Community Mennonite Church

Can a church’s true membership be scattered? Here at the Community Mennonite Church in Chicago, the answer seems to be a resounding yes. This church, nestled on Chicago’s west side, is a testament to the strength of faith and community, even when its members are spread far and wide. Community Mennonite Church isn’t just a building. It’s a vibrant hub for a diverse group of 60-80 regular attendees, plus many more loosely connected individuals. They come from all corners of the city and surrounding suburbs, converging on this shared space each Sunday morning for worship. The building itself is a testament to community, housing three separate congregations and various other ministries. Community Mennonite Church welcomes a mix of backgrounds and experiences. Some members are “cradle Mennonites,” raised in the Mennonite tradition. Others were drawn to the church’s commitment to peace, justice, and service. There are empty-nesters and retirees, young professionals in their 20s and 30s, and those who, despite living far away, still consider Community Mennonite Church their spiritual home. This diverse group encompasses a spectrum of ages, abilities, languages, orientations, and family structures. This blend creates a rich tapestry of human experience, united by a shared faith. The history of Community Mennonite Church is a story told in different versions. One version speaks of a group of Mennonites gathering in homes near Oak Park in 1978 for prayer and Bible study. Another suggests Mennonite church planters sought to establish a presence in the western suburbs. Yet another points to David Whitermore, coordinator of Chicago Area Mennonites, or Ivan Kauffmann, general secretary of the Mennonite Church, as key figures in the church’s inception. Regardless of the definitive origin story, what remains clear is the dedication and commitment of those early members. From humble beginnings in home fellowships, the congregation officially formed in late 1979. They held services in various locations before settling into the second floor of the First United Methodist Church in Oak Park in 1981. Almost two decades later, in 1998, the church moved to its current location, sharing space with the First Church of the Brethren. The name officially changed to Chicago Community Mennonite Church, reflecting its new urban identity. Community Mennonite Church is led by a dedicated pastor and a strong team of volunteers, embodying the “priesthood of all believers.” These leaders work tirelessly to connect the dispersed congregation, fostering a sense of belonging and spiritual nourishment. They strive to maintain the ties that bind, ensuring that even those who are geographically distant remain connected to the heart of this community.