In this episode of "Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories," we sit down with Barb Wedel, who takes us on a journey through her life growing up in the Fairview congregation of Church of God in Christ Mennonite. Barb, a self-proclaimed wild child, shares how she always felt like a bit of a rebel in a community that prized conformity.

Barb talks about her family's deep ties to the church, with both her parents raised within its strict confines. She recounts a touching story about her maternal grandfather, who, fearing for his soul, joined the church at the age of 90. This act underscores the intense pressure and indoctrination prevalent in their beliefs.

Throughout the episode, Barb reflects on her spirited nature and the challenges it brought her in a high-control religious environment. She candidly discusses the moments that made her question her faith and ultimately led her to leave the church. A significant part of her story is discovering that being a wild child was not just okay but something to be celebrated.

Barb shares how she saw herself in her daughter, who inherited her free spirit and zest for life. This realization helped Barb embrace her own nature, recognizing that her daughter's wonderful qualities were a reflection of her own.

Tune in to hear Barb Wedel's honest and heartfelt tale of growing up, rebelling, and finding freedom outside the Holdeman Mennonite Church. Her journey is a testament to the strength it takes to forge your own path and the joy that comes with living authentically.

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In this compelling episode of "Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories," we sit down with Stanley Unruh to explore his unique journey into and out of the Holdeman Mennonite Church. Stanley, originally from the Greensburg Kansas congregation of Church of God In Christ Mennonite shares his deeply personal story of growing up within the high-control religious community, the pivotal moments that led him to question his beliefs, and the challenges he faced while transitioning to life outside the church.

Listeners will be captivated by Stanley's honest and heartfelt reflections on the emotional and psychological impact of leaving a close-knit community. He discusses the struggle to find his identity and the liberation he felt upon embracing his true self. A poignant highlight of the episode is Stanley's reference to the lyric, "Be what you must. It's part of the plan," which encapsulates his journey towards authenticity and personal freedom.

Stanley also offers a balanced perspective, acknowledging the positive aspects of his Holdeman upbringing, including the strong sense of community and values instilled in him. His story is one of resilience and courage, providing a relatable and inspiring narrative for anyone who has questioned their own path in life.

Join us for an episode that delves deep into the complexities of faith, identity, and belonging, as Stanley Unruh's story unfolds with candor and insight. Whether you're familiar with the Holdeman Mennonite Church or simply interested in personal stories of transformation, this episode is sure to resonate and inspire.

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In this episode of "Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories," host Waylon sits down with Larissa, a former member of Church of God in Christ Mennonite. Larissa begins by sharing her background, growing up in the Ithaca, Michigan congregation, which she considered her home despite living in a few other congregations throughout her life. She delves into her family history, mentioning that her parents owned and operated the Mennonite nursing home, Maple View, in Michigan. This setting significantly influenced her early life experiences.

Larissa discusses her upbringing within the Holdeman community, providing insights into her childhood and the cultural and religious environment she was immersed in. She reflects on the values and traditions that shaped her identity and the pivotal moments that led her to question and eventually leave the church.

Throughout the conversation, Larissa candidly shares her journey of self-discovery, the challenges she faced, and the personal growth she experienced after leaving the Holdeman Mennonite faith. Her story is a compelling narrative of resilience and the search for authenticity outside the confines of her religious upbringing.

Join us for an engaging and heartfelt episode as Larissa opens up about her past, her struggles, and the path she has forged beyond the Holdeman Mennonite community. Her story is a testament to the strength and courage it takes to redefine one's beliefs and find a new sense of belonging.

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In this special bonus episode of "Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories," host Caleb sits down with historian Dennis Goossen for a comprehensive discussion on the history of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, also known as the Holdeman Church, during the early 1900s. This episode delves into critical historical moments and their lasting impact on the Holdeman community.

Dennis Goossen provides an expert's perspective on the leadership transitions following the death of John Holdeman, the founder of the church. The conversation explores the challenges and complexities of leadership succession during a period marked by internal conflicts and external pressures. Goossen discusses the key figures who stepped into leadership roles and the influence they had on the church's direction.

The episode also covers significant events such as the impact of the World Wars on the Holdeman community. Listeners will learn how the church navigated the tumultuous times of global conflict and how these events shaped the beliefs, practices, and cohesion of the community. The discussion offers a detailed look at the social and cultural dynamics within the Holdeman Church, providing valuable insights into the church's evolution during the early 20th century.

Through Goossen's scholarly lens, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the pivotal moments that have defined the Holdeman Church's history. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Mennonite history, church leadership dynamics, and the resilience of religious communities in the face of adversity.

Tune in for a fascinating journey through the early 1900s history of the Holdeman Church, exploring the events and personalities that have significantly shaped its path.

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In this compelling episode of "Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories," we sit down with Starla, an inspiring individual who opens up about her life growing up in and eventually leaving the Holdeman church, officially known as the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. Starla was born in the close-knit community of Linden, Alberta, where she was the eighth of nine children in her family. The episode begins with Starla sharing her early memories of life in a large family, where she often felt like a forgotten child, a sentiment that has profoundly shaped her perspective.

