Unique Qualities and Beliefs

The Brethren believe that one should be able to make a conscious and uncoerced commitment to

Jesus Christ before becoming a member of the church. This is why we practice adult (or believer's) baptism.

 

While we affirm the basic creeds of Christendom, we hold to no formal written creed, believing

we should remain open to fresh truths with Christ as our final authority, as He is revealed in the New Testament. If you are  interested, check out "The New Testament as our Rule of Faith and Practice." Some Brethren do hold to a "Brethren Card," written many years ago.

 

Along with the Friends and Mennonites, we make up the three traditional "peace churches."

We believe all war is sin, following the example of Jesus Christ who gave himself on the cross for others. Checkout this link for further discussion on Brethren Perspectives on Peace and War. Consider taking the pledge.

 

To live a Simple Life, unencumbered (as much as possible) by a multitude of

material objects has always been an ideal of the Brethren.

 

Living out the feetwashing portion of our Love Feast, with Jesus as an example, we believe that

a Christian is a servant.

 

Again through Jesus example, we practice several rites and ordinances symbols which enrich our

common faith. These include, among others, the Love Feast, anointing for healing, the laying on of hands, and (as mentioned above) baptism.

 

The Church of the Brethren continually tries to address contemporary issues from a Biblical

perspective. We seek Biblical guidance so we can better understand God's revelation in today's world and respond locally and globally. Many of the "Statements" made by our denomination's Annual Conference are available for reading online.

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     A list of "Frequently Asked Questions" is available on the unofficial Church of the Brethren web site.

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