Everence sponsors the Anabaptism at 500 Project

GOSHEN, Indiana – As the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism approaches in 2025, Everence^® is pleased to sign on as a supporting sponsor of the Anabaptism at 500 Project.

Led and produced by MennoMedia, the Anabaptism at 500 Project will provide resources for Anabaptist Christians to experience spiritual renewal and celebrate the Spirit’s calling together of diverse people across cultures and geography.

Suite of resources in development

The suite of resources will include The Anabaptist Community Bible, as well as a Bible study app, 40-day devotional, Sunday school curriculum, and more. This new initiative will draw on a Christ-centered reading that invites individuals to consider anew God’s call toward discipleship, community, stewardship, and generosity.

While countless study and devotional Bibles exist, The Anabaptist Community Bible will be the first that specifically focuses on reading the Bible with an Anabaptist lens. The perspectives woven into the marginal notes envisioned for The Anabaptist Community Bible will call readers to share one another’s burdens and recognize our interdependence with one another.

“These perspectives are not only part of the Anabaptist tradition, but also at the heart of the Everence mission and focus on Biblical stewardship,” said Madalyn Metzger, Everence Vice President of Marketing. “The Anabaptism at 500 project’s multi-denominational and multicultural emphasis resonates with the Everence tradition of church communities putting faith into action by sharing resources with each other, and fits well with our approach to serving members belonging to denominations and bodies with historic Anabaptist roots and relationships.”

Rooted in active application of Christ’s teachings

Anabaptists today number 2.13 million people in 86 countries worldwide, and include groups such as the Mennonites, Brethren, Amish and others – all of which trace their roots to the 16th century Anabaptist movement in Europe.

The movement sought to form a new faith community that emphasized the necessity of adult believer’s baptism, separation of church from civil authority, living and worshiping in authentic community, commitment to the way of peace, and active application of Christ’s teachings to daily living.

These practices put them at odds with official state church interpretations and local government control in 16th century Europe, making them one of the most heavily persecuted groups during the Radical Reformation.

To learn more about the Anabaptism at 500 Project, visit the initiative’s website at anabaptismat500.com.