6 Important Facts about the Church of the Brethren

The Church of the Brethren practices a distinctive form of baptism, known as trine immersion, dunking the individual three times. The Catholic church and other liturgical groups practiced child baptism and sprinkling, and triune. The Brethren’s unique tradition reflects their commitment to following biblical precedents and underscores the depth of their spiritual symbolism.

Trine immersion involves immersing the believer completely under water three times in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They take this practice from the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus instructs his disciples to baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” By dunking three times, the Church of the Brethren seeks to honor this commandment explicitly and fully.

Each immersion carries deep spiritual significance. The first immersion, in the Father’s, symbolizes the believer’s new relationship with God as a beloved child. The second, in the Son’s name, represents the Jesus’ sacrificial cleansing power, washing away sins and illustrating the believer’s identification with Christ’s death and resurrection. The third immersion, in the Holy Spirit’s name, signifies the indwelling presence of the Spirit, empowering the believer to live a faithful and holy life.

This method of baptism also emphasizes the believer’s complete and total commitment to the Christian faith. The act of being fully submerged three times reinforces the totality of their transformation and their willingness to be fully immersed in the teachings and life of Christ.

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The Church of the Brethren believes in peace and nonviolence, central tenets that deeply influence their teachings and actions. They root their commitment in Jesus’ teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus advocates for loving one’s enemies and turning the other cheek. The Brethren believe following Christ means actively pursuing peace and rejecting all forms of violence.

Their nonviolence manifests in various ways. Historically, members of the Church of the Brethren have been conscientious objectors, refusing to participate in military service and instead opting for alternative forms of national service that contribute positively to society. Their stance on conscientious objection highlights their belief violence and war are incompatible with Jesus’ teachings.

In everyday life, the Brethren strive to embody the principles of peacemaking. This includes practicing forgiveness, reconciliation, and conflict resolution in a manner seeking to restore relationships and promote understanding. Their approach to peacemaking extends to their involvement in social justice issues, where they work to address systemic inequalities and advocate for the marginalized and oppressed.

The Church of the Brethren also engages in various peace-building initiatives both locally and globally. They support and participate in efforts to mediate conflicts, provide humanitarian aid, and promote sustainable development in areas affected by violence and poverty. Through these actions, they aim to be a witness to Christ’s transformative power, love, and peace.

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The Church of the Brethren embraces simple living and is deeply influenced by Christ’s teachings and examples. Simplicity reflects a desire to live lives focused on spiritual growth, community, and service rather than material wealth and consumerism.

The Brethren’s simple living involves making intentional choices to minimize distractions and excesses. This often means reducing reliance on material possessions, avoiding ostentatious displays of wealth, and seeking to live sustainably and responsibly. By doing so, they believe they can better focus on what truly matters: their relationship with God, their community, and their service to others.

Practicing simplicity extends to various life aspects, including diet, clothing, and housing. Many Brethren choose modest attire and avoid luxury items, reflecting their commitment to humility and their concern for those less fortunate. In their homes, they strive to create functional environments free from unnecessary clutter, fostering spaces that support reflection, prayer, and meaningful interaction.

Simple living also involves a commitment to stewardship of the earth. The Brethren advocates for sustainable practices, protecting the environment, and conserving resources. The church supports local and organic agriculture, reducing waste, and advocating for policies that promote environmental sustainability.

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The Church of the Brethren prioritizes mutual aid and service to others, stemming from Jesus’ teachings. Christ emphasized love, compassion, and assistance to those in need. The Brethren believe that by helping church members and serving the broader community, they fulfill Christ’s commandment to love their neighbors as they do.

Mutual aid within the Brethren involves members supporting each other through life’s challenges. Their assistance include financial, emotional, and practical help such as providing meals or helping with household tasks. The Brethren see these acts of service as expressions of their faith, creating a strong sense of community and interconnectedness. Practicing mutual aid ensures no one within the community faces hardship alone, reflecting the early Christian church’s spirit where believers shared everything in common (Acts 2:44).

Service to others extends beyond the Brethren community to the wider world. The Church actively engages in various forms of outreach and social justice work. The Brethren participate in disaster relief efforts, poverty alleviation, and advocacy for marginalized groups. Their service initiatives often focus on addressing systemic issues, promoting peace, and providing sustainable solutions to social problems. By doing so, they aim to embody Christ’s teachings in practical, impactful ways.

Members often volunteer their time and skills to support local charities, community projects, and international missions. They see these as opportunities to live out faith through actions that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

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The Church of the Brethren practices congregational governance, a distinctive feature empowering local congregations to make decisions collectively. They emphasize the importance of community and shared responsibility in church life. Rooted in the Anabaptist tradition, the Brethren believe each congregation should have the autonomy to govern itself under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, reflecting early Christian communitypractices.

Congregational governance involves members actively participating in decision-making processes. They make major decisions, such as selecting church leaders, managing finances, and determining ministry directions, during congregational meetings. These meetings provide a platform for open discussion, prayerful consideration, and consensus-building, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.

The Brethren’s commitment to congregational governance reflects the biblical priesthood of all believers. Since each born-again believer has the whole Spirit, this supports their belief that every member can discern God’s will and contribute to the church’s mission. Their church’s egalitarian approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among members, encouraging active involvement and collaboration.

Service characterizes the leadership within the Church of the Brethren. The congregation chooses pastors and leaders from within, often through a process where the community discerns and affirms the leaders. These leaders serve not as authoritative figures but as facilitators and guides, supporting the congregation in its spiritual journey and collective decision-making. Their governance model also emphasizes accountability and transparency. Financial matters, ministry activities, and strategic plans are openly discussed, promoting trust and unity within the congregation.

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The Church of the Brethren actively seeks ecumenical relationships, emphasizing unity and collaboration with other Christian denominations. The Brethren believe in Christian unity, its importance, and the collective strength from working together to advance the Church’s mission.

The Brethren engage in ecumenical relationships through various interdenominational organizations and initiatives. As active members of the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches, they participate in dialogues and cooperative efforts seeking to bridge denominational divides and promote common goals. Partnerships allow the Brethren to contribute to broader Christian conversations and to work alongside others on issues of social justice, peace, and humanitarian aid.

Ecumenical relationships also manifest in local communities, where Brethren congregations often collaborate with other churches on community service projects, worship services, and educational programs. These joint efforts reflect the Brethren’s commitment to living out the gospel in practical ways, showing that differences in doctrine or orthopraxy need not hinder cooperative ministry and mutual support.

The Brethren’s approach to ecumenism stems from God’s call to humility and a willingness to learn from others. They value the diverse perspectives and traditions within the broader Christian family and seek to find common ground while respecting differences. A spirit of openness and respect enables meaningful and productive partnerships.

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