The Church of the Brethren is a Christian denomination originally organized in 1708 by Alexander Mack, a miller, in Schwarzenau (Bad Berleburg), Germany. The Church of the Brethren began as a melding of Pietist and Anabaptist ideas. The first of its churches in America was established in 1723. These churches became commonly known as German Baptist Brethren. The denomination holds the New Testament as its only creed. Historically the church has taken a strong stance for non-resistance or pacifism. Distinctive practices include believers baptism by trine immersion, a threefold Love Feast consisting of feet washing, a fellowship meal, and communion, anointing for healing, and the holy kiss. Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      A denomination, in the... // Events March 23 - James Francis Edward Stuart lands at the Firth of Forth July 1 - Tewoflos becomes Emperor of Ethiopia September 28 - Peter the Great defeats the Swedes at the Battle of Lesnaya Kandahar conquered by Mir Wais In Masuria one third of the population die during the plague J... (1679-1735) The son of a German miller, born in the town of Schriesheim, Germany, in 1679. ... For other uses, see Miller (disambiguation). ... Pietism was a movement, in the Lutheran Church, lasting from the late-17th century to the mid-18th Century. ... Anabaptists (Greek ανα (again) +βαπτιζω (baptize), thus, re-baptizers[1], German: Wiedertäufer) are Christians of the Radical Reformation. ... A church building (or simply church) is a building used in Christian worship. ... World map showing the Americas The Americas are the lands of the Western hemisphere historically considered to consist of the continents of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions. ... Events February 16 - Louis XV of France attains his majority Births February 24 - John Burgoyne, British general (d. ... This article is about the Christian scriptures. ... A creed is a statement or confession of belief — usually religious belief — or faith. ... The concept of Non-resistance is based on a reading of the first half of Matthew 5:39, part of the Sermon on the Mount, which says, But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. ... Pacifism is the opposition to war or violence as a means of settling disputes. ... Believers baptism (also called credobaptism) is the Christian ritual of baptism as given only to adults and children who have made a declaration of faith in Jesus as their personal savior, because he died for their sins, and was resurrected by the power of God the Father. ... Feet washing is a religious rite observed as an ordinance by several Christian denominations. ... For other uses, see Eucharist (disambiguation). ... The Holy Kiss is a punk rock band from San Francisco, California whose members include Matty Rue Morgue (vox, slide guitar), who, channels the grit and grace of Tom Waits through the body of a modern-day Lestat. ...

The Church of the Brethren represents the largest body descending from Mack's Schwarzenau Brethren church. The German Baptist Brethren suffered major division in the early 1880s, creating the Old German Baptist Brethren, the Brethren Church, and the majority adopting the name Church of the Brethren in 1908. It had 129,340 members in about 1,057 congregations and fellowships in 2005. There are six liberal arts colleges and one seminary (Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Indiana) related to the Church of the Brethren. General offices and the Brethren Press are located in Elgin, Illinois. The Schwarzenau (German Baptist) Brethren, originated in Germany, the outcome of one of many Pietistic movements of the 17th century. ... // Development and commercial production of electric lighting Development and commercial production of gasoline-powered automobile by Karl Benz, Gottlieb Daimler and Maybach First commercial production and sales of phonographs and phonograph recordings. ... Old German Baptist Brethren (OGBB) descend from a pietist movement in Schwarzenau, Germany, in 1708, when Alexander Mack founded a fellowship with 8 believers. ... The Brethren Church is one of several groups that traces its origins back to the Schwarzenau Brethren of Germany. ... 1908 (MCMVIII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar). ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Bethany Theological Seminary is the graduate school and academy for theological education for the Church of the Brethren. ... Richmond (IPA: ) is a city in east central Indiana, which borders Ohio. ... Brethren Press is the official publishing house of the Church of the Brethren. ... Incorporated City in 1854. ...

The church's most famous minister is Olympic athlete Bob Richards. Olympic Games Summer Olympic Games Medal count Winter Olympic Games Medal count Olympic sports Medal counts Participating NOCs Olympic symbols Olympics WikiProject Olympics Portal Athens 2004 • Beijing 2008 Torino 2006 • Vancouver 2010 ... The Vaulting Vicar as he was known in his competitive days, the Rev. ...

