Mennonites are a Protestant Christian group that emerged during the 16th century Reformation in Europe. They are named after Menno Simons, a Catholic priest from the Netherlands who joined the Anabaptist movement and became a prominent early leader.
Some key beliefs and practices that distinguish Mennonites from other Protestant groups include adult baptism, pacifism and nonviolence, separation of church and state, and emphasis on community and service. One unique ritual that Mennonites and some other Anabaptist groups practice is the washing of feet.
What is footwashing?
Footwashing is a ritual that involves the literal washing of another person’s feet. In the Mennonite tradition, it is practiced twice a year, during special services before Easter and before the fall communion. During the footwashing service, men and women wash the feet of members of the same sex in a humble act of service.
What is the origin and meaning of footwashing?
The practice of footwashing originated during the time of Jesus and is recorded in the Bible in John 13:1-17. According to this account, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper as an act of humility and servanthood. After washing their feet, Jesus instructed the disciples:
“Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:12-17)
For Mennonites and other Christian footwashing groups, this Biblical passage and Jesus’ example convey important lessons about humility, equality, and service to others. The footwashing ritual reminds participants of Jesus’ servant ministry and teaches that all believers should have this kind of servant attitude in their relationships with each other.
History of footwashing in the Mennonite tradition
Early Anabaptists
Footwashing practices can be traced back to the early 16th century Anabaptist movement, of which Mennonites are spiritual descendants. Some of the first Anabaptist leaders, including Conrad Grebel and Felix Manz, taught that footwashing should be practiced literally according to Jesus’ example.
This was in contrast to the majority of Protestants at the time, who considered footwashing to be a symbolic ritual rather than something to be practiced literally. For Anabaptists, literal footwashing represented a return to the simple, practical example of Christ and the early church.
Institution among Swiss Brethren
In 1525, Grebel and Manz joined with George Blaurock and others to form a movement known as the Swiss Brethren. This group instituted footwashing as one of their regular practices based on their reading of the New Testament. Persecution scattered the Swiss Brethren, with many eventually migrating to Holland.
Adoption by Dutch Mennonites
From Switzerland, the practice of literal footwashing spread to Anabaptist groups in Holland and northern Germany. By the late 16th century, footwashing had been widely instituted among Dutch Mennonites groups. Some adopted footwashing as an ordinance that was on par with baptism and communion, while others viewed it as an important practice but not a binding ordinance.
Export to America
In the late 17th century, thousands of Dutch Mennonites migrated to America, settling in Pennsylvania and other colonies. They brought footwashing with them as a traditional practice. From Pennsylvania, Mennonites spread out west and south, establishing communities and congregations across North America.
Decline and revival
By the early 20th century, footwashing had declined among many American Mennonite groups as other Protestant influences and a drive toward modernization impacted their traditional practices. However, in the 1950s and 60s, some Mennonite churches experienced renewed interest in traditional beliefs and practices, including footwashing. Today, it continues to be practiced regularly in many Mennonite denominations.
How is footwashing practiced today?
The footwashing ritual differs somewhat between different Mennonite groups and congregations, but some common practices today include:
When
– During Maundy Thursday service before Easter
– Before or after communion service in the Fall
Frequency
– Twice annually is most common
– Some groups practice monthly or quarterly
– A few practice whenever communion is celebrated
Setting
– Often practiced in the church sanctuary
– Small groups go to separate rooms, halls, or back of sanctuary
– Congregations may divide by gender
Method
– Warm water, often with a small amount of mild soap
– Basins, towels, and chairs are set up
– Participants wash each other’s feet and then dry them
– Elders or leaders wash feet of members
– Deacons may assist
Meaning
– Act of humility and servanthood
– Symbol of service, equality, cleansing
– Reminder of Christ’s example
– Expression of love, forgiveness, fellowship
What is the significance and meaning of footwashing?
For Mennonites today, the significance and spiritual meaning of footwashing includes:
Humility
Washing each other’s feet is an act of humility, reminding participants that all people are equal before Christ. It flips social positions and statuses upside down for the purpose of service.
Service
Footwashing represents servanthood as it was modeled by Jesus, who washed the feet of his own disciples to set an example. Participants serve one another in a way that is intimate yet not inappropriate.
Cleansing
The use of water represents spiritual cleansing, just as baptism symbolizes the washing away of sins through Jesus’ sacrifice. Footwashing points to daily spiritual purification and renewal.
Forgiveness
Washing someone’s feet is a sign of forgiveness and reconciliation. Likewise, having your own feet washed signals your need for forgiveness.
Fellowship
The footwashing ritual expresses fellowship and the bond between members of the church community. It brings people together through touch and a shared experience.
Accountability
After having your feet washed, you commit to live your life in service to others as Christ served. Footwashing holds believers accountable to living out Jesus’ example.
Love
By washing each other’s feet, believers follow Jesus’ command to “love one another” as he loved them. Footwashing demonstrates Christ-like love in action.
What are the theological roots of footwashing?
