They also take Christ’s words in scripture, in which he said to “not swear at all,” to be literal. The Mennonites do not take any oaths in court; rather, they “affirm.” When Christ said to not go to court or sue, this is taken literal as well, Tim said. “Generally, we would avoid lawsuits, or taking someone to court.”

One of the main beliefs in the Mennonite faith is non-resistance. “A lot of people in today’s world would use the term ‘pacifist,’ but we see it a little different,” Tim said. “Pacifists would have a social agenda, would picket or try to reform, use political expression. We believe in separation of church and state. We would not go to war because of our belief that we should not resist evil, but turn the other cheek.”

Mennonites also do not hold political office, and most do not vote, Tim said. “In our church, it isn’t a requirement, but we feel that crosses the line to becoming politically involved. We see our position more of praying for authorities, that you may lead a quiet and peaceable life in the land, leave a Christian witness, to do good.”

While many of his church’s congregation members are involved in business such as farming and carpentry, some are getting involved in other professions, such as health services. “We try to lead productive lives, not become a liability of the state. We are self-sufficient in a lot of ways.” He said they rely on each other in the church, and even share health bills through a deacon fund. Some Mennonites, he said, actually live in colonies, where they have buildings and live together in them.

Very often, people confuse the Mennonites with the Amish. Though they are quite different in many ways, there are some similarities. “Historically, we are a lot related, from the same stock,” Tim said.

They can trace their roots to the same people group that fled religious persecution in Europe, and sought a place where they could worship freely. “Our history is pretty rich in Pennsylvania,” he said.

After settling in America, this people group developed into different branches. The Mennonites are more mission-minded, and seek to evangelize, Tim said, whereas the Amish have adopted a more reclusive mindset.