JohnH wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2026 3:07 pmThis shouldn't be a particularly hard question to answer. My impression was that is a formerly Beachy type background place that is now independent and would generally find itself aligned with ADC, but I might be wrong.
Wrong.
JohnH wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2026 3:07 pm
I suppose perhaps we could talk a bit more about the background of whatever institution AP is and its founder; my impression is it was founded and run by people who belong to the "barely-still-plain Anabaptists" constituency in terms of where they sit on the continuum of tradition, conservatism vs liberalism, and so forth. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I'll oblige.
Among moderate-conservatives, Wellspring Mennonite, Athens, TN is one of the more conservative, principled, historically Anabaptist churches on that side of the spectrum. They are among the least transitional in their constituency. They have raised some fine, servant hearted young people. If someone was looking for a church with the above criteria, I would recommend this one.
Last edited by Ernie on Mon Sep 14, 2026 3:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
0 x
A wee little man can’t say, I’m sorry. A big man owns his mistakes and apologizes.
A wee little man trusts himself and his own discernment. A big man is humble enough to know that he needs the counsel and input of others.
JohnH wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2026 3:07 pm
I suppose perhaps we could talk a bit more about the background of whatever institution AP is and its founder; my impression is it was founded and run by people who belong to the "barely-still-plain Anabaptists" constituency in terms of where they sit on the continuum of tradition, conservatism vs liberalism, and so forth. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I'll oblige.
Among moderate-conservatives, Well Spring, Athens, TN is on the conservative, principled, historically Anabaptist side of the spectrum. They are among the least transitional in their constituency. They have raised some fine, servant hearted young people. If someone was looking for a church with the above criteria, I would recommend this one.
Along with that, I'm highly doubtful Chester Weaver would be comfortable being on the AP Board of Directors if the Well Spring Church was similar to ADC.
GaryK wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2026 3:23 pm
Where did that impression come from? Do you know any of the people at the church in Athens, TN?
What constituency is it?
What church standards do they generally hold to (or not hold to), e.g.:
- mixed seating vs. separated seating for men and women
- members watch YouTube videos, DVDs, etc. vs members are encouraged not do that.
- members' phones generally have unfiltered internet vs. filtered internet vs. they don't use Internet on phones at all
- relaxed dress standards (skirts, shirts, veils, fashionable veils, etc.) vs. more prescribed style with a standard covering style vs. strict cape dresses, kapps, plain coats
- men wear athletic shorts in public vs men wear athletic pants in public vs. they would only be as relaxed as wearing jeans in public vs. they would not wear jeans but would only wear broadfalls, etc.
What groups do they find they share pulpits, visiting revival preachers, etc. with (Keystone / BMA / ADC vs Beachy but not ADC, Mid-Atlantic, etc. vs Pilgrim, Hope)
This shouldn't be a particularly hard question to answer. My impression was that is a formerly Beachy type background place that is now independent and would generally find itself aligned with ADC, but I might be wrong.
I think you would be wrong.
What would be their position on the things I listed?
GaryK wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2026 3:54 pm
Along with that, I'm highly doubtful Chester Weaver would be comfortable being on the AP Board of Directors if the Well Spring Church was similar to ADC.
One of AP's most recent podcasts is from an ADC member, so I find it hard to believe that AP and ADC are really that far apart.
GaryK wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2026 3:54 pm
Along with that, I'm highly doubtful Chester Weaver would be comfortable being on the AP Board of Directors if the Well Spring Church was similar to ADC.
One of AP's most recent podcasts is from an ADC member, so I find it hard to believe that AP and ADC are really that far apart.
Just because they have individuals on their episodes doesn't mean that they must be like the churches those individuals are from. They have had Chester Weaver, John D Martin, Edsel Burge and David Bercot on numerous times. Following your logic, AP and the churches these men are associated with must not really be that far apart. So why try to build a case for an AP-ADC connection when you can choose from a whole host of churches?
Oh, and I forgot to mention Stephen Russell who is part of what I believe is pretty conservative Beachy Church.
Last edited by GaryK on Mon Sep 14, 2026 4:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
GaryK wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2026 3:54 pm
Along with that, I'm highly doubtful Chester Weaver would be comfortable being on the AP Board of Directors if the Well Spring Church was similar to ADC.
One of AP's most recent podcasts is from an ADC member, so I find it hard to believe that AP and ADC are really that far apart.
What does the way this woman is dressed say about AP?
Jaran wrote:I occasionally read discussions on this forum and find significant overlap with my personal interests and the things contributors here are interested in. Occasionally my work at Anabaptist Perspectives has been in focus on this forum.
Welcome Jaran. I'm imagine you've been quite intrigued to find out that you are in fact a closeted liberal camel trying to worm your nose into the tents of conservatism.
Last edited by ohio jones on Tue Sep 15, 2026 2:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason:coding
JohnH wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2026 3:07 pmThis shouldn't be a particularly hard question to answer. My impression was that is a formerly Beachy type background place that is now independent and would generally find itself aligned with ADC, but I might be wrong.
Wrong.
JohnH wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2026 3:07 pm
I suppose perhaps we could talk a bit more about the background of whatever institution AP is and its founder; my impression is it was founded and run by people who belong to the "barely-still-plain Anabaptists" constituency in terms of where they sit on the continuum of tradition, conservatism vs liberalism, and so forth. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I'll oblige.
Among moderate-conservatives, Wellspring Mennonite, Athens, TN is one of the more conservative, principled, historically Anabaptist churches on that side of the spectrum. They are among the least transitional in their constituency. They have raised some fine, servant hearted young people. If someone was looking for a church with the above criteria, I would recommend this one.
I would second that. I have worked alongside these people, know about half of their ministry. I would in no wise call them “transitional.”