Historical Transitions

TRANSITIONS

Gilbert G. Brandt

 

Recently I was asked about changes that have occurred in our Mennonite churches over the past generation or so. This was an interesting question, one which I really am not qualified to answer fully. However, as I thought about this, I noted a number of things that are different today. The transition from one approach to another—one totally different—intrigued me.

As you read my list and think about these, I trust you will come up with others. Truly, much has changed in our lifetime. Much has changed in our society. These transitions are well documented elsewhere. My concern is to document the changes in our churches.

 

1. Church architecture changed as viewpoints changed. The first churches frequently had two entrances, one for women and one for men. Eventually, in the early 1940s, new churches had three doors—one each for men and women, and one, usually in the centre, for the more progressive attendees. Then, in the 1970s, architecture changed and the separated entrances disappeared and most churches had one main entrance. Larger structures had numerous doors, but none designated for males or females. I would venture to say that architects of today would not give any consideration to the separated entrances.
   
2. The early settlers had many struggles as they sought to survive in a new land. Both husbands and wives worked hard as families pushed to produce sufficient food and income for survival. Gradually mechanization occurred. As this happened, the men ran the equipment and the women became the household workers. Suddenly the women were relegated to second class membership in family units as they were stuck with providing meals for the men who now were the operators of heavy equipment. This division of labour was settled through male-female designations, not according to abilities. This became a theological issue as the male-female division became part of the church traditions. Many years ago as missionaries were sent out, they were ordained, both women and men. The church made no distinctions, similar to pioneer society in which everyone was viewed as a producer. As society changed, so did the church. Women were relegated to ministering to other women, without ordination. Only in very recent years has the role of women again moved into leadership possibilities. In some churches no distinctions are made as to ministries—women and men are challenged to minister equally.
   
3. Sixty years ago the feelings between the Mennonite Church and the Mennonite Brethren Church was such that ministers normally never visited the other denomination's pulpit to preach. This occurred only at very special occasions. Today, churches have pulpit exchanges; youth groups meet together; seniors may participate in joint activities.
   
4. Sixty or so years ago cross denominational marriages normally did not occur. If they did the Mennonite Brethren member could be excommunicated. Today, inter-denominational marriages are the accepted norm.
   
5. Back in 1938 my father started teaching in Reinland, Manitoba and introduced the piano into the classroom. In fact he had a small orchestra in which the school students played a variety of instruments. Today we may take musical instruments and 4-part singing for granted but in some churches this is still not necessarily the case. Susan and I attended a Mennonite church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for a winter back in 2006. To our surprise we discovered that the congregation sill struggled with using instruments to accompany congregational singing. The preferred method was a cappella.
   
6. Sunday dress has also changed dramatically. Back in the 1950s. 1960s and even the 1970s the dress for Sunday was much more formal. Men normally wore suits and ties while many women wore hats to church. Something changed in the 70s. During that decade and the 80s people's Sunday wardrobes changed from such formal attire to informal wear. Soon slacks and tops, jeans or shorts were frequently seen. I recall a US Mennonite Brethren convention in the early 1980s when no one was to come onto the podium wearing a tie. If one did, the moderator would cut the tie. Now nary a tie is seen in church.
   
7. Some of us grew up in churches where the main language was German. The transition to English came with much fear and frustration. The change came at different times across the Canadian Mennonite Brethren denomination. Saskatchewan basically changed prior to World War II while British Columbia struggled through the 1970s and beyond. Some churches still have German services alongside the English services. This is similar to the process in Manitoba. Some churches have completely separate German and English services while a few have a combination service.
   
8. When I was a child Sundays were considered worship days with the main activities visiting and meditation. Women did not do handwork and men did not do yard work. Families would visit each other after dinner, have 'Faspa' together and then leave in order to attend church in the evening. Children were challenged to 'play quietly' and not be too active. Today, few churches have Sunday evening services. And few families spend the afternoon quietly visiting. Non-church activities seem to rule the day. Such activities as mowing the lawn, shopping, cleaning house, doing house repairs all have become norms for Sundays.
   
9. When my siblings were young they were admonished for participating in sports activities. This occurred in southern Manitoba whereas in Saskatchewan the church community accepted sports participation as a Sunday activity. The church had difficulty knowing how to deal with sports and Sundays. Struggles occurred through the 1070s in most areas. Hockey practices and games were not to be played on Sundays, then not Sunday mornings. Now sports participation, whether playing or watching, is fully accepted. Many parents merely shrug and declare that if children want to participate, the sports community expects full cooperation regardless of day.
   
10. These are changes that have occurred in the past 60 or so years. Surely there are numerous others. As you read and react to the above make your own list of transitions that you have witnessed.