From cultural isolation to multicultural diversity

In a study conference survey, the majority of participants found historian Bruce Guenther’s presentation the most helpful, because it did the work of clearly articulating MB habits of thought and their origins, which is the first step in understanding our relationship to culture.

Rev. Isaac Chang

Guenther explored Russian MBs who were culturally Dutch/German/Russian (DGR) and concluded that our denomination has had an underdeveloped theology of culture from the very beginning. Since 1860, MBs have generally been an eclectic bunch – borrowing worship practices and theology from various traditions. A high number of our members have been business people, and we’ve been strong advocates of higher education.

As Rüsslander refugees to Canada in the 1920s, MBs took a defensive posture towards the only possession they had left – their European culture, and especially language. In the 1930s, part of Bethany Bible College’s mission statement was to “preserve the German language.”

Now MBs are virtually indistinguishable from the broader multicultural Canadian society.

Reverend Isaac Chang, pastor of mission at Pacific Grace MB Church in Vancouver, responds to the presentation.

—AS

As a Chinese MB, what did you come away with after Bruce Guenther’s presentation on MB history?

I found it interesting to note how Dutch/German/Russian Mennonite culture changed in terms of outlook, languages, community, ministry roles, and political activism. The DGR ethnicity has had a strong influence on community relations. However, it seems to me the next generation of local-born Mennonites thinks differently about what it means to be Mennonite.

There were a lot of “AMENS” in the congregation when Guenther said we needed to get past the idea of “ethnic” vs “non-ethnic” MBs. How have you felt that tension in your own experience?

As Chinese MBs, we do not have the same historical background, but we can recognize a similar tension between our older generation born overseas and the younger Canadian born Chinese. All Chinese MB churches provide a Cantonese service for the older generation, and fellowship in English to fulfill the needs of youth. We also provide Mandarin services for Chinese immigrants.

Often, when the younger generation grows up, the leadership is still under the older generation’s shoulder, and it’s hard for young people to voice their needs. The older generations always think they know the right answers for the youth. When it comes to managing resources, conflict can occur. For church meetings, Cantonese is often the language of choice even though youth may not fully understand it. Recording our meetings in English is often used to overcome this.

What does being an MB mean for you and do you think it’s important for non-DGR Mennonites to be familiar with DGR culture?

It is good to learn from the degree of assimilation DGR Mennonites have had to Canadian culture. It may help the Chinese MB churches increase their ability to assess cultural change. DGR Mennonites built traditions which may have helped in those generations, but we cannot hold to traditions only.