ICOMB: A sign of unity and faithfulness

What is ICOMB?

ICOMB, the International Community of Mennonite Brethren, is not a response to globalization. Rather, globalization is highly instrumental for a church that’s always existed worldwide. In its desire to be faithful, ICOMB, like its spiritual forebears, senses a call to be a movement of Jesus, the church, the Holy Spirit, and mission.

What does ICOMB stand for?

Harvest. North American mission endeavours haven’t been in vain. Prayers delivered to the throne of God, missionaries sent, money spent, tears shed, lives sacrificed, churches, conferences and boards praying, listening, discerning, deciding, convincing, and motivating others – all these are being returned through ICOMB. Here is the tangible and visible harvest.

ICOMB is an expression of praise to God – a thanksgiving offering on the altar. And MB churches from across North America are invited to celebrate, “reaping with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:5).

Cross-border. The Bible is international, and so is the church. God thinks and acts globally (John 3:16). Christ’s church, with its international character, can do no different. As humans, caught up in ourselves, we have a local, provincial focus that gives us a sense that the world is revolving around us and our loved ones. This Babel syndrome causes us to move within our own small world.

ICOMB is a call to overcome this kind of provincialism and think and act like God does – globally and holistically, embracing all peoples. Frontiers become bridges, cultural differences become resources, countries become launching pads for mission, differences keep us humble.

Unity. Christian unity is at the centre of our Lord’s prayer (John 17). The Pentecost syndrome reverses the Babel syndrome. As the Holy Spirit moves powerfully amongst its people, woman and men come closer together learning to live out their spiritual oneness in Christ. As brothers and sisters from around the world, we share a common heritage. ICOMB calls us to live as family. This is the way to be convincing witnesses to those outside the church (John 13:35; 17:21).

What does ICOMB want?

To be obedient. Spirituality and scriptural insight go hand in hand. With more obedience comes greater theological insight. ICOMB invites churches to read the Bible anew from a relational perspective. What does the Bible teach on marriage and family relationships, on relationships within a local congregation? Don’t we need a fresh look at Scripture in a time when we are fragile in long-term relationships? Moreover, what can we learn from the New Testament about international, cross-cultural, and inter-conference relationships?

To be faithful. Following Christ is best done together. That holds true for individuals, local churches, conferences, even denominations. How can we motivate each other to be faithful? Dare we hold each other responsible in our desire to be Christlike – even beyond our local, national, cultural borders? ICOMB would like to encourage this kind of courageousness.

Being faithful also means being missional. God has poured so much mission energy into our churches around the world. ICOMB wants to make sure this potential is not getting rusty or being lost.

To become strong. This is a biblical mandate (Ephesians 6:10). Healthy churches will manifest their faithfulness in discipleship and evangelism. They’ll also contribute to strong conferences.

Healthy leadership and sound biblical theology are key. ICOMB thinks in both directions. Our beliefs ought to be biblically grounded. Our confession of faith and its commentary (to be published in early 2008) are instrumental for this purpose. Other priorities include leadership development, and connecting schools and the church more closely.

What does ICOMB do?

Living faith is incarnated in good works. ICOMB combines belief – including hearing, knowing, seeing, dreaming, thinking, talking – and doing. How? Through a global history writing project, through bringing belief and life closer together, through celebrating God’s faithfulness (at the 150th anniversary of the MB church in 2010), through freeing the mission energy in our worldwide fellowship. Vision and action must start locally and become global.

Mennonite Brethren have strong roots and much reason to look confidentially into the future. Trusting in God’s faithfulness and thinking globally, ICOMB is harvest-oriented, just like Jesus was. Our DNA is a holy-missional-entrepreneurial spirit. Next time you walk into church, remember you’re part of an incredible international family!

Victor Wall is executive secretary of ICOMB and lives in Paraguay.