The Brethren Card

Members of the Church of the Brethren are often asked for a statement of faith, a summary of what we believe. A brief compilation of Brethren beliefs was prepared in the early 1900’s by the Brethren Tract Committee. In 1922-23 that statement was revised at the request of Annual Conference, and was approved for circulation with the understanding that it should not be considered a creed. The revised statement, approved by Annual Conference for circulation, is commonly called The Brethren Card and appears here as a concise summary of our Christian beliefs. The list of doctrinal beliefs is not a creed. It does not exhaust the whole message of the Bible. It is not intended to set a limit beyond which our faith cannot go, but insofar as these statements extend, they are a true presentation of the sound doctrine taught in the New Testament (which is our creed), and these teachings are therefore binding upon us as Christ’s disciples.

The Church of the Brethren…
  1. …is a body of Christians originated early in the eighteenth century, the church being a natural outgrowth of the Pietistic movement following the Reformation.
  2. …firmly accepts and teaches the fundamental evangelical doctrines of the inspiration of the Bible, the personality of the Holy Spirit, the virgin birth, the deity of Christ, the sin-pardoning value of his atonement, his resurrection from the tomb, ascension and personal and visible return, and the resurrection, both of the just and the unjust (John 5:28-29; I Thessalonians 4:13-18).
  3. …observes the following New Testament rites: baptism of penitent believers by triune immersion for the remission of sins (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38); feet-washing (John 13:1-20; I Timothy 5:10); love feast (Luke 22:20; John 13:4; I Corinthians 11:17-34; Jude 12); communion (Matthew 26:26-30); the Christian salutation (Romans 16:16; Acts 20:37); proper appearance in worship (I Corinthians 11:2-16); the anointing for healing in the name of the Lord (James 5:13-18; Mark 6:13); laying on of hands (Acts 8:17; 19:6; I Timothy 4:14). These rites are representative of spiritual facts which obtain in the lives of true believers, and as such are essential factors in the development of the Christian life.
  4. …emphasizes daily devotion for the individual, and family worship for the home (Ephesians 6:18-20; Philippians 4:8-9); stewardship of time, talents and money (Matthew 25:14-30); taking care of the fatherless, widows, poor, sick and aged (Acts 6:1-7).
  5. …opposes on Scriptural grounds: war and the taking of human life (Matthew 5:21-26, 43-44; Romans 12:19-21; Isaiah 53:7-12); violence in personal and industrial controversy (Matthew 7:12; Romans 13:8-10); intemperance in all things (Titus 2:2; Galatians 5:19-26; Ephesians 5:18); going to law, especially against our Christian brethren (I Corinthians 6:1-9); divorce and remarriage except for the one Scriptural reason (Matthew 19:9); every form of oath (Matthew 5:33-37; James 5:12); membership in secret, oath-bound societies (II Corinthians 6:14-18); games of chance and sinful amusements (I Thessalonians 5:22; I Peter 2:11; Romans 12:17); extravagant and immodest dress (I Timothy 2:8-10; I Peter 3:1-6).
  6. …labors earnestly, in harmony with the Great Commission, for the evangelization of the world, for the conversion of men to Jesus Christ, and for the realization of the life of Jesus Christ in every believer (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; II Corinthians 3:18).
  7. …maintains the New Testament as its only creed, in harmony with which the above brief doctrinal statement is made.

    "Be ready always to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence." -- I Peter 3:15

    Home Page Virtual Tour Church Calendar Directions
    Our History Latest Newsletter
    Church of the Brethren Northern Plains District
    DON'T CLICK THIS SPOT!!
    Webmaster