In 1948 the Church of the Brethren joined the World Council of Churches as a charter member and was a forming member of the National Council of Churches in 1950. 1948 (MCMXLVIII) was a leap year starting on Thursday (the link is to a full 1948 calendar). ... The World Council of Churches (WCC) is an international Christian ecumenical organization. ... The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (usually identified as National Council of Churches, or NCC) is an association of 35 Christian faith groups in the United States with 100,000 local congregations and more than 45,000,000 adherents. ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Beliefs

Image File history File links BrethrenEncyclopedia. ...

Non-creedalism

The Brethren state that they have "no creed but the New Testament." If there is a single part of the New Testament that is most pointed to as a guide for member's life it is the The Sermon on the Mount. The early Brethren were very meticulous in applying the New Testament to every situation. For example, they baptize in a forward direction because "we are baptized into his death," and at the moment of his death, Jesus' head fell forward. A creed is a statement or confession of belief — usually religious belief — or faith. ... This article is about the Christian scriptures. ... The Sermon on the Mount by Carl Heinrich Bloch. ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ...

When disagreements arise as to the correct interpretation of New Testament passages, the final authority for settling such disputes is the Annual Conference. The minutes of Annual Conference give a clear picture of what matters have been in dispute and how Brethren interpret the New Testament.

Brethren espouse the basic beliefs of Christianity, such as the divinity of Christ. They emphasize peace, simplicity, the equality of believers, and consistent obedience to Christ. Christianity percentage by country, purple is highest, orange is lowest Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch... For other uses, see Divinity (disambiguation) and Divine (disambiguation). ... Christ is the English term for the Greek word (Christós), which literally means The Anointed One. ... A peace dove, widely known as a symbol for peace, featuring an olive branch in the doves beak. ...

They also believe that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:20), and have been heavily involved in disaster relief and other charitable work. Brethren often describe themselves in terms of what they do rather than what they believe.

Peace

The Church of the Brethren is one of the historic peace churches. Its position is summarized in the phrase, "all war is sin" (Annual Conference, 1935). Many Brethren have declined to engage in military service. Some have been imprisoned for that stance. Peace churches are Christian churches, groups or communities advocating pacifism. ... 1935 (MCMXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar). ...

During the Second World War, Brethren worked with the government to create a system of alternative service, which would allow conscientious objectors to serve their nation and humanity through non-violent service. Alternative service has evolved into "Brethren Volunteer Service," a church agency that places many young people and some older persons in volunteer human service jobs, usually for a one-year term. Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km into the air. ...

Despite the church's official peace stance there are many members of the Church of the Brethren that do not agree with pacifism. This was made particularly evident when, during the Second World War 80% of the men in the Church of the Brethren entered active duty in the military. Another 10% served as noncombatants in the military with only 10% taking Conscientious objector status.^{[citation needed]} Pacifism is the opposition to war or violence as a means of settling disputes. ... Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km into the air. ... In the United States military active duty refers to military members who are currently serving full time in their military capacity. ... Non-combatant is a military and legal term describing civilians not engaged in combat. ... It has been suggested that Conscientious objection throughout the world be merged into this article or section. ...

Priesthood of all Believers (1 Pet. 5:14)

Brethren follow a non-hierarchical pattern of church life. In the past, most congregations were served by multiple "free" ministers, who supported themselves through other occupations. Today, most congregations have paid pastors, but their function is still somewhat limited, with the laity still taking a very active role in ministerial work. A pastor is the head minister or priest of a Christian church. ... In religious organizations, the laity comprises all lay persons collectively. ...

Simplicity

Brethren have been urged (and in earlier times compelled) to live a relatively simple life-style. At various points in their history, Brethren have been discouraged from attending carnivals, swearing oaths (Matthew 5:34), driving motorized vehicles, attending secular colleges, joining secret societies, filing lawsuits (1 Corinthians 6:1-10), gambling, and using tobacco or alcoholic beverages. A secret society is a social organization that requires its members to conceal certain activities—such as rites of initiation or club ceremonies—from outsiders. ... (Redirected from 1 Corinthians) See also: Second Epistle to the Corinthians and Third Epistle to the Corinthians The First Epistle to the Corinthians is a book of the Bible in the New Testament. ... Shredded tobacco leaf for pipe smoking Tobacco can also be pressed into plugs and sliced into flakes Tobacco is an agricultural product processed from the fresh leaves of plants in genus Nicotiana. ... Alcoholic beverages are drinks containing ethanol, popularly called alcohol. ...

