Books published by Sermon on the Mount Publishing

For centuries, little was known or remembered about Jakob Ammann except his prominent role in the contentious division which split the Swiss Brethren into Amish and Mennonite factions. For too long, Ammann was portrayed as a troublemaker, solely to blame for the division. But in the last thirty years, new research has shed light on Jakob Ammann's personal life outside of the Amish division. In this book, gain insight into how Jakob Ammann, born to Protestant parents and baptized as a baby, became an Anabaptist leader, and learn about his life and ministry. See how, in spite of his failures, Ammann is a person to be admired for his zeal and refusal to compromise, as well as for his humility and repentance.

“When the dust all settles, you can be sure that Aaron is still standing at the same place he has always stood.” Aaron M. Shank had an out-sized influence on the 20th-century conservative Mennonite church. In this biography, you will discover the leadership he provided with his passion for following Christ, for teaching sound doctrine, and for retaining Scriptural applications historically held by the Mennonite Church. Aaron provided leadership for both the formation of the Eastern Pennsylvania Mennonite Church as well as the formation of the Pilgrim Mennonite Conference. He and Marjorie endeared themselves to many in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, and to many others beyond. His doctrinal teaching and his lifetime of service with integrity helped shape the conservative Mennonite church moving into the 21st century.

Disintegration threatened the nearly two-year old Anabaptist movement in 1526 in Switzerland and southern Germany. Quarrelling individuals with bizarre theology and behavior threatened the movement's stability; ruthless persecution threatened its existence. Could Anabaptism survive much longer? It was a moment of great crisis-and great opportunity.Engulfed in persecution, embroiled in doctrinal disputes, and lacking adequate leadership, the Anabaptist movement needed a compelling vision and a man to personify that vision. Thankfully, God sent a man to fill that role. His name was Michael Sattler. His story is one of faith, courage, and conviction. "For far too long Michael Sattler's contribution to the Anabaptist movement has been mostly the domain of scholars. With this book, Sattler's story becomes available to a popular audience. Michael Sattler may have single-handedly saved the Swiss Anabaptist movement from collapsing with his Schleitheim Confession, sometimes known as the 'Mennonite miracle.' Every Anabaptist should know and understand this story by adulthood. Each of us owes this former monk a sincere 'thank-you.'"Chester WeaverTeacher, Historical Researcher "In this well written, scholarly yet highly readable, tome by Andrew V. Ste. Marie, the engaging story of Michael Sattler comes to life. It would be difficult to overemphasize Sattler's significance in creating, with others, the first Anabaptist confession of faith, the Schleitheim Confession of 1527-which, along with all other known Sattler texts, is also included. Sattler's Benedictine monastic background, often given short shrift in other published volumes, is strikingly fleshed out, adding real strength to this volume. A must-read for a new generation of Jesus-followers within the Anabaptist tradition!"Leonard GrossExecutive Director emeritus, Historical Committee of the Mennonite Church "Written for a popular audience, this biography of Michael Sattler is solidly grounded in the sources. The biography is enriched by selections from Sattler's writings, giving the reader immediate access to his own voice. Its clarity of prose and passion communicates not only Sattler's life, but also the spiritual implications his story has for Christians today."Edsel Burdge, Jr.Research Associate, Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies

On a cold winter day in 1527, a group of persecuted Anabaptists secretly gathered in the town of Schleitheim seeking unity and desiring to clarify where they differed from the established state churches.  The Schleitheim Confession was born from that meeting and soon became popular and influential among the Anabaptists - even to this present day. Should it matter to us today what some persecuted Christians believed nearly 500 years ago?  Can the convictions they had be backed up Scripturally? This book examines the Schleitheim Confession in light of the Scriptures.  The early Anabaptists lived and died for the faith once delivered to the saints, and we can profit from examining their conclusions, compariing them with the Scriptures, and following Christ as they followed Him.