The Mennonite Church

Back to the map

You are standing in front of the third Mennonite place of worship on the Geisberg. After the porch tower of the castle (1849-1973), then the chapel on your right (1973-1999), this new, larger hall has since been used for our weekly services.

In the Outre-Forêt and the Palatinate, other Mennonite places of worship have been used in the past (on alternating Sundays): Schafbusch farm in Steinseltz, Fleckenstein castle chapel in Niederroedern and Haftelhof castle in Schweighofen (D). The Deutschhof chapel in Kapellen-Drusweiler (D) is still in use. In the past, these sites served the same community, which for a long time crossed the border and was called Gemeinde* Geisberg-Deutschhof until the Second World War.

* Gemeinde = community (in German)

What are the particularities of the Mennonites?

Our community is first and foremost:

• • A Church:Like all Christians, we confess the Triune God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and salvation in Jesus Christ through his death and resurrection.
  • Evangelical:Like certain churches (Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals, etc.) attached to Protestantism, we attach great importance to the Bible, to a personal process of faith (conversion), to the separation of church and state, and to the commitment of each member (priesthood of all believers).
  • Mennonite:Mennonites are related to Anabaptism, a Reformation movement that began in Zurich in the 16th century, characterized by a return to adult baptism. Our name comes from Menno Simons, a Dutch Anabaptist who insisted on the need to live non-violence as taught by Jesus Christ.Today, there are between 1 and 2 million Mennonites worldwide, with around 30 churches in France (mainly in the east). 

What is their relationship with other Christians?

On a local level, the Geisberg Church is affiliated to the Entente évangélique de Soultz-Wissembourg, and collaborates with other churches in Wissembourg. Since 1888, we have been partners in a gathering of different churches every Pentecost weekend.

On a national level, our church belongs to the AEEMF (Association des Églises Évangéliques Mennonites de France), itself a member of the CNEF (Conseil National des Évangéliques de France) and the FPF (Fédération Protestante de France).

What is a Mennonite worship service like?

We meet every Sunday from around 10am to 11:30am. After a time of singing and prayer, the children can take part in age-appropriate activities. During this time, the service continues with a time of Bible reading (preaching) and occasionally the Lord’s Supper (bread and grape juice).

Worship is open to all. Feel free to come as you are. You are more than welcome!

To find out more about church activities: eglise-geisberg.fr

Do Mennonites have anything in common with the Amish?

Anabaptism is our common root. The Amish movement began in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines in 1693, under the leadership of a certain Jacob Amann, who wanted to return to a stricter discipline, away from worldly influences. Many fled Europe for America. As far as the Mennonites are concerned, all modern conveniences (means of transport, electricity, internet) are not prohibited in any way.

Local anecdote: The last Amish in France met at the Fleckenstein farm (Lembach) until 1928, when they joined our community.

Illustrations:

• 1. Menno Simons, lithograph by Hugo Bürkne, Lepizig 1854
  2. Bible verse visible inside the church above the pulpit « Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life. John 14:6
  3. Supper cup and jug previously used at the Geisberg