Of all the groups of Christian believers that developed in the English speaking world in the nineteenth century, the one which produced the greatest number of gifted writers was the Brethren (Wibur M. Smith).

Though Brethren assemblies have never been large in numbers as compared with the great denominations of Protestantism, their influence has been world-wide, and thousands have accepted their views on many lines who are not openly identified with them (F.F.Bruce).

Nothing is more thrilling than to read the stories of great revivals. One such revival took place in the British Isles early in the 19th century (around 1825). This great revival movement is commonly known as the Brethren movement. Historically speaking, the Brethren movement was never a denominational movement, but rather a revivalist and New Testament restorationist movement. The true spirit of the Brethren revival was renewal, reformation, separation, transformation, unity and brotherly love. It is indeed the story of an outstanding venture of faith to reach the world for Christ by blending deep love for the body of Christ (the Church) with unswerving commitment to the truth of God’s Word.

One must make a distinction between Brethrenism and the true spirit of the Brethren. Brethrenism is denominational, sectarian, legalistic, divisive, ungracious and rigid. It is stuck with vain traditions, man-made rules, and meaningless practices. But the true spirit of the Brethren upholds the unity of the body of Christ, is passionate about missions and evangelism, and willing to find innovative and productive ways of reaching out to a lost world without compromising Scriptural truth and convictions. They allow freedom in uncertainties and non-essentials, and embrace charity in all things. To them, the objective standard of God’s Word, illuminated by the Spirit of God, alone, is the corrective and guiding agent that leads to authentic Christian living.

There is growth, vitality, unity, passion for souls, and blessing where the Scriptural principles upon which the Brethren movement was founded, are truly honored. Exciting things are happening among them. Brethren evangelists, Bible teachers and missionaries literally circle the world today making a tremendous impact. The principles, upon which the movement was founded, so far as they rest on the truth of the Word of God, will continue to grow and flourish.

An Overview of the Biblical Distinctives of the Brethren

The basic doctrinal position of the Brethren is not different from that of mainstream orthodox evangelical Christianity. But there are distinctive truths and principles practiced by the Brethren. They never claim monopoly to these distinctives. They recognize that there are other congregations or gathering of believers who hold on to the same convictions. These distinctives are sometimes referred to as Assembly Distinctives. But we believe that these distinctives are biblical distinctives, and not derived from any denominational system. It is a part of our rich biblical legacy. These most cherished distinctives are a glorious testimony to their passion and zeal for the simple truth Of God’s holy Word. There may be some differences of opinion on certain distinctives. Some of these distinctives may be practiced with slight variations in some assemblies, but in general, these are embraced by most assemblies.

The main distinctives of the Brethren are outlined below:

1. Non-denominational and non-sectarian.

2. Christ-centered gathering. Christ is the gathering center of His people (believers gathered unto the name of the Lord Jesus Christ). The only name under which we gather is the name of our Lord (Matt.18:20; 1Cor.1:2).

3. The weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1Co.11:26).

4. Open and spontaneous worship, and freedom for believers to exercise their spiritual gifts for mutual edification (1Cor.14:26-27). Men are free to lead in worship through prayer, praise, thanksgiving, hymn, reading of Scripture, or to share from the Word, as led by the Holy Spirit. Participation should be orderly, timely, reverent, honoring to God and edifying to the body. Being led by the Spirit does not preclude individual preparation.

5. Priesthood of all believers and no clergy-laity distinction (1Pet.2:5, 9; Rev.1:6). All believers are priests unto God and hence they have the privilege and right to draw near to the presence of God without the need for a human mediator or ecclesiastical institution.

6. Test of truth is Scripture alone. Open-hearted, independent, and in-depth study of the Word of God by believers is always encouraged.

7. Autonomous and independent local assemblies (as found in the New Testament) and no centralized leadership, and free from the control of any other body or hierarchical system. But fellowship, partnership, interdependence and cooperation of local assemblies toward a common goal, especially of evangelism and missions, is encouraged and practiced.

8. Emphasis on responsible fellowship rather than membership in the assemblies.

9. No human or ecclesiastical ordination to ministry but only commendation and recognition of ministry. This is usually expressed by extending the right hand of fellowship in unity and identification.

10. No salaried ministry and no solicitation of funds. Needs in ministry and missions are made known to God’s people as information, not as solicitation. Servants of Christ look to their Master alone for support. He is the one who moves the hearts of His people in right directions to meet the requirements of His servants.

11. No legalistic rules govern Christian giving. Giving is an act of worship and believers are encouraged to give as unto the Lord - liberally, cheerfully, regularly, freely, sacrificially, and proportionately (2 Cor.8:1-6; 9:6-11; 1 Cor.16:1-2). No financial support is taken from the unsaved.

12. The assemblies are wholeheartedly committed to Christian missions and follow the Antioch model of missions (Acts 13:1-3; 14:26-27). The assemblies do not have mission boards, but they do have missionary service organizations and funds to channel support and also to pass on information and news from the mission fields. These agencies do not take positioning of governing or controlling missionaries/evangelists or their work. Those who are called by the Lord are recognized and commended by their local assemblies. Some of the local assemblies take the responsibility of supporting their commended workers fully or partially.

13. The local church is governed by a plurality of elders whom God raises up within the local congregation. It is the Holy Spirit who appoints elders and they are recognized by the people of God (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1-4). The process of recognition may vary from assembly to assembly.

14. The Christian doctrine of order in creation involving subordination and headship requires the practice of manifesting that order in public worship by the veiling of women/head covering (1Cor.11:3-16). The reasons given by Paul for head covering were based on the theology of headship, the order in creation, and the presence of angels in the meeting. None of these reasons was based on contemporary culture or social custom. This principle does not infer that women do not have equal standing before God or that their role in church life is less valuable than men.

15. Emphasis on the imminent, personal return of Jesus Christ in rapture as the blessed hope of the Church.

We believe that these distinctives are biblical. We recognize that there are other Christian believers who hold different views and convictions in relation to the matters discussed above. We respect their views. We want them to know that we hold on to these distinctives not in pride or in arrogance, but in humility and grace. We do not try to give the impression that we have all the answers and others have all the problems. But these are the convictions to the best of our knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures.

As our culture continues its drift into the murky waters of postmodernism, let us pray earnestly that we, the Brethren, may engage more vigorously in authentic and life-changing ministry, trusting that God will use us to lead others to Christ and to bring about change that honors Him.