Connect · Communicate · Collaborate
Global Anabaptist Health Network
An international partnership of Anabaptist-related health institutions and professionals — connecting, communicating, and collaborating in ministries of common interest in the name of Christ.
About Us
A network built on relationships and shared faith
In 2003, a small group of healthcare leaders gathered in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, alongside the Mennonite World Conference General Assembly to explore the idea of a Global Anabaptist Health Network. That early vision lacked institutional ownership — but in July 2015 a new gathering in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, organized by Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship, brought together both health institutions and Anabaptist health professionals with strong ownership and follow-through.
Participants shared a deep commitment to engaging in health ministries shaped by an Anabaptist Christian perspective, built on relationships of mutuality and healthy interdependence. From that summit, GAHN emerged as a coordinating effort representing the diversity of the Mennonite World Conference — facilitating peer-to-peer exchange and lasting global connection.
Vision & Mission
Why we exist
Our Vision
To be an international network of health institutions and health professionals that strengthens the witness of the Anabaptist community of faith — providing mutual encouragement, sharing through peer learning, and fostering institutional and professional partnerships.
Our Mission
To connect, communicate, and collaborate in ministries of common interest in the name of Christ — building a global community of Anabaptist health organizations and professionals grounded in shared conviction and service.
Benefits of Membership
What members gain
Learn & Innovate
Learn from other network members about health innovations and best practices from around the world.
Partner & Build
Participate in health partnerships and joint ventures with other network members and institutions.
Seek Counsel
Secure advice from peers to address real global health issues and opportunities in organizational and professional life.
Amplify the Voice
Strengthen the collective voice and influence of the Anabaptist community in larger Christian, interfaith, and secular health and development circles.
Membership
Who can join GAHN?
Both institutions and individuals can be associated with GAHN. Membership is easy — and free.
An Institution
- Related to an Anabaptist church with a formal commitment to the MWC Shared Convictions (constitutional, bylaw, or self-declared).
- Has a priority ministry within a broad definition of health — hospital, clinic, mental health center, rehabilitation, disability services, community clinic, senior services, and more.
- Shows formal organization — bylaws, regular meetings, structure, and action plans.
An Individual Health Professional
- Self-identified as an Anabaptist health professional from a church committed to the MWC Shared Convictions.
- Serves in a priority ministry within a broad definition of a health professional — medicine, nursing, public health, laboratory, physical therapy, and more.
- Wants to connect, learn, and collaborate with peers across the global network.
Coordinating Committee
Meet our hard-working team
All members volunteer their time to lead and guide the network.
Member Reviews
What our members say
Rated 4.9 / 5 by members of the coordinating committee and partner network.
“GAHN reflects the dream of a compassionate, caring global community where gifts of all kinds are shared and people of all cultures join together in love. There is always time for one more story, one more partnership.”
“Across HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, trauma, and public health work in the DRC and Kenya, GAHN connected me with colleagues who share an Anabaptist commitment to health ministry. The peer learning is invaluable.”
“After 30 years leading senior living and acute care organizations, I value how GAHN strengthens our collective voice and helps leaders share strategies that bring both stability and new vision.”
“Serving with GAHN is part of striving to live the gospel — serving our neighbor in the name of Christ. The network lets us support the most vulnerable far beyond what any of us could do alone.”
“GAHN turns the isolation of faith-based health work into genuine community. The webinars, summits, and partnerships keep me grounded in both excellent practice and shared Anabaptist conviction.”
“Being part of a global Anabaptist health family means encouragement when the work is hard and collaboration when the opportunity is great. GAHN makes that connection real.”
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
GAHN is an international partnership of Anabaptist-related health institutions and professionals. It connects, communicates, and collaborates in ministries of common interest in the name of Christ, strengthening the witness of the Anabaptist community of faith through mutual encouragement, peer learning, collaboration, and partnerships.
The network took its current shape in July 2015 during the Mennonite World Conference Assembly in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, organized by Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship. Its earliest roots go back to a 2003 gathering of healthcare leaders in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Both institutions and individuals can join. Institutions must be related to an Anabaptist church committed to the MWC Shared Convictions and have a priority ministry within a broad definition of health. Individual health professionals must self-identify as Anabaptist and serve in a recognized health profession such as medicine, nursing, public health, laboratory, or physical therapy.
Membership in GAHN is easy and completely free. You simply fill in your information to join, and you can also connect with other members through the GAHN Facebook Group.
Members learn about health innovations and best practices, participate in partnerships and joint ventures, secure peer advice on real global health issues, and strengthen the collective voice of the Anabaptist community in larger Christian, interfaith, and secular health and development circles.
Gifts can be sent through Mennonite World Conference and designated for the “Global Anabaptist Health Network.” Your support helps GAHN remain a global network enabling Anabaptist health organizations and professionals to connect, communicate, and collaborate.
Connect. Communicate. Collaborate.
Join a global community of Anabaptist health organizations and professionals serving in the name of Christ.
Become a Member TodayContact
Get in touch
General Secretariat — Kitchener
Mennonite World Conference50 Kent Avenue, Suite 206
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 3R1, Canada
Tel: (519) 571-0060
Regional Office — Lancaster
Mennonite World ConferencePO Box 5364
Lancaster, PA 17606-5364, USA
