Serving, Leading, Transforming

EMU and the Mennonite Faith Tradition

EMU was founded in 1917 and is affiliated with Mennonite Church USA. From its beginnings as a small Bible college, EMU has grown into a vibrant learning community, offering more than 50 programs of study and serving people from many faith traditions, cultures, and nationalities. Core values of service, social justice, Christian discipleship, sustainability, peacemaking and restorative justice are engaged in the classroom environment.

EMU strives to provide a community of learning where differences are valued, where respectful debate is encouraged, and where we collaborate across our differences in order to constructively confront the very real challenges we face in the world.

EMU's vision is a challenge to commit ourselves to offering healing and hope in our diverse world by doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. As we live into that vision, we follow Jesus’ call to bear witness to truth, serve with compassion, and walk boldly in the way of nonviolence and peace.

Join us on the journey

EMU wants to be intentional about faith-based engagement with the world. We want you to join us in changing the world to be a place with more compassion and care for others, the environment and the world’s resources.

EMU is home to students from all walks of life. While a portion of the student body attend Mennonite churches, over 70% of our student body comes from other faith traditions. More than 30 religious groups are represented on campus from all over the world.

Mennonites at EMU have much in common with all Christians. Mennonites are distinctive among followers of Jesus in being among the group of “historic peace churches,” along with the Church of the Brethren and Quakers.

We provide opportunities for worship and faith formation in a variety of settings and styles and our students connect to local faith communities and congregations of many types. We aim to provide opportunities for students, faculty and staff to explore and discuss faith and spiritual formation together.

What does "Mennonite" mean?

EMU's supporting denomination is Mennonite Church, USA. They have identified the priorities that guide the mission and ministry of Mennonite Church USA.

There are groups with similar names and roots, who dress distinctively or choose not to use certain technologies, such as Amish or Old Order Mennonites. There are differences in how we live out our Christian values. We do not require that you dress a certain way or refrain from certain technologies unless you decide it has a negative impact on your faith development.