About
Current Publishers
It has been 46 years since the beginning of Mennonite Your Way! Since the release of the 1st directory, MYW has developed a rich history of community, fellowship, and hospitality. MYW gained new management in the fall of 2022 and that same vision still continues on today.
Meet the Burkholders! Jeff is the owner of BURK Digital, a website development company, and the IT Manager of MYW. Whitney is a stay-at-home mom of three children and does rental property management on the side. She handles MYW communications.
Meet the Weavers! Cameron is a manager at a local business and the General Manager of MYW. Victoria is a stay-at-home mom of three children and a former home secretary for a local business. She is now the secretary for MYW.
In 2017 Jeff developed an online platform called Anabaptist Rentals which offered similar functions as MYW. In 2021, Jeff contacted the Baslers to see if there was a potential to work together to accomplish their respective goals. Meanwhile, the Baslers were looking to pass on the responsibility of MYW to someone else due to family circumstances.
Both families are excited about the future of MYW and will continue to work hard to continue that legacy while inviting the younger generations to participate!
Our Mission…
To create and foster a community in which like-minded believers can share in God-centered hospitality with love, care and trustworthy conduct.
At Mennonite Your Way we want to promote an environment of biblical love, radical generosity and simple hospitality. If you can agree to hold these values central to your interactions with others, we would love to have you stay with us!
Jeff Burkholder
MYW Partner
Mennonite Your Way's History
In 1976, Leon and Nancy Stauffer introduced the world to the first Mennonite Your Way Directory. The Stauffers started the adventure as a labor of love to the greater community of believers. In 2000, when the Stauffers published their last Directory, Nancy was quoted saying: "When we did the first directory, we had a very narrow vision. But people have used them for so many things." Through MYW, people have found fellowship, beds, and breakfast. They also found doctors for sick kids, car repairs, long-lost college friends, and, in one case, a mate.
It was shortly after the first directory became available that a student from Phoenix, Arizona attending Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas introduced Jay and Glola Basler to Mennonite Your Way. The Baslers remember how reluctant their oldest son David was when they started out on their first MYW adventure. They stayed with some nice folks in Markham, Ontario during a family trip to Canada. The quality of life and gracious hospitality of these hosts caused David to ask if there weren't some MYW hosts they might also visit on the way home. 25 years later, in 2001, Jay and Glola Basler took over the publication of the MYW Directory from the Stauffers. Jay and Glola were Presbyterian (Jay was a Pastor), but they had Mennonite roots in their family lineage. Jay and Glola faithfully served the MYW community for years, right up to the passing of Glola in 2018. It was much more than just a source of income for Jay and Glola. It was a ministry. The final Directory published by the Baslers in 2020 became a full family affair, with the entire family pitching in to make it happen. At the time, Jay had four grown children, twelve grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
In 2021, Jeff Burkholder contacted Jay Basler to see if there was potential to collaborate, unknowing of the Basler family situation and their desire to step back from MYW. When Jeff & Whitney learned of this opportunity, they teamed up with a family from their church, Cameron and Victoria Weaver and together they finalized the acquisition of MYW in October 2022. MYW underwent a rebranding with a renewed focus on engaging all generations.
Mennonite Your Way today
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Mennonite to participate?
No, although many who participate in Mennonite Your Way are Mennonites, or from other Anabaptist fellowships, all like-minded people agreeing with this hospitality plan are welcome to be hosts or travelers using the directory.
Does Mennonite Your Way verify or endorse the guests or hosts?
No, Mennonite Your Way accepts no responsibility for transactions between host and guest, nor endorses either host nor traveler. In all relationships let love and generosity flourish.
How is property damage handled?
Normal wear and tear on a property are to be expected. If damage occurs, the guest should notify the host, and guests are responsible for the repair or replacement cost of the damaged item (whichever is less). We encourage hosts and guests to resolve damage directly and graciously whenever possible.
If needed, hosts can file a damage claim through the platform within 7 days after checkout, up to the damage-claim limit set for that listing. The guest then has 72 hours to accept or dispute the claim. If the guest disputes it — or does not respond in time — the claim is escalated to the Mennonite Your Way team for review, and we determine a fair outcome. Approved amounts are charged to the guest's card on file, up to the listing's damage-claim limit.
Mennonite Your Way does not hold a security deposit and does not provide or carry any insurance for property damage or injury. Neither will Mennonite Your Way be held liable for representing the property accurately or the safety of the property.
What if there is a dispute between a host & guest?
"If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church." Matt 18:15-17 (NIV)
To apply this principle to this situation, we ask that resolution be sought by first speaking with the offending brother or sister privately. If the issue is not resolved then we suggest a meeting with other brothers or sisters (preferably pastors or church elders) to serve as arbitrators. If a resolution is still not reached MYW can remove the offending brother or sister from the platform. Mennonite Your Way will not accept any responsibility for damages or litigation. Please keep in mind that normal wear & tear is to be expected.
FAQ — Guests
How do I make arrangements using the paper directory?
