Following the 2024 presidential election, Executive Director Glen Guyton calls us to live out our citizenship in heaven with courage and faith.
Glen Guyton
Glen Guyton is the executive director of Mennonite Church USA. He is the first person of color to serve in the role. Glen has almost 30 years of leadership experience in the denomination. He joined the MC USA Executive Board staff in 2009 as the director of Intercultural Relations, and for the next serval years, held various staff roles until becoming executive director. Guyton holds a bachelor’s degree in management from the United States Air Force Academy and a master’s degree in education from Regent University. He is the author of several books including, “Navigating Microaggressions at Work: A Guide to Understanding and Avoiding Microaggressions in the Workplace,” and “Reawakened, Activate Your Congregation to Spark Lasting Change,” which explores eight keys to developing the abilities of congregations to bring healing and hope to their communities. Guyton is also a professional member of the National Speakers Association.
Philippians 3:20 NKJV
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
As I watch the endless news cycle, the 2024 presidential election continues to dominate the news. For almost half our nation, this moment in time signals high anxiety, fear and a sense of hopelessness. For others, there is a renewed sense of order, empowerment and hope. But where does that leave us as people of God, as Anabaptists, as members of MC USA?
Our hope has always been in Christ. As the hymnist wrote,
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand
The modern algorithm has made it far too easy for Christians to become both nationalists and victims, leaning on the unsteadiness of own understanding rather than the foundation of God’s word. It is easy to become fearful and fractured rather than focusing on our collective calling.
Philippians 4:8 NRSVUE
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
As Anabaptists, our history reminds us that we are called to live as citizens of God’s kingdom, embodying Christ’s teachings in a world often marked by division and discord. During times of political and social upheaval, our ancestors chose to stand apart from the powers of this world, aligning themselves instead with the life and values of Jesus.
The German Peasants’ War of the 16th century serves as a reminder of this. While Anabaptist ideals inspired calls for justice and equality, most Anabaptists remained committed to pacifism, refusing to take up arms and instead choosing to witness to God’s peaceable kingdom. This commitment to nonviolence and faithfulness in the face of persecution helped shape their identity and remains a part of our legacy today.
As we navigate the complexities of our time, may we remember that our hope is not found in earthly systems but in Christ alone. Let us stand firm on this foundation, seeking justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God. Our calling is not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, holding fast to what is true, honorable and just.
As leaders in MC USA we are committed to providing resources and information to help our conferences and congregation walk alongside the marginalized inside and outside of our denomination. We are committed to justice, equity and anti-racism. We reject violence in all forms.
In these uncertain times, may we embrace our Anabaptist heritage and live out our citizenship in heaven with courage and faith, working together across earthly divides to bring God’s hope and healing to our communities and the world.