What is Rosedale Network of Churches? (aka Rosedale Network)

Rosedale Network is a Christian fellowship of more than 100 evangelical Anabaptist churches in North America committed to maturing and multiplying churches locally and globally. Churches are located in 23 states. The conference also is fraternally related to church groups which grew from conference-related ministries in Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, India, Kenya, and Nicaragua.

How did the conference begin?

The roots of Rosedale Network go back to the 16th century Anabaptist movement in Switzerland and the influence of Menno Simons (1496-1561) of Holland and a movement among the Swiss-German Anabaptists of the late 17th century to which the name of Jacob Ammon was attached. The more recent history is traced to a meeting in 1910 at Pigeon, Michigan, attended by five Amish Mennonite ministers who expressed a desire to stand together in the work of the Lord. Rosedale Network was known then as Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference, from 1954 to 2019 as Conservative Mennonite Conference, and now simply as Rosedale Network.

What does the conference believe theologically?

As an evangelical body, Rosedale Network believes in:

1. 1. The inerrancy and authority of the Scriptures, both Old Testament and New Testament.
   2. The full divinity and full humanity of Jesus Christ.
   3. The need for salvation because of human rebelliousness and self-will.
   4. Salvation by divine grace through faith in the sacrifice of the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
   5. The necessity of preaching Jesus Christ.
   6. Jesus as the only way of salvation.
   7. The personal return of Jesus Christ, followed by eternal punishment for the lost and eternal bliss for the saved.

As an Anabaptist fellowship of churches, Rosedale Network believes in:

1. 1. The New Testament as fulfilling and succeeding the Old Testament as the authoritative guide for God’s people today.
   2. The church as the body of Christ, redeemed by Jesus Christ and visibly consisting of committed disciples.
   3. Voluntary baptism and church membership.
   4. Separation of church and state.
   5. The way of love in human relations, including refraining from participation in military and other violent forces.
   6. Honesty in speech without the use of the oath.

While an autonomous church body within the world Mennonite church, Rosedale Network is active in the relief and development programs of Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) and Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). It also participates in the Mennonite World Conference (MWC). Other inter-Mennonite fraternal relationships and projects occur, especially in local communities.

Are there any schools affiliated with the conference?

Yes, Rosedale Bible College (RBC), an accredited degree-granting junior college-level school in central Ohio, offers studies in Bible and areas related to church life and ministry. The school’s mission is “to provide an evangelical junior Bible college education in the Anabaptist Mennonite tradition that equips students to grow spiritually and academically and to serve effectively in the church and society.” A significant range of Christian and secular colleges and seminaries constitute the total educational exposure of students from Rosedale Network churches. The education of children and youth of elementary and high school age includes Christian schools, public schools, and home-schooling.

How does the conference sponsor missions?

Through Rosedale International (RI), which sends out missionaries and short-term personnel. Church-planting missionaries work in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Churches have emerged in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Germany. Smaller fellowships have developed in sensitive Muslim areas in the Middle East.

The RI mission statement reads:

“As the Rosedale Network mission agency, RI seeks to stimulate and facilitate biblical, spirit-led missions vision and action with local congregations to launch believers into Christ-centered evangelism, service, and discipleship both at home and abroad.”

What is the relationship of Rosedale Network congregations to the conference?

Each congregation of Rosedale Network is local and autonomous. The congregations share the conference’s doctrinal positions. They exercise edification and discipline as needed for the growth and purity of the church, and are active in evangelism and compassionate ministry.

Each congregation provides its own leadership, typically consisting of a pastor or a team consisting of a senior pastor and one or more associate pastors. An ordained deacon serves on the pastoral team in some congregations. In most congregations, a board of elders (or equivalent by another name), comprised of the pastors and elected elders, provides the primary leadership.

Rosedale Network congregations make possible the ministries of the conference and at the same time, draw upon the resources and channels of ministry offered by the conference. In addition to Rosedale International and Rosedale Bible College, these include the Rosedale Network Executive Board and office as well as various committees that give guidance to the congregations on matters of nurture and local mission.

How can I get more information about the conference and its programs?

Feel free to contact the number below in the footer. In addition, you are welcome to join us at the Multiply Conference (our annual summer gathering) held in July or August of each year. A Pastors Conference – an annual meeting for ministers and their wives – is held each February.

Events and location information