Rockhill Mennonite Community - Values and Beliefs Statement

Rockhill Mennonite Community

Values and Beliefs for Health and Human Service Ministries

(developed by Mennonite Health Services Alliance)

History

Members of the Mennonite-related Anabaptist churches have a strong tradition of understanding the church as a community committed to mutual aid and sharing, and doing good deeds for all, starting with the family of faith and moving into the world. Since the 16th century, Anabaptists have been known for developing programs to meet peoples’ needs, including hospitals, children’s homes, nursing homes, mental health services, and programs for those with developmental disabilities. Today, there are more than 180 health and human service ministries across the United States and Canada.

Identity

These health and human service ministries affiliated with the Anabaptist community are entrusted with the task of providing health care and/or human services for both the faith community and the general public. Because they have accepted a public trust, these organizations have an obligation to meet or exceed regulatory and professional standards. Because they are Christ-centered ministries affiliated with the Anabaptist community, they have an obligation to provide services in a manner that is consistent with and expressive of Anabaptist values and ethics.

Ministries of the Anabaptist community establish policies, set goals and evaluate activities in light of a particular set of values that are deeply rooted in Christian faith and Anabaptist heritage. In all that they do, these ministries strive to follow the example of Christ who healed the sick, comforted the sorrowful and welcomed the outcast.

1. Spirituality, Wholeness, and Prayer

“Love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37.

We believe that God created us as physical, intellectual and spiritual beings. True healing can only occur if we attend to the spirit as well as the mind and body. All three are integrated in the “whole person.” While we seek to maximize the physical health of individuals served, we believe that our god-given spirit cannot be contained by this physical world. When our spirit is healthy we will understand that even in the face of unavoidable suffering and death, all is not lost. We believe that a strong relationship with God can transform people and make them whole even if their body remains broken. Prayer is a means through which we touch and know the presence and power of God.

2. Community, Mutuality, Accountability and Service

“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:7.

We believe that God has given each person gifts which are to be used for the benefit of all. We believe that God calls us to share these gifts within our communities, serving one another in the name of Christ so that the Kingdom of God may be made visible among us. We also affirm that each MHS Alliance member is uniquely gifted and called to serve. We believe that we are accountable to one another as ministries to support each other and inspire service with excellence and integrity. We believe it is important to be related to the Anabaptist community of faith locally and beyond.

3. Human Dignity and Compassion for All People

“Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40.

We believe that God has created human beings in God’s own image and blessed each human being with an intrinsic dignity. It is only by respecting this divine image in one another and responding to one another in love that we are able to express and give life to our love for God.

4. Stewardship of God’s Gifts

“Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.”
1 Corinthians 4:1-2.

We believe that everything belongs to God and that God has called us to serve as good and just stewards of all that has been entrusted to us. We have a responsibility to care for the earth and all who live on it and to encourage and enable others to do the same.

5. Justice

“Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” Amos 5:24.

We believe that God calls us to bring the healing waters of justice to a world that is parched and suffering. In his ministry of healing Jesus gave particular attention to the needs of the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalized, and he calls us to do the same. We believe that restoring health and wholeness and promoting just relationships within our community go hand in hand.

6. Peace and Reconciliation

“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18.

We believe that God calls us to live in peace with all people and to bring peace to those whose lives are marred by violence and discord. We believe that the truest healing can only occur in an environment that is permeated with the peace of Christ.

7. Ethical Rigor

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2.

We believe that God calls us to work within the community of faith to discern his will in light of the revelation through Christ and the written Word. We are called to make the resources and support of the community of faith available to individuals and families as they face difficult decisions. Further, we are called to seek the highest ethical practices in all corporate activities from the board room to every department.

Approved March 2005