Simplicity was once very noticeable in Brethren dress and grooming. Men would wear black coats with no collar, and hooks instead of buttons (often referred to as a 'Brethren Suit'). They would wear beards, but no mustaches. The mustache was seen as a sign of belonging to the military. Also, the beards were cut in a manner to avoid interference with the Kiss of peace. In addition, they wore broad-brimmed black hats. Women would wear long dresses in dull colors, and a "prayer covering" (1 Corinthians 11:2-16). Today, the "Brethren Suit" has been abandoned, although men in the most conservative congregations may still dress in a simple style by wearing just a collared shirt in a single color without a tie, while woman in these congregations may continue to practice the use of a prayer covering. The traditional Brethren dress is very similar to the clothing of the present-day Amish. “Bearded” redirects here. ... A moustache (sometimes spelled mustache in the United States) is an outgrowth of hair above the upper lip. ... A moustache (sometimes spelled mustache in the United States) is an outgrowth of hair above the upper lip. ... “Bearded” redirects here. ... For the band, see The Holy Kiss The holy kiss is a traditional Christian greeting. ... (Redirected from 1 Corinthians) See also: Second Epistle to the Corinthians and Third Epistle to the Corinthians The First Epistle to the Corinthians is a book of the Bible in the New Testament. ... The Amish (Amisch or Amische) (IPA: ) are an Anabaptist Christian denomination in the United States and Canada (Ontario and Manitoba) known for their plain dress and avoidance of modern conveniences such as cars and electricity. ...

Most Brethren were well-acculturated by the second half of the twentieth century. Today, many members of the church take simplicity to mean living a more ecologically friendly lifestyle by consuming less and being aware of the effect of their choices on the earth and other people (see simple living). Simple living (or voluntary simplicity) is a lifestyle individuals may pursue for a variety of motivations, such as spirituality, health, or ecology. ...

Ordinances

The Brethren avoid the use of the term "sacraments," preferring the term "ordinances." This refers to the symbolic actions ordered by Jesus Christ and practiced by the early church. The Brethren ordinances are:

Anointing for healing (James 5:14-18)

A supplicant is administered a small amount of oil on his forehead. This is followed by the laying on of hands and a prayer for wholeness. This is not to be confused with extreme unction (last rites), since healing is prayed for and expected. Healing is explicitly stated to include emotional and spiritual, as well as physical healing. The term Supplicant is used on IEEE 802. ... The Anointing of the Sick is one of the sacraments of the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and some Protestant churches. ...

Anointing and laying on of hands have also been used for other purposes, such as consecrating someone for missions or other special service. The laying on of hands is a religious practice found throughout the world in varying forms. ...

Believer's Baptism (Acts 8:35-36)

The Brethren believe that baptism is an outward sign of an inward experience of salvation. Hence, baptism is not performed until one is able to understand and accept the message of the gospel. As of 2005, baptisms typically take place at about age thirteen. In the early years of the denomination, the age at baptism was generally older. The mode of baptism is trine (three times) immersion in a forward direction, followed by laying on of hands for the impartation of the Holy Spirit. Baptism in early Christian art. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      In mainstream Christianity, the...

In the early years of the church, people coming into the Church of the Brethren from other denominations were expected to be re-baptized. Today, most congregations will receive members by reaffirmation of faith or by letter of transfer from another congregation or denomination.

Love Feast (John 13)

The Brethren love feast is a conscious imitation of Jesus' last supper with his disciples. It begins with foot washing symbolizing humility and service. They then share a meal, symbolizing fellowship. Finally, they share the bread and cup communion, symbolizing participation in Christ's suffering and death. There may also be hymns and a sermon, as well as a preliminary time of self-examination. This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ... The Last Supper in Milan (1498), by Leonardo da Vinci According to the Gospels, the Last Supper (also called Lords Supper) was the last meal Jesus shared with his Twelve Apostles before his death. ... Feet washing is a religious rite observed as an ordinance by several Christian denominations. ... Communion has several meanings within Christianity. ... Christ is the English term for the Greek word (Christós), which literally means The Anointed One. ... A sermon is an oration by a prophet or member of the clergy. ...

Congregations typically hold love feast on Maundy Thursday and again about six months later. Some congregations also have bread-and-cup communion periodically during regular worship services. The Last Supper - museum copy of Master Pauls sculpture, from the main altar in St. ...