The practice of footwashing as a religious rite has several theological roots within Anabaptist and Mennonite belief:
Biblical obedience
As seen in John 13, footwashing comes directly from the example and commands of Jesus at the Last Supper. Mennonites take this passage and Jesus’ instructions to wash one another’s feet literally.
Incarnational faith
Washing feet follows Jesus’ incarnational model of connecting faith to concrete actions. Mennonites believe faith must be lived out in practical, daily lifestyle choices.
Priesthood of all believers
All Christians have equal standing and authority before God, with Jesus as the only high priest. Footwashing displays this egalitarian view in contrast to hierarchical church authority structures.
Two kingdoms theology
This doctrine distinguishes the church as a peaceful kingdom on earth in contrast to worldly political systems. Footwashing models an alternative, servant-minded order and economy.
Simple obedience
Mennonites take Jesus’ commands literally, including ritual practices like communion, baptism, and footwashing. Obedience is oriented toward discipleship rather than abstract theology.
Separation from the world
Footwashing represents a countercultural ritual that sets the Mennonite community apart from “worldly” norms and practices. It reinforces separation.
What are some different perspectives on footwashing?
There are diverse viewpoints about footwashing among different Anabaptist groups:
Ordinance vs practice
Some Mennonite groups such as Brethren in Christ and Old Order Amish consider footwashing to be a sacred ordinance commanded by Christ, on par with baptism and communion. Others see it as an important practice that is recommended, but not necessarily binding.
Literal vs symbolic
Most Mennonites practice literal footwashing, but others like the Mennonite Brethren perform it as a symbolic ritual without actual washing. They see it as metaphorical like communion bread and wine.
Equality vs hierarchy
For some Mennonites, footwashing represents egalitarianism and equality among believers. But in some groups, church leaders wash the feet of lay members in a hierarchical manner.
Private vs public
Traditionally, Mennonites washed feet in a communal, public gathering. But some modern groups practice footwashing privately in small groups to maintain modesty and avoid drawing attention to their practice.
Sacrament vs memorial
Groups who see footwashing as an ordinance view it as imparting grace and blessing like a sacrament. Those who see it as a practice consider it mainly as a memorial of Christ’s example and teaching.
What are some common questions or misconceptions about Mennonite footwashing?
There are some common questions and misconceptions people have about footwashing among Mennonites:
Is it sanitary?
Yes, footwashing is done in a sanitary manner. Feet are washed gently with soap and water. Some carry their own towel while others provide towels. Basins are also cleaned thoroughly between uses.
Is it connected to the Amish?
Yes. Footwashing originated with the Anabaptists and is practiced by Amish as well as Mennonites. However, Mennonites and Amish are distinct groups. Not all Amish customs are observed by Mennonites and vice versa.
Is it required or optional?
Practices vary. In the most traditional groups, footwashing is a mandatory ritual for members in good standing. In other churches, it is encouraged and widely practiced but technically optional. Some choose not to participate.
Is it connected to communion?
Often but not always. Some groups practice footwashing during their communion service. But others hold footwashing services separately at other times like Maundy Thursday.
Is it worship or just tradition?
Footwashing is practiced out of biblical obedience and carries spiritual meaning for Mennonites. However, for some members today it may feel more akin to a traditional custom than active worship.
Do women wash men’s feet?
No. Gender segregation is strictly maintained. Women only wash other women’s feet and men likewise wash men’s feet in separate spaces or at separate times. This protects modesty.
What are the implications and impact of footwashing?
The implications of the footwashing ritual include:
Community bonding
Footwashing strengthens relationships within the church community through intimate service. The shared experience creates connection.
Spiritual formation
Participating in footwashing teaches humility, forgiveness, and other Christ-like virtues. It serves as a hands-on spiritual discipline.
Egalitarianism
Washing each other’s feet models equality and mutuality. Social status and hierarchies are symbolically dismantled.
Witness to society
The countercultural practice of footwashing contradicts individualism and celebrity culture. It offers an alternative model of mutual service centered on Christ.
Separation from the world
The unique ritual reinforces Mennonite group identity, distinguishing their communities from mainstream society.
Reconciliation and healing
Footwashing represents forgiveness and cleaning. It allows reconciliation of disputes between members when practiced with the right attitude.
Discipleship
Following Jesus’ uncomfortable example challenges believers to move outside comfort zones. Footwashing teaches deeper discipleship.
Conclusion
Footwashing remains a notable practice that has endured since the early days of the Anabaptists in 16th century Europe. For modern day Mennonites, this commemorative ritual continues to carry spiritual significance and biblical meaning. Participating in footwashing serves as an active reminder of Christ’s teachings on servanthood, humility, forgiveness, and love. It brings biblical principles to life through practical action.
While approaches to footwashing vary between different Mennonite groups and denominations, the practice unites them in their common pursuit of following Jesus’ example. Despite a declining emphasis on traditional practices like footwashing in some quarters, it remains an important part of Mennonite church life that connects members to key tenets of Anabaptist theology and identity. For insiders and outsiders alike, this unique ritual offers a window into Mennonite beliefs, values, and community.