Starla candidly discusses the unique challenges she faced while growing up in a high-control religious environment. She describes the rigid structures and expectations that defined her upbringing, offering listeners a glimpse into the everyday realities of life within the Holdeman church. Her narrative provides valuable insights into the social and emotional dynamics of living in a community where conformity and obedience are paramount.

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Starla's transformative journey after leaving the church. She talks about the difficulties and triumphs she encountered as she navigated life outside of the only community she had ever known. Starla’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery, highlighting her determination to build a new life on her own terms.

Starla’s work as a sexual abuse victim advocate is another focal point of the conversation. She shares how her personal experiences have fueled her passion for advocacy and her commitment to educating professionals about the intricacies of high-control religious organizations. Her advocacy work is crucial in helping survivors of abuse find their voice and in raising awareness about the often hidden challenges faced by individuals who leave such groups.

Throughout the episode, Starla’s strength and dedication shine through. She reflects on the importance of support networks and the role they played in her journey towards healing and empowerment. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit’s capacity for growth and transformation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the complexities of high-control religious groups, the challenges of breaking free, and the inspiring stories of those who have found their voice and purpose beyond such communities. Join us as we listen to Starla’s extraordinary journey, filled with poignant moments, hard-earned wisdom, and a hopeful outlook.

If Starla's story resonates with you or you have your own story to share, consider joining us as a guest to further this vital conversation. Reach out to us at ⁠ourpeoplepodcastteam@gmail.com⁠ with your thoughts or suggestions for future interviews.

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In this episode of Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories, hosts Waylon and Amanda engage in an intimate conversation with Jules Thiessen, offering a profound look into her life and experiences. Originally known as Jules Penner, Jules shares her journey from growing up in the Steinbach congregation, to forging a new identity outside the Holdeman Mennonite community.

At the age of 25, Jules candidly recounts her departure from the church, a decision marked by personal and communal challenges. She provides an unflinching account of the struggles and triumphs encountered, including the difficult realities of leaving a tightly-knit faith community. Jules' story is one of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of authenticity amidst adversity.

In a poignant and powerful segment, Jules discusses the abuse she endured, shedding light on the darker aspects of her past and the profound impact it had on her journey. This episode delves into the complexities of identity, faith, trauma, and healing, offering listeners a raw and honest portrayal of Jules' path to self-discovery and empowerment.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the Holdeman Mennonite culture, the emotional and psychological toll of transitioning away from a deeply rooted faith, and the strength required to rebuild one's life. Jules' narrative is not just about leaving a community but about reclaiming her voice and finding a new sense of self and belonging.

Join us for an episode filled with reflection, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling as Jules Thiessen shares her journey with vulnerability and bravery.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of abuse. Please take care while listening.

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In this episode of "Our People Podcast," we dive deep into the fascinating life and legacy of John Holdeman, the founder of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. Our host is joined by Dennis Goossen, a CPA by profession and a passionate historian with extensive knowledge of Holdeman's life and the broader historical context of his time.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Introduction to the Episode:

   • Introduction of the guest, Dennis Goossen, his background, and his passion for history.

2. Setting the Historical Context:

   • Discussion on the early 1800s, providing a backdrop to John Holdeman's life.
   • Exploration of the social, economic, and religious climate of the time.

3. Early Life of John Holdeman:

   • Insights into Holdeman's upbringing and the factors that influenced his religious journey.
   • The impact of his family's faith and the communities he was part of.

4. Founding of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite:

   • The motivations behind Holdeman's decision to establish a new denomination.
   • Key beliefs and doctrines that set the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite apart from other Anabaptist groups.

5. Challenges and Controversies:

   • Examination of the challenges Holdeman faced, including opposition from other religious groups.
   • Controversies surrounding his teachings and how he addressed them.

6. Legacy and Impact:

   • The lasting influence of John Holdeman on the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.
   • Reflections on his contributions to Anabaptist theology and practice.

7. Personal Reflections:

   • Dennis Goossen shares his personal insights and reflections on studying Holdeman's life.
   • Anecdotes and lesser-known stories about Holdeman's personal life and character.

8. Conclusion:

   • Summarizing the key takeaways from the episode.
   • Encouragement for listeners to explore more about John Holdeman and his legacy.

Listen to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of John Holdeman's life, his religious convictions, and the enduring legacy of the church he founded. ​

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In this episode of "Our People Podcast," Sylvia Baize narrates her life's journey from Brazil to Arizona, sharing her experiences with faith, family, and adoption.

As a Holdeman Mennonite, Sylvia faced significant challenges and judgment from her religious community, particularly regarding her decision to adopt children, including a son with special needs. Her story highlights the struggle against rigid community expectations and the transformative impact of finding a more supportive community in Arizona. Sylvia discusses her spiritual growth, the journey to adopt her children against community pressures, and her eventual move to a congregation that embraced and supported her family's choices. This episode offers a profound look at resilience, the power of supportive communities, and the courage to live one's truth through faith.

Sylvia's book, It Was Meant to Be: https://a.co/d/4qXlQze

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