Changes Over Time

Early

The group of Christians who organized themselves into a church at Schwarzenau, Germany in 1708 originally referred to themselves as the Neuen Täufer (New Baptists). The name aluded to the use of the name Täufer (Baptists) by the Mennonites. // Events March 23 - James Francis Edward Stuart lands at the Firth of Forth July 1 - Tewoflos becomes Emperor of Ethiopia September 28 - Peter the Great defeats the Swedes at the Battle of Lesnaya Kandahar conquered by Mir Wais In Masuria one third of the population die during the plague J...

After the reorganization of the church in America in 1723, they were known as German Baptists (although this name was not officially recognized until 1836, when the Annual Meeting called itself "The Fraternity of German Baptists"). In 1871, the denomination adopted the name, "The German Baptist Brethren Church," and Brethren were more colloquially as Dunkers or Tunkers (from the German for immersionists). Events February 16 - Louis XV of France attains his majority Births February 24 - John Burgoyne, British general (d. ... Year 1836 (MDCCCXXXVI) was a leap year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a leap year starting on Wednesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... 1871 (MDCCCLXXI) was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ...

In 1728, Conrad Beissel, a Brethren minister at Conestoga (Lancaster County, PA) renounced his association with the Brethren and formed his own group at Ephrata, PA. They came to be known as the Ephrata Cloister. Beissel practiced a mystical form of Christianity. He encouraged celibacy and a vegetarian diet. Events Astronomical aberration discovered by the astronomer James Bradley Swedish academy of sciences founded at Uppsala The founding of the University of Havana (Universidad de la Habana), Cubas most well-established university. ... Johann Conrad Beissel (April, 1690 - July 6, 1768) was the German-born religious leader who in 1732 founded the Ephrata Community in Pennsylvania. ... Conestoga is a name attached to several places and things: Conestoga High School, an upper-class public high school in Berwyn, Pennsylvania Conestoga Township, Pennsylvania Conestoga River, a tributary of the Susquehanna River in the state of Pennsylvania. ... The Ephrata Cloister or Ephrata Community was a religious community established in 1732 by Johann Conrad Beissel at Ephrata, in what is now Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. ... Christianity percentage by country, purple is highest, orange is lowest Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... For animals adapted to eat primarily plants, sometimes referred to as vegetarian animals, see Herbivore. ...

The Great Schism

After the Beissel split, all later splits in the church were based on doctrinal conflicts. The more conservative members emphasized consistency and obedience. They opposed the use of musical instruments, Sunday Schools, and worldly amusements. They promoted plain dress, simple lifestyle, and church discipline. The progressives in the church focused on grace and acceptance. They promoted higher education, salaried ministers, Sunday Schools, and revivalism. The majority of Brethren held a moderate position between the two extremes. Sunday school, Indians and whites. ... Sunday school, Indians and whites. ... It has been suggested that Great Awakening be merged into this article or section. ...

In 1869 and again in 1880, a group of Brethren in the Miami Valley of Ohio submitted a petition to Annual Conference pleading for a halt to liberalization and a return to traditional Brethren values. On each occasion, a more moderately worded substitute petition was submitted to the delegates. The rewording was totally unacceptable to the Miami Valley group. 1869 (MDCCCLXIX) is a common year starting on Friday (link will take you to calendar) of the Gregorian calendar or a common year starting on Sunday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar. ... Year 1880 (MDCCCLXXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Tuesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Official language(s) None Capital Columbus Largest city Columbus Largest metro area Cleveland Area  Ranked 34th  - Total 44,825 sq mi (116,096 km²)  - Width 220 miles (355 km)  - Length 220 miles (355 km)  - % water 8. ... The Miami Valley, broadly, refers to the land area surrounding the Great Miami River in southwest Ohio, USA, and also includes the Little Miami, Mad, and Stillwater Rivers as well. ...

In 1881, they resubmitted their petition to Annual Conference. This time it was rejected on a technicality that it had not come through a district meeting. In November of 1881, the conservatives met and formally split from the Church of the Brethren to form the Old German Baptist Brethren. They held their first annual meeting in 1882. Year 1881 (MDCCCLXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... Year 1881 (MDCCCLXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... Year 1882 (MDCCCLXXXII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ...

Meanwhile, Henry Holsinger, a leader of the progressives in the church, had published some writings that were called slanderous and schismatic. As a result, he was disfellowshipped from the 1882 annual meeting of the Brethren. He met with other progressives on June 6 and 7, 1883, and formed the Brethren Church. The word schism (IPA: or ), from the Greek σχίσμα, skhísma (from σχίζω, skhízō, to tear, to split), means a division or a split, usually in an organization or a movement. ... Year 1882 (MDCCCLXXXII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Year 1883 (MDCCCLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ...

