonite Brethren church in India for embodying the teachings of Jesus.

===How does the church nurture a sense of continuity with the Anabaptist tradition?===
The conference has historical archives located in Shamshabad, India. The India Conference is a member of the International Community of Mennonite Brethren. In 2006, they made a mission partnership between themselves and American Mennonite Brethren. They called the partnership the Delhi Project, and it focuses on ministry of the middle class in India.

===Major challenges===
The India church struggles now with leadership. When the church was first independent from foreign missions the leadership had conflicts rooted in "regional, family, and other social considerations…," which led to lawsuits over church power. India has a lack of qualified pastors. Rev. Dr. R.S. Lemuel, Chairman of Mennonite Brethren Board of Theological Education, says that in 1999 there were "837 M.B. Congregations and only about 197 trained pastors." India has a caste system, which primarily oppresses the Harijans group (all known as the lower class). Historically, the Mennonite Brethren church in India has also seen conversions from Islam; one mission station relocated following the conversion of several Muslims to Christianity.

The administration of the Governing Council had approved a mortgage amounting to Rs.38 Crores from various banks by using many of the properties associated to the Conference which were accumulated by the missionaries for various purposes of community development and welfare activities, such as schools, hospitals and boarding for underprivileged children.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/church-properties-face-encroachment-in-ts-ap/article7419019.ece|title=Church properties face encroachment in TS, A.P.|date=2015-07-14|newspaper=The Hindu|issn=0971-751X|access-date=2016-03-08}}</ref> As of February 2016 the loan has not been repaid, thus the lenders are proceeding with an auction sale of the properties at [[Jadcherla]] on which the Mennonite Brethren Medical Center is present.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://digital.namasthetelangaana.com/c/8779696|title=Clipping of Namasthe Telangaana Telugu Daily - Mahaboobnagar|website=digital.namasthetelangaana.com|access-date=2016-03-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tenders.gov.in/innerpage.asp?choice=tc5&tid=tela806992&work=1|title=Tenders India, The Indian Government Tenders Information System|website=www.tenders.gov.in|access-date=2016-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309024616/http://www.tenders.gov.in/innerpage.asp?choice=tc5&tid=tela806992&work=1|archive-date=9 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Key people ===
* P. B. Arnold- Dr. Arnold took over the Jadcharla Medical Center when the American Missionaries left.
* Rev. Dr. R. S. Lemuel, President, Board of Evangelism & Church Ministries, Board of Theological Education and Vice President Mennonite Brethren Conference of India.
*Rev. Dr. I.P. Asheervadam, Principal, MBC Bible College, Shamshabad (2011–present).
* Rev.V.K.Rufus, Former Principal, Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College in [[Shamshabad]], India
* Rev. Dr.Solomon Sowlollu, M.A., M.A., B.D., M.Phil, CTP. ,D.Min., A legendry figure of the Governing Council and a World Leader of Menonite World Conference who dedicated 32 years of his life for the development of the Menonnite Churches in India followed by his wife Ms.Vasantha Solomon who served as Faculty at the M.B.Bible Institute and later dedicated their elder son Rev.Samuel Prasad who at present serves as the Pastor at Bethany M.B.Church,Shamshabad, Rev.Dr.S.Solomon, called to His glory on the March.01.2008 until then he served as General Secretary cum Treasurer of the Governing Council Mennonite Brothren Church India,Principal of the Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College & Bible Institute in Shamshabad; Founder cum Director of Peace Studies, Pastor- Bethany M.B.Church,Shamshabad, Director cum Custodian of Mennonite Property Association of India and also served in various senior level positions at the National and International level Mennonite Conference Committees till his sudden demise in the USA ;ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mbcbcindia.com/home.html|title=Home|website=Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College|language=en-IN|access-date=2016-03-09}}</ref>
* P. Abraham Prakash, Principal of MBC Junior college, [[Mahabubnagar]]
* Dr. E.D. Solomon, M.Th (New Testament), Ph.D. Senior Faculty and Vice Principal of Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute in Shamshabad, India and Director of Development.
* Rev. M.J. Krupaiah as Honorary Treasurer
* Rev. David Jakkula, M.A Public and personnel management [M.A., LLB], Executive Director at Mennonite Brethren Development Organization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mbdoindia.org/contact/|title=Contact Us – Mennonite Brethren Development Organisation|website=mbdoindia.org|access-date=2016-03-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310015236/http://mbdoindia.org/contact/|archive-date=10 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/I53.html India] at Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online

[[Category:Mennonite denominations]]
[[Category:Mennonitism in India]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Organizations with year of establishment missing]]

Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India

2022-02-25T03:31:20Z

117.254.76.81:

