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...

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,...

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...

In this episode of Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories, we sit down with a young woman from the Abbotsford, British Columbia congregation of Church of God in Christ Mennonite, who we will call Charlotte for this interview. At 22, Charlotte shares her life story, starting with her unique family background. Her father is a generational Mennonite, deeply rooted in the traditions and values of the Holdeman Mennonite community. Her mother, however, was not born into the faith; a Mennonite...

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....

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: Introduction to the Episode: Introduction of the guest, Dennis Goossen, his background, and his passion for history. ...

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...

In this episode of the Our People Podcast, Dennis Goossen tells how his life's story entered and then exited the Holdeman church, Church of God in Christ Mennonite. He begins by describing his conversion experience and joining the church. Then he tells about a faith crisis and subsequent reconsecration in his late teens. From there, he married and started a family within the church. Finally, he describes his involvement in an effort to reform the more legalistic aspects of the church which...

In this deeply personal episode of "Our People Podcast," Lewis delves into his spiritual journey, exploring the shifts in his faith that have significantly impacted his personal and familial relationships. From his early days rooted in traditional Holdeman Mennonite religious teachings to his present-day embrace of a more fluid and open-minded spirituality, Lewis discusses the challenges and revelations that have marked his path. Lewis opens up about the transformative power of doubt and...

In this episode of "Our People Podcast," we delve into the life and experiences of Monica from the Carrot River congregation of Church of God in Christ Mennonite. Monica shares her early life on a Canadian farm and the predestined path to her baptism at age 14 into this deeply traditional Holdeman Mennonite community. As she grew older, critical events—including the tragic death of peers and a family move—spurred profound shifts in her beliefs and feelings toward her faith. Monica candidly...

In this episode of the Our People Podcast, titled "Cam's Story of Building an Honest Life," we delve into the life journey of Cam Isaac. Now residing in northern Alberta, Canada, Cam reflects on his life's narrative, emphasizing his evolution from adhering to external expectations to embracing a life grounded in honesty and self-acceptance. Raised in the deeply rooted Holdeman mennonite farming congregation in Crooked Creek, Alberta, Cam shares his upbringing in a congregation with a legacy...

Join us as we delve into the life journey of Laverne Friesen. Born into the Holdeman Mennonite community in Crooked Creek, Alberta, Laverne shares his candid experiences of growing up within and eventually stepping away from the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. This episode explores the complex tapestry of faith, personal growth, and the arduous path to healing from religious trauma. Discover how Laverne confronted challenges from his upbringing, questioned deep-seated beliefs, and...

Coming soon to every podcast platform known to man, the Our People podcast will feature guests with a variety of perspectives on live in and after the Holdeman church.