At the Annual Conference of 1908 at Des Moines, Iowa, the name of the denomination was officially changed from the German Baptist Brethren to the Church of the Brethren. According to William Eberly, the name change was precipitated by the predominant use of English in the church and to further distance themselves from the Old German Baptist Brethren. 1908 (MCMVIII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar). ... Nickname: Location in Polk County and in the State of Iowa Coordinates: , Country United States State Iowa County Polk County Incorporated September 22, 1851 Government  - Mayor Frank Cownie Area  - City  77. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Old German Baptist Brethren (OGBB) descend from a pietist movement in Schwarzenau, Germany, in 1708, when Alexander Mack founded a fellowship with 8 believers. ...

Recent Developments

Since the end of the Second World War, church and member positions on social issues have caused further divisions between congregations, districts, and individuals within the church. Particularly difficult issues which have been the source of much debate and division include the authority of the Bible, the ordination of women, tolerance of homosexuality, and the promotion of ecumenicalism. Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km into the air. ... This Gutenberg Bible is displayed by the United States Library. ... Homosexuality refers to sexual interaction and / or romantic attraction between individuals of the same sex. ... The word ecumenical comes from a Greek word that means pertaining to the whole world. ...

At the 1958 Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, trine immersion was no longer required for all members, women were given an ordination status equal to men, love feast was opened to members of any church, and bread and cup communion was permitted without having love feast. In response, at the 1959 Annual Conference in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, a group of conservative and evangelical Brethren joined to form the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF). It describes itself as a loyal concern movement within the Church of the Brethren. The BRF promotes simple dress, biblical inerrancy, church discipline, and a much more evangelical worldview than the denomination as a whole. It has been critical of the church's involvement in political and social causes and its involvement with the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches. Year 1958 (MCMLVIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Nickname: Location in Polk County and in the State of Iowa Coordinates: , Country United States State Iowa County Polk County Incorporated September 22, 1851 Government  - Mayor Frank Cownie Area  - City  77. ... Year 1959 (MCMLIX) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Map of Ocean Grove CDP in Monmouth County Ocean Grove is a census-designated place and unincorporated area within Neptune Township, in Monmouth County, New Jersey. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      Biblical inerrancy is the doctrinal position... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      The word evangelicalism often refers to... The World Council of Churches (WCC) is an international Christian ecumenical organization. ... The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (usually identified as National Council of Churches, or NCC) is an association of 35 Christian faith groups in the United States with 100,000 local congregations and more than 45,000,000 adherents. ...

Promoting the more liberal ideas, including changing the name of the church because it is seen to be sexist and exclusionary of women, tolerance of homosexuals (as members and as ministers), and increased social and political activity are groups such as Womaen's Caucus, Voices for an Open Sprit, and the Brethren Mennonite Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Interests (BMC).

Although a great divide exists within the church on these issues, the official position of the Church is that of "unity in diversity", which allows for decisions at the district and congregational level to determine church positions and practice.

Membership Today

Although no formal splits have occurred recently, the Church of the Brethren, like many other mainline churches, has suffered a steep, steady decline in membership from about 203,000 members in 1963 to 129,340 in 2005. Studies were underway in 2006 to determine the reasons for this decline. Some key things found in the report were: the Church is too prideful and needs to live more in humility, and the Church needs to remove idols, and has lost its first love for Jesus as found in Rev. II. Despite the overall decline, there has been a noteworthy growth in the church in Puerto Rico (where it is called "Iglesia de los Hermanos"), since the late 1970s. It has also spread into other countries including the Dominican Republic. In Nigeria the Church of the Brethren is known as Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria which reached 100,000 members in 1995[[1]. Year 1963 (MCMLXIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays full 2006 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Structure

Church of the Brethren Logo

The Brethren practice the "priesthood of all believers," and their structure is egalitarian. Members are addressed as "Brother Smith" or "Sister Jones," for example. Even the moderator of Annual Conference, the highest elected office in the church, is addressed as "Brother (or sister) Moderator." Image File history File links Cblogo. ... Image File history File links Cblogo. ...

Ministry

The term "minister" is understood as a functional role rather than an hierarchical position of authority. In the early days, most congregations had several ministers chosen ("called" or "elected") by the members of the congregation. The concept of a professional pastor (first explicitly permitted in 1911) has slowly become the predominant model, although many congregations still have "free" (nonsalaried) ministers and plural ministry.

