Without Spot or Wrinkle: Reflecting Theologically on the Nature of the Church

On February 5 2000 the Institute of Mennonite Studies held a conference at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary entitled Without Spot or Wrinkle: Reflecting Theologically on the Nature of the Church. This conference gave attention to ecclesiology in direct response to challenges that Mennonite church bodies in Canada and the United States have been facing in recent times. The phrase without spot or wrinkle comes from Ephesians 5:27 a text addressing relationships between husbands and wives within the Christian household. Historically it has also come to symbolize what Mennonites have sometimes believed about the nature of the church. Anabaptists and Mennonites who came after them have often maintained that the true church is a gathering of reborn and spiritually regenerated Christians called to be a community free from moral failure. At present however some Mennonites are questioning elements of this conceptual legacy and in light of personal failings and hurtful church schisms are expressing doubts about its practical adequacy and theological tenability. The essays in this book do not provide a unified argument. What the authors have in common is concern for the church and commitment to faithfulness. Readers are invited to reflect on the issues and make their own assessments. Karl Koop PhD is Assistant Professor of Theology and Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and Associate Director of the Institute of Mennonite Studies. Mary H. Schertz PhD is Professor of New Testament at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and Director of the Institute of Mennonite Studies.