2025 Schrag Lecture
A Community of Conversation: Anabaptism at 500 and its Relevance for the Brethren in Christ Church Today
Dr. John D. Roth
March 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Alexander Auditorium, Frey Hall, Messiah University
About The Lecture
Pastors and scholars alike have long recognized the diversity of theological streams that have helped to shape the Brethren in Christ tradition. The 500th anniversary of Anabaptist beginnings provides a helpful context for reflecting again on this identity, particularly as the North American church prepares to celebrate its own 250th year anniversary in 2028. In this lecture, Anabaptist historian John D. Roth will engage these questions from a fresh perspective, drawing especially on insights around the creation of the recent Anabaptist Community Bible.
This lecture is open to the Messiah University community and the general public. No tickets are required.
About The Lecturer
Dr. John D. Roth is project director of MennoMedia’s Anabaptism at 500 initiative. Prior to that role, he was a professor of history at Goshen College (1985–2022), where he also served as director of the Mennonite Historical Library and editor of the Mennonite Quarterly Review. Roth has published widely on topics related to Anabaptist-Mennonite history, theology, and church life. He is also the founding director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism at Goshen College and is active in Mennonite World Conference. John and his wife Ruth enjoy spending time with their grandchildren and are members of Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship in Goshen, Indiana.