I have a lot of respect for many Mennonite groups' strict adherence to many parts of the New Testament. What passages do Old Order Mennonite groups point to as authority for organizing themselves into large denominations like the Mennonite Church USA, instead of remaining as fully autonomous local groups which share fellowship (but not connecting human power structures) with other local groups? It is possible that I have misunderstood the purpose of said Mennonite denominations; if there is no hierarchical power structure in them, that would render my question moot. But my current understanding is that there are decisions made at the top of these denominations which are expected to be implemented on a local level.

I've heard of different groups, typically technology-rejecting ones, being referred to as "Amish" or "Mennonite". Is there a difference between those two terms? What do these groups believe?

Historically, Mennonites and other Anabaptists practiced adult re-baptism when a Catholic or Lutheran converted. This got them in a lot of hot water at the time. As a long-time member of a General Conference Mennonite Church (now the [Mennonite Church USA](http://www.mennoniteusa.org/)) , and a current member of a [Mennonite Brethren](http://www.usmb.org/) church, my impression is that when a Catholic (or other person baptized as an infant) becomes a Mennonite, they are generally given the option of re-baptism, but it's not considered a requirement. But admittedly, this doesn't happen very often in the U.S. And in Mexico, where practically everyone is born Catholic (and therefore baptized as an infant), re-baptism seems quite common; but in Mexico the Catholic and protestant churches are often quite at odds with each other (Mexican Catholics think "Christian" is a dirty word). So my question is: What are the *official rules* among Mennonite churches regarding re-baptism of new members of the Mennonite church?

I grew up around the Amish, and Mennonite communities. However, my family was half Protestant half, well.. Not religious. I am a 21 year old dairy farmer, and not baptized. It was always left open to me to find what I believed, and follow that. I've always looked in to the Mennonite religion, with strong desire to learn more. However where I live now, there are no close-by Mennonite churches. I agree strongly with the way things are viewed in this religion and I'd like to follow the church as well as the lifestyle. I believe it's time. And its something I take seriously. My question is, would I be welcomed as a visitor in a Mennonite church? And if so, could I become a member if I truly decided that's what I want?

**Background** A few years ago, a concern was raised by a member of a local Mennonite congregation about the use of citations from the Shepherd of Hermas . At the time, the concern was alleviated when it was mentioned that the Mennonite council endorsed its use as a secondary text. Recently, the concern was raised again. This time the member would like a citation or reference in order to substantiate either the endorsement, repudiation, or neutrality toward this text by Mennonite Bretheren. **Question** Does anyone have a cite or reference that discusses whether and to what extent the following extra-biblical sources are considered appropriate for teaching and instruction for Mennonite congregations? * Epistle of Barnabas, * The Shepherd of Hermas * The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians, Any citation or reference either supporting or repudiating these texts from a Mennonite denomination or organization is requested.