John S. Coffman (October 16, 1848 – July 22, 1899) was a leader in the Mennonite Church in the late 19th century.
He promoted evangelical and progressive reform through his positions in the Mennonite Publishing Company, revival meetings, and as chairman of the Elkhart Institute (a forerunner to Goshen College).
He was baptized at age 16 and soon fled to Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, to avoid being drafted into the Confederate Army.
Having returned to Virginia, he obtained a teaching certificate despite limited formal education and taught at several local schools.
[1] Coffman was invited by John F. Funk to move to Elkhart, Indiana, where he took the position of assistant editor of the Herald of Truth in 1879.
[1] Coffman was distressed by the number of young people who left the church due to a lack of spiritual encouragement and guidance.
His forceful speaking allowed him to hold similar events in Mennonite Communities across the United States and Canada.