Believer's baptism by profession of faith

What it is: The Mennonite tradition practices baptism of people who profess faith consciously, usually after instruction, repentance, and commitment to Christian life.

How the tradition understands it: Baptism is seen as a sign of responsible entry into the community of disciples and of public commitment to Christ and his church.

Basis and context: The theme was one of the decisive marks of historical Anabaptism and was at the origin of strong persecution by civil and religious authorities in the 16th century.

Debates and variations: There are variations in the catechetical process, age, and liturgical practice, but the principle of believer's baptism is broadly characteristic.

Supportive

Acts 2:38-41

mennonites,bible,acts,baptism,church

Repentance, reception of the word, and baptism.

Reference: Acts 2:38-41.
Content: The text associates repentance, reception of the message, and baptism with entry into the community.
Use in debate: Frequently used for believer's baptism and the church of voluntary adhesion.

Articles of Dordrecht on baptism and church

mennonites,dordrecht,baptism,church

The confession articulates baptism, voluntary church, and fidelity of life.

Reference: Sections of the Dordrecht Confession on baptism, church, and obedience.
Content: The document relates believer's baptism, life commitment, and church communion.
Use in debate: Important source for baptism and voluntary membership.

Matthew 28:19-20

mennonites,bible,discipleship,baptism,mission

Make disciples, baptize, and teach.

Reference: Matthew 28:19-20.
Content: Jesus orders to make disciples, baptize, and teach them to practice his instructions.
Use in debate: Important for believer's baptism, discipleship, and mission.

Schleitheim Confession (1527)

mennonites,schleitheim,confession,anabaptism

Early Anabaptist text on separation, baptism, supper, and discipline.

Reference: Schleitheim Confession or Brotherhood of 1527.
Content: The document deals with baptism, ban, supper, separation from evil, pastors, sword, and oath.
Use in debate: Decisive source for understanding the Anabaptist matrix of the Mennonite tradition.