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=August 2015}}
'''Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India''' is the largest [[Mennonite]] denomination of [[India]]. Its membership exceeds 100,000 persons, in 840 congregations. The Presiding officer for the conference is Dr P B Arnold. The headquarters at [[Jadcherla]], [[Telangana]].<ref name=":0">[[Mennonite World Conference]]: [http://www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/PDF-PPT/2006asiapacific.pdf Asia & Pacific] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419075353/http://www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/PDF-PPT/2006asiapacific.pdf |date=2009-04-19 }}</ref> It is a member of larger [[Anabaptists|Anabaptist]] worldwide community [[Mennonite World Conference]].<ref>{{Cite web
| url = https://www.mwc-cmm.org/mwc_map/country/1101#
| title = Membership {{!}} Mennonite World Conference
| website = www.mwc-cmm.org
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref>

The Conference also runs a Medical Center at [[Jadcherla]] by name M B Medical Center many patients are treated here. It was established in 19th century from its inception it has been doing a great service to the people. There is a proposal for a Medical College. The [[Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College]] is the theological arm of the Conference with affiliation to the [[Senate of Serampore College (University)]].

As of 1957 it was [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-speaking and in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. At this point, its membership is about 1% of the population of Andhra Pradesh.

==Origin==
The Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India began like many other global church communities: with mission. [[Mennonite Brethren Church]] in Russia sent their first missionaries, Abraham J. and Maria Friesen, to India in 1889.<ref name="penner">Penner, Peter. The Mennonite Brethren Mission in India, 1885-1975: Russians, North Americans, and Telugus. Hillsboro: Kindred Productions, 1997.</ref> Abraham and Maria started the first mission station in [[Nalgonda]], India.<ref name="penner" /> This work was affiliated with [[American Baptist Churches USA|American Baptist]] Telugu Mission and after the discontinuation of MB Mission from Russia after [[World War I]] broke out in 1914, the whole work was taken by [[Baptist Missions|Baptist Mission]].<ref>{{Cite web
| url = http://gameo.org/index.php?title=Mennonite_Brethren_Church#India
| title = Mennonite Brethren Church - GAMEO
| website = gameo.org
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref> Andhra Mennonite Brethren Convention went on to become The Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches in India and became independent from foreign missionaries in 1957, but did not have full independence until 1973.<ref name="enns-rempel">Enns-Rempel, Kevin. e-mail interview, 14 April 2011.</ref>

===Timeline===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|valign="top" width="200"|'''1889'''
|First Mennonite Brethren Missionaries come to India. Their names were Abraham and Maria Friesen, and they were from Russia. Abraham and Maria were the first Mennonite Brethren Missionaries. They started the mission station in Nalgonda, India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''4 January 1891'''
|The First Mennonite Brethren Church is organized by Abraham and Maria Friesen.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''October, 1899'''
|First American Mennonite Brethren arrive. They were Rev. and Mrs. N. N. Hiebert and Elizabeth S. Neufeld. Abraham and Maria Friesen assisted the American missionaries.<ref name="janzen">Janzen, A.E., ed.. Foreign Missions: India: The American Mennonite Brethren Mission in India, 1898-1948. Hillsboro: Board of Foreign Missions of the Mennonite Brethren Church of North America, 1948.</ref> Miss Anna Suderman, also an American, joined them later that year. The American Mennonite Brethren’s first mission station in India was started in Hughestown the same year. Russian and American Mennonite Brethren mutually ran mission work until 1914 when the American Missionaries gained complete control of foreign Mennonite Brethren Mission work in India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
|valign="top" width="200"|'''27 March 1904'''
|Two more American MB missionaries arrive in India. The two new missionaries, Rev. and Mrs. John H. Pankratz, along with Elizabeth S. Neufeld and Anna Suderman and First American founded Mennonite Brethren Congregation in India.<ref name="penner" />
|-
!1914
|American Mennonite Brethren Church takes complete control of Foreign Mennonite Brethren Missions. This was partly due to the fact that Russian Missionaries lost funding during World War I. Russian Mennonite Brethren saw this as a temporary takeover, but Russian revolution, extreme famine, and mass Mennonite emigration out of Russia.
|-
!1918
|The first MB convention for churches in India is organized by AMBM. It was called the Telugu Conference, and it met annually.
1952-Jadcherla Medical Centre was started by Dr. And Mrs. Jake Friesen, AMBM missionaries.
|-
!1954
|Governing Council is created for Indian Mennonite Brethren to gain more leadership. It replaced the governing model that was originally placed by foreign missionaries.
1957-Yarrow Statement was presented this year. It was a document that laid the ground work for the Indian Mennonite Brethren Church to become a separate entity from American MB.
|-
!1973
|Although the Yarrow Statement was completed in 1957 it is not until 1973 that the Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India becomes an independent body from American Mennonite Brethren Missions.
|-
!17 January 2010
| AMB 150 anniversary. India has a special ceremony to commemorate being the first missions place.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mbherald.com/mb-anniversary-celebrations-begin-in-india/|title=MB anniversary celebrations begin in India - Mennonite Brethren Herald|website=Mennonite Brethren Herald|language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-09}}</ref>
|}

===Brief summary of the church today===
As of 2010, Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches of India included 840 congregations and 103,488 members. The majority of the churches and the Conference's main offices are in the [[Telangana]].<ref name=":0" />

===What does it mean to be Anabaptist?===
Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of India is connected to the original Anabaptists through the Mennonite Brethren missionaries. Although, "…they are not well rooted in [[Anabaptists|Anabaptist]] teachings." Mennonite Brethren Indian historian and professor, believes that Gandhi would have respected the Mennonite Brethren church in India for embodying the teachings of Jesus.

