Center for Anabaptist Studies

Director: Lynn Jost, Ph.D.

The Center for Anabaptist Studies (CAbS) promotes research and discussion around contemporary evangelical Anabaptist thought and practice.

Purpose and Mission of CAbS

The center was established at FPU in 2011 through the generosity of Dr. Herb and Jessie Penner. Its purpose is to foster communication regarding the study of Anabaptist theology, history, ecclesiology and peacemaking among scholars, students, church leaders and people with potential to influence the church and world. This is done through academic scholarship, theological training programs and other forms of communication and study with the goal of helping participants proclaim the Good News of Jesus, particularly as it relates to peacemaking, justice and reconciliation. The center's work is rooted in a vision of the church as a community of faith embodied in nonviolent service, devout discipleship and a primary identity with the people of God is an agency of the university, CAbS has four contributing partners:

• FPU Biblical Seminary
• FPU Division of Biblical and Religious Studies
• FPU Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies
• FPU Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies

The center welcomes associate partners who wish to engage in dialogue that explores both the roots and contemporary expressions of Anabaptism.

Programs and Activities

The center participates in:

• Global Anabaptist Peacebuilders Institute (GAP Institute), a program of Mennonite Central Committee West Coast
• local, distributed and online theological education.
• Development of symposia for advanced study, research and engagement, as well as cooperative scholarship in academic research and curriculum at FPU.
• Collection and dissemination of theological resources.
• Research and support for the theological work of the Mennonite Brethren Church.