ICOMB launches global Bible study

A simultaneous Bible study for the global Mennonite Brethren church will be launched in the fall of 2008 using the book “Knowing and Living Your Faith,” a commentary on the International Community of Mennonite Brethren 2004 Confession of Faith.

“The vision is for churches in the 18 Mennonite Brethren conferences around the world to engage in Bible study during the 16 months (September 2008 to December 2009) with the ICOMB confession of faith as the curriculum,” says Victor Wall, ICOMB executive secretary. “The study is an appropriate lead-up to the 150th anniversary of the Mennonite Brethren Church in 2010, since Mennonite Brethren, along with other Anabaptists, see their identity as students of the Word of God.”

The dozen writers for the ICOMB commentary and study guide come from Japan, India, Congo, Brazil, Paraguay, Colombia, Canada, and the United States. Translators from several languages have been at work in past months. The German and Spanish translations have been completed; the French, Kikongo, and Lingala translations will soon be ready. The book will also be published in Portuguese, Japanese, Telegu and possibly Russian. Kindred Productions, the North American MB publishing ministry, will release the English version in late spring.

At its 2006 meeting in Colombia, ICOMB directed that the project be undertaken in cooperation with MBMS International, the North American MB mission agency. At that session ICOMB appointed as editors Elmer A. Martens and Peter J. Klassen, both of Fresno, Cal. Martens is a former president of MB Biblical Seminary, and Klassen, historian and author, has taught at California State University of Fresno, Fresno Pacific University, and MB Biblical Seminary. The vision for such a book came from MBMSI personnel as a way of strengthening the unity of Mennonite Brethren around the world.

Wall invites congregations in Canada and the U.S. to begin their study by September 2008. While congregations can use the 120-page book for a 12-week study, the editors recommend a six to nine month study. Details on ordering will be forthcoming.

—ICOMB release