===How does the church nurture a sense of continuity with the Anabaptist tradition?===
The conference has historical archives located in Shamshabad, India. The India Conference is a member of the International Community of Mennonite Brethren. In 2006, they made a mission partnership between themselves and American Mennonite Brethren. They called the partnership the Delhi Project, and it focuses on ministry of the middle class in India.

===Major challenges===
The India church struggles with leadership. When the church was first independent from foreign missions the leadership had conflicts rooted in "regional, family, and other social considerations…," which led to lawsuits over church power. India has a lack of qualified pastors. Rev. Dr. R.S. Lemuel, Chairman of Mennonite Brethren Board of Theological Education, says that in 1999 there were "837 M.B. Congregations and only about 197 trained pastors." India has a caste system, which primarily oppresses the Harijans group (all known as the lower class). Historically, the Mennonite Brethren church in India has also seen conversions from Islam; one mission station relocated following the conversion of several Muslims to Christianity.

The administration of the Governing Council had approved a mortgage amounting to Rs.38 Crores from various banks by using many of the properties associated to the Conference which were accumulated by the missionaries for various purposes of community development and welfare activities, such as schools, hospitals and boarding for underprivileged children.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/church-properties-face-encroachment-in-ts-ap/article7419019.ece|title=Church properties face encroachment in TS, A.P.|date=2015-07-14|newspaper=The Hindu|issn=0971-751X|access-date=2016-03-08}}</ref> As of February 2016 the loan has not been repaid, thus the lenders are proceeding with an auction sale of the properties at [[Jadcherla]] on which the Mennonite Brethren Medical Center is present.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://digital.namasthetelangaana.com/c/8779696|title=Clipping of Namasthe Telangaana Telugu Daily - Mahaboobnagar|website=digital.namasthetelangaana.com|access-date=2016-03-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tenders.gov.in/innerpage.asp?choice=tc5&tid=tela806992&work=1|title=Tenders India, The Indian Government Tenders Information System|website=www.tenders.gov.in|access-date=2016-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309024616/http://www.tenders.gov.in/innerpage.asp?choice=tc5&tid=tela806992&work=1|archive-date=9 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Key people ===
* P. B. Arnold- Dr. Arnold took over the Jadcharla Medical Center when the American Missionaries left.
* Rev. Dr. R. S. Lemuel, President, Board of Evangelism & Church Ministries, Board of Theological Education and Vice President Mennonite Brethren Conference of India.
*Rev. Dr. I.P. Asheervadam, Principal, MBC Bible College, Shamshabad (2011–present).
* Rev.V.K.Rufus, Former Principal, Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College in [[Shamshabad]], India
* Rev. Dr.Solomon Sowlollu, M.A., M.A., B.D., M.Phil, CTP. ,D.Min., A legendry figure of the Governing Council and a World Leader of Menonite World Conference who dedicated 32 years of his life for the development of the Menonnite Churches in India followed by his wife Ms.Vasantha Solomon who served as Faculty at the M.B.Bible Institute and later dedicated their elder son Rev.Samuel Prasad who at present serves as the Pastor at Bethany M.B.Church,Shamshabad, Rev.Dr.S.Solomon, called to His glory on the March.01.2008 until then he served as General Secretary cum Treasurer of the Governing Council Mennonite Brothren Church India,Principal of the Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College & Bible Institute in Shamshabad; Founder cum Director of Peace Studies, Pastor- Bethany M.B.Church,Shamshabad, Director cum Custodian of Mennonite Property Association of India and also served in various senior level positions at the National and International level Mennonite Conference Committees till his sudden demise in the USA ;ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mbcbcindia.com/home.html|title=Home|website=Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College|language=en-IN|access-date=2016-03-09}}</ref>
* P. Abraham Prakash, Principal of MBC Junior college, [[Mahabubnagar]]
* Dr. E.D. Solomon, M.Th (New Testament), Ph.D. Senior Faculty and Vice Principal of Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute in Shamshabad, India and Director of Development.
* Rev. M.J. Krupaiah as Honorary Treasurer
* Rev. David Jakkula, M.A Public and personnel management [M.A., LLB], Executive Director at Mennonite Brethren Development Organization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mbdoindia.org/contact/|title=Contact Us – Mennonite Brethren Development Organisation|website=mbdoindia.org|access-date=2016-03-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310015236/http://mbdoindia.org/contact/|archive-date=10 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/I53.html India] at Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online

[[Category:Mennonite denominations]]
[[Category:Mennonitism in India]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Organizations with year of establishment missing]]