For the directory, travelers are responsible to make arrangements directly with the hosts by contacting them by email, phone, or postal mail. Normally those traveling contact their host a week or two in advance to see if the visit is convenient. However, if there is a special need, many hosts are willing to consider guests on "short notice". These hosts are noted in the directory listings by the letters "SN". Any special needs by hosts or guests should be discussed and agreed to by all before arrangements are confirmed. Expected arrival times, phone numbers, and the host's time zone and directions are shared as well. Travelers and hosts are asked to call if there is any change in plans.
What is the cost to stay?
Paper Directory: a fair donation is requested by the host. A fair donation should be agreed upon before the guest's arrival. If breakfast or another meal is provided, an additional $5.00 per meal is suggested.
Online Platform: Hosts list the nightly cost/donation they would like to receive and may charge for additional services or add-ons. A 6% guest service fee is added to the applicable booking amount to help operate the platform.
How can I find out more information about a listing?
You will need to message the host directly. MYW typically does not know any more information on a listing than what is publicly in the listing.
Do I pay the host directly?
Online Platform: No, after your booking has been approved (some listings may automatically approve) you will need to pay MYW for your booking for it to be confirmed. MYW will then transfer the funds to the host's account.
Paper Directory: Yes, you will pay the host for your stay as the host requests (before the stay or during the stay).
Are gifts expected?
Gifts are always a great way to show Christian charity and MYW's goal is to promote this behavior. However, gifts are not required or strongly suggested. It is up to you if you would like to bless your host with a gift.
What if I need to cancel my booking?
You can cancel your booking from your account. Your refund is determined by the cancellation policy the host has set for the listing, and Mennonite Your Way processes any refund you're owed automatically, back to your original payment method. Please keep in mind that cancelling close to the reservation date may leave the host without a booking to cover their costs, so if a cancellation is necessary, please cancel as early as possible so the host can open those dates to other guests.
How much do I need to pay at the time of booking a stay?
It depends on how far in advance you book:
Pay Now: If your stay is coming up soon (roughly within a month of check-in), your payment is collected in full once the booking is approved (some listings approve automatically).
Pay Later: If your check-in date is further out (more than about a month away), you can reserve now and save a card on file instead of paying immediately. We then charge that card automatically about 30 days before check-in, and send you a reminder beforehand. If a payment doesn't go through, we'll let you know so you can update your card; if it still can't be collected, the reservation may be released.
What are my responsibilities as a guest?
In keeping with MYW's goal of fostering brotherhood and relationships among the Anabaptist/Christian community, we ask that all participants love their "neighbor" as they love themselves. As a guest you should:
- Keep hosts updated to your plans (time of arrival, etc.)
- Adhere to the "Property Rules" as given by the host
- Value and treat the property as if it was your own
- Give your host constructive feedback on their property & leave a helpful review
Do I need to create an account to be a guest?
Online Directory: Yes, everyone using the online platform must create an account. This will help MYW remove scam accounts from the platform and allows hosts to vet guests before the stay.
Paper Directory: Each potential guest will contact the host directly to request a booking and no account is needed.
I'm trying to get in contact with a host and cannot. What should I do?
MYW encourages hosts to respond promptly so guests can plan their trips, but MYW has no requirement for a host's response time, and hosts are under no obligation to accept a booking at any given time. If you're unable to reach a host, you can let us know at info@mennoniteyourway.com. If a host repeatedly does not communicate with guests, we may ask them whether MYW is the right community for them.
FAQ — Hosts
What is the cost to list a room/property on MYW?
Publishing your listing is always free. When you receive an online booking, a 5% host service fee is deducted from your earnings. Card-processing costs are covered by MYW, not passed on to you. Guests also pay a 6% service fee on the applicable booking amount.
How does MYW protect my privacy and location online?
Your address is not released to guests who book online until the booking is confirmed. Until then, the listing shows only an approximate location on the map rather than your exact address. Once a booking is confirmed, the guest receives your exact address.
Can I list multiple rooms/properties on Mennonite Your Way?
Yes, there is no limit to the number of properties you can list for free. We especially encourage opening up extra rooms in your home to like-minded believers.
How do I get paid for a booking?
Online Platform: When a guest books online, they pay Mennonite Your Way through our secure checkout. We keep our 5% host service fee, and the rest is your earnings for the stay. Card-processing costs are covered by MYW, not taken out of your earnings.
Payouts are automatic — you don't need to request them. About 24 hours after your guest checks in, we release your earnings through your connected payout account. How quickly the money then arrives in your bank depends on your bank's normal processing time.
Payouts may be delayed if a booking is cancelled, refunded, under dispute, or if your payout setup still needs information.
Paper Directory: You and the guest agree on payment terms directly. You can request prepayment, or most hosts request payment at some point during the stay.
What are my responsibilities as a host?
If you choose to list a property on MYW, you are ensuring the property is:
- Accurately described
- Safe
- Can legally be occupied by a friend/guest
Hosts must also abide by any pertinent federal, state, or local laws. The Fair Housing Act makes an exception for "housing operated by religious organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members." Mennonite Your Way is simply a private platform to bring Christian guests and hosts together and does not validate or guarantee any information in a property's description to be accurate.
What should I do if an accepted booking no longer works for me?
If you have confirmed a booking that you would like to cancel, you can cancel it on the platform. MYW strongly suggests giving the guest as much notice as possible and a reason for the cancellation. Funds will be returned to the guest's account.
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
Hebrews 13:16