There have been three degrees of ministry in the Church of the Brethren.

The first degree (now known as licensed minister) is bestowed on those who are considering serving as ministers. The first degree is a time for education and self-examination, after which the individual either advances to the second degree or returns to lay status.

The second degree minister or ordained minister is one who intends to continue serving in a ministerial role, usually, but not always as a professional pastor, teacher, counselor, or administrator.

The third degree of minister, also known as an elder, serves as a head minister and supervises other ministers in a congregation. Some elders were perceived as being arrogant regarding their position, and the Annual Conference of 1967 decided that no elders would be elected after that time. Some congregations in the Southern Pennsylvania and Atlantic Northeast Districts still elect elders. 1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar (the link is to a full 1967 calendar). ...

The Brethren also select deacons in most congregations. They assist in ministerial functions, particularly by tending to the physical and spiritual needs of individual members. Often, a husband and wife will serve together as deacons.

Officers

The leading officers in the Church of the Brethren for business purposes are called moderators. Their principal function is to chair business meetings. There are congregational moderators, district moderators, and an annual conference (denominational) moderator. In recent years, the annual conference moderator has been elected a year in advance, and in the interim serves as "moderator elect".

Geographical structure

Geographically, the church is divided into congregations, which have indistinct and often overlapping geographic boundaries. Since 1856, congregations are collected into districts (23 as of 2006), whose boundaries are clear and usually correspond with state borders or county lines.

Each congregation also selects delegates to serve at an Annual Conference (sometimes called annual meeting), which is the final human authority in questions of faith and practice. Issues that cannot be resolved on a local level, or which have implications for the church as a whole are framed as "queries," which are submitted by a congregation to the district (since 1866), and then, if necessary, are passed on to Annual Conference. Typically, a committee is formed to study the matter, and an answer is reported and adopted by a vote of the delegates at a subsequent Annual Conference. 1866 (MDCCCLXVI) is a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar. ...

Boards and Committees

The Brethren have numerous boards and committees (sometimes called "teams") that can be either temporary or permanent and either highly focused on one issue (e.g. evangelism) or general in scope. The most important of these are the General Board (General Brotherhood Board until 1968), which carries out the policies established by Annual Conference, and the Standing Committee and Annual Conference Council, which interprets Annual Conference decisions. Year 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the 1968 Gregorian calendar. ...

Other Annual Conference agencies include Bethany Theological Seminary, Brethren Benefit Trust, Association of Brethren Caregivers, and On Earth Peace Assembly.

External links

• The Official Homepage of the Church of the Brethren, in the USA

Brethren-related websites

• Unofficial Web Site of the Church of the Brethren
• Brethren Revival Fellowship
• Brethren Mennonite Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Interests
• On Earth Peace
• Brethren Volunteer Service
• Association of Brethren Caregivers
• Brethren Colleges Abroad
• Brethren Disaster Response
• Voices for an Open Spirit

Liberal Arts Colleges related to the Church of the Brethren

• Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Virginia
• Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
• Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
• University of La Verne in La Verne, California
• Manchester College in North Manchester, Indiana
• McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas

Related groups that trace their beginnings to the Schwarzenau Brethren

• The Brethren Church
• The Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches
• Conservative Grace Brethren Churches, International
• The Dunkard Brethren Church

References

• Church of the Brethren Pacifism in Review 1708 to the Present [2]
• Brethren Society: The Cultural Transformation of a Peculiar People, Carl F. Bowman (1995) Johns Hopkins University Press
• Brethren Encyclopedia, Vol. I-III, Donald F. Durnbaugh, editor (1983) The Brethren Encyclopedia Inc.
• Brethren Encyclopedia, Vol. IV, Donald F. Durnbaugh and Dale V. Ulrich, editors, Carl Bowman, contributing editor (2006) The Brethren Encyclopedia Inc.
• Encyclopedia of American Religions, J. Gordon Melton, editor
• Fruit of the Vine, A History of the Brethren 1708-1995, Donald F. Durnbaugh (1997) Brethren Press
• Handbook of Denominations, by Frank S. Mead, Samuel S. Hill, and Craig D. Atwood
• Profiles in Belief: the Religious Bodies of the United States and Canada, by Arthur Carl Piepkorn
• Religious Congregations & Membership in the United States (2000), Glenmary Research Center
• The Believers' Church: The History and Character of Radical Protestantism, Donald F. Durnbaugh (1968) The Macmillan Company