A History of the Brethren
The Brethren movement began in 1708 in Schwarzenau, Germany with a group of eight men and women, led by Alexander Mack. They had become dissatisfied with the established state churches of their day because they emphasized correct doctrine while doing nothing to change people's lives. In particular, they believed that obedience to Christ required the practices of believer's baptism, church discipline and threefold communion.
Their dissent from the established churches led to their persecution in Europe. Because of this-as well as economic factors and internal problems-the Brethren were forced to emigrate. By the 1730's almost all of the Brethren had moved to America.
Their dissent from the established churches led to their persecution in Europe. Because of this-as well as economic factors and internal problems-the Brethren were forced to emigrate. By the 1730's almost all of the Brethren had moved to America.
The Brethren Today
Today, the Brethren Church is a denomination of about 125 congregations in nine districts across the United States, with headquarters in Ashland, Ohio. The Brethren Church supports a University and Seminary (in Ashland, OH) as well as engaging in church planting throughout the U.S. The Brethren Church also works cooperatively with Brethren ministries in Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay, Colombia, Peru, India, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
|
Much has changed within the movement since 1708, but Brethren continue to strive to remain faithful to the written Word of God- witnessing to Christ both by their beliefs and their life. |