As a co-director of Mennonite Men, it feels important to get to know
Mennonite males from around the country and reflect on unique and
shared experiences. Turns out that traveling to the far reaches of the
US is not so affordable. And while phone and Zoom calls aren’t quite
the same as meeting in-person, they are great ways to listen to, share
with, and learn from other men working at being followers of Jesus for
God’s shalom.
I recently had a virtual conversation with a fellow Mennonite male in Idaho, Rob Hanson, thanks to an introduction from contacts in Pacific Northwest Mennonite Conference. Rather quickly I discovered Rob and I share several passions including conservation, agriculture, soil, and forests. God’s creation clearly means a lot to Rob. But I also sensed Rob’s care for relationships and the well-being of people as well as concerns about violence and poverty in the world. Rob is part of a bagel breakfast men’s group with other men in the congregation where he attends in Boise, Hyde Park Mennonite Fellowship. I was grateful to connect about shared experiences and have much to learn from Rob.
Photo: Rob Hanson, provided by himself.
Rob grew up evangelical and his wife grew up Catholic. Their journey to Mennonite Christian faith has been decades in the making. I was honored to hear about Rob’s faith journey and lessons learned along the way. We talked about our younger years, our younger selves, and our faith development and perspectives as we’ve encountered people with differing beliefs and perspectives.
“As a male growing up, I thought it wasn’t okay to be wrong or to admit that I didn’t know the answer to something. As I get older, I’m letting go of these notions,” Rob shared.
He gave an example from real life. “After moving to Idaho, I realized there are many Latter Day Saints folks in my area. Growing up, I was taught that the Church of LDS was a cult. Now I open my heart to them.”
Soon our conversation led to talking about Rob’s involvement in the work of Braver Angels, an organization that his congregation has supported. Braver Angels is a non-partisan civic organization that welcomes peopel of all faiths and brings together people of polarized political viewpoints to respectfully listen to one another, practice dialogue, and build connection despite difference. Thanks to their pastor and a pastoral intern at the time, Hyde Park Mennonite Fellowship has hosted Braver Angels workshops. Rob and others in the congregation have gotten training to be moderators at these workshops. This work has become a ministry.
I asked Rob how he is working to follow Jesus for God’s shalom these days, a reference to the mission statement of Mennonite Men. Rob directly referenced his involvement in Braver Angels in response.
“Participating in Braver Angels gives me
conversation skills I find important in trying to be a peacemaker,” he
told me. “This all takes practice. It’s kinda an art. This work helps
show me what my conflict triggers are and helps me learn to be curious
about other people’s values… Braver Angels has helped me see
others as whole people. Every person is worthy of dignity and respect
and honesty. We are all made in the image of God. Through this work I
get practice seeing Christ in other people, seeing the holiness in each
other. God loves them just as much as He loves me.”
As men trying to follow Jesus for God’s shalom, Mennonite Men is often trying to redefine what it means to be brave, to be strong, especially when the wider culture associates violence and domination with male bravery and strength. Rob again drew on Braver Angels in response.
“If I am saved by Jesus, what is there to fear? By getting involved in Braver Angels, I’m trying to convey to others I meet that ‘I wish you the best. I don’t wish you harm.’ I’m learning how to talk to anyone and not be afraid to. That’s a form of bravery,” Rob shared.
I learned so much
in my short conversation with Rob. May you and other males—Mennonites
and non-Mennonites!—find encouragement in following Jesus for God’s
shalom, as well. To learn more about Braver Angels, visit
https://braverangels.org or contact Rob Hanson directly at
rhanson@braverangels.org. For more online resources for men’s groups and for
spiritual growth, check out our JoinMen tab on our website at mennonitemen.org/joinmen, reach out to us directly, and
consider donating to our cause.