John D. Roth's straightforward, accessible narrative invigorates this contemporary introduction to the Mennonite story. Whether readers are new to the Mennonite community or just yearning for a fresh telling of Anabaptist origins, Stories: How Mennonites Came to Be will serve as a compact digest of the church's history for generations to come. Free downloadable study guide available here . One of the preeminent Mennonite historians of our time, Roth successfully weaves a complicated set of stories into a fascinating narrative that stretches from the early church to the present, and covers the globe. Stories is a remarkable achievement, a must-read for those who don t know the Anabaptist story, and for those who think they do. --William Vance Trollinger Jr., Bluffton University Roth weaves together narrative, biography, and theology in an engaging, compelling, and sometimes provocative fashion. This book is an invitation to consider how what happened back then can illuminate the task of following Jesus now. It will encourage and challenge anyone seeking to be a faithful follower. --Jonathan Showalter, Rosedale Bible College This work needs to be in print. It addresses contemporary issues, and linking the past and the present is a strength of this work. --Karl Koop, Canadian Mennonite University This work needs to be in print. It addresses contemporary issues, and linking the past and the present is a strength of this work. --Karl Koop, Canadian Mennonite University One of the preeminent Mennonite historians of our time, Roth successfully weaves a complicated set of stories into a fascinating narrative that stretches from the early church to the present, and covers the globe. Stories is a remarkable achievement, a must-read for those who don t know the Anabaptist story, and for those who think they do. --William Vance Trollinger Jr., Bluffton University John D. Roth  is project director of MennoMedia’s Anabaptism at 500 initiative. Prior to that role, Roth was a professor of history at Goshen College (1985–2022), where he also served as director of the Mennonite Historical Library and editor of the  Mennonite Quarterly Review . Roth has published widely on topics related to Anabaptist-Mennonite history, theology, and church life. He is also the founding director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism at Goshen College and is active in Mennonite World Conference. John and his wife Ruth enjoy spending time with their grandchildren and are members of Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship in Goshen, Indiana.