History of the Missionary Church

The Missionary Church was the name selected following the merger of the Missionary Church Association and the United Missionary Church in 1969. This was possible because both denominations were committed to preaching only what was in the Bible and to evangelizing the world.

The United Missionary Church, known until 1947 as the Mennonite Brethren in Christ, was formed at a meeting near Dayton, Ohio, in 1883. It began, however, in the 1850s when a number of Mennonite ministers were dismissed from their former churches for having prayer meetings, holding revival services, and giving public testimonies. It was largely through the leadership of Daniel Brenneman and Solomon Eby that the denomination was organized.

Joseph Ramseyer founded the Missionary Church Association after he was dismissed from his former denomination for wanting to be baptized by immersion as a born-again believer in Christ. Ramseyer continued to preach the message of God’s love through Jesus Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King. In 1898, those who shared his convictions adopted the name “Missionary Church Association” because of their desire to evangelize the world.

The Word, Revival, and Evangelism: Historical Origins of the Missionary Church is a video presentation of the history of the Missionary Church up to the merger in 1969. Dr. Dennis Engbrecht, Professor at Bethel College, communicates significant events and circumstances that have shaped our denomination. It is an excellent resource for membership classes and individuals. It helps one to know who we are and from where we have come.

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