About the Church of the Brethren
In the New Testament, the word "brethren" describes the kinship of men and women who choose another way of living: the way of Jesus. The Church of the Brethren, begun over 300 years ago in Germany still draws people who want to continue Jesus’ way of life.
Today, there about 1000 Church of the Brethren congregations throughout the United States and many other Brethren ministries throughout the world. We gather annually for a church-wide conference to seek the Spirit in discerning the direction of the church. The General Board, the Association of Brethren Caregivers, On Earth Peace Assembly, and the Brethren Benefit Trust are denominational ministries of the Church of the Brethren. Our church is also part of the Illinois/Wisconsin District, which has a wide variety of Youth District activities, including our church camp, Camp Emmanuel! We are part of a large network of Brethren churches trying to bring peace to people's lives.
For guidance, the Brethren look to the scriptures rather than doctrine. Our faith emphasizes compassion, peace-making, simplicity, discipleship, and community. We baptize those who seek to follow Jesus; we anoint for healing, and in our Love Feast we reenact the last supper, at which Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and offered the bread and cup communion. We are known as one of the 3 denominations that have historically been Peace Churches. These are the Church of the Brethren, the Society of Friends (Quakers), and the Mennonites. We believe in continuing the work of Jesus peacefully, simply, together.
Today, there about 1000 Church of the Brethren congregations throughout the United States and many other Brethren ministries throughout the world. We gather annually for a church-wide conference to seek the Spirit in discerning the direction of the church. The General Board, the Association of Brethren Caregivers, On Earth Peace Assembly, and the Brethren Benefit Trust are denominational ministries of the Church of the Brethren. Our church is also part of the Illinois/Wisconsin District, which has a wide variety of Youth District activities, including our church camp, Camp Emmanuel! We are part of a large network of Brethren churches trying to bring peace to people's lives.
For guidance, the Brethren look to the scriptures rather than doctrine. Our faith emphasizes compassion, peace-making, simplicity, discipleship, and community. We baptize those who seek to follow Jesus; we anoint for healing, and in our Love Feast we reenact the last supper, at which Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and offered the bread and cup communion. We are known as one of the 3 denominations that have historically been Peace Churches. These are the Church of the Brethren, the Society of Friends (Quakers), and the Mennonites. We believe in continuing the work of Jesus peacefully, simply, together.
For an in depth study of the denomination, please download:
- "Church of the Brethren History and Faith Practices," a detailed outline of a presentation on the denomination's history and an overview of certain Faith Practices.
- "Church of the Brethren Ordinances," a paper on the meaning of our Faith Practices, Baptism, and the Love Feast.
- "The Brethren Card," a summary of Brethren beliefs.
