About the Church of the Brethren

The Church of the Brethren traces its beginning in 1708 to a small group of German Christians who sensed God calling in a deeper manner than they experienced in the churches of the time. After years of studying the scriptures, and meeting in houses to pray and seek God's will for their lives, eight men and women became convinced that God was calling them to be baptized as adult believers into a life of discipleship--following in Jesus' way--recognizing that this step of baptism would be contrary to the rules of the governing authorities of their time and place. Under the leadership of Alexander Mack, these eight embarked on a journey of faith that we trace to our congregation today.
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The following information is provided with grateful acknowledgement to www.cob-net.org, the unofficial (but extremely helpful and resourceful) website of the Church of the Brethren. Links in the following paragraphs take you directly to resources on that site.

Timeline of the Church of the Brethren tracing our development from a very small circle of eight Anabaptist and Pietist believers in Schwarzenau, Germany, until the present 1,100 congregations in 36 states with mission projects around the world. Discover many external religious events that significantly contributed to our formation. Included are many secular historical markers to help properly frame Brethren events in relation to world happenings

European Origin - Alexander Mack, son of a German miller was greatly influenced by Pietism, especially it's emphasis on faith as something to be experienced apart from ritual and form. After befriending members of the Separatist wing of the Pietistic movement, Mack and seven others proceeded to the Eder River at Schwarzenau, Germany, in the autumn of 1708, and (re)baptized themselves into a community of faith rooted in both Pietism, and Anabaptism from an earlier period. This was an illegal action for which they had "counted the cost" (Luke 14:28).

Honors to Alexander Mack is a newly written article about the founder of the Brethren, written especially for COB-Net by noted author William G. Willoughby. He is also the author of "Counting The Cost" and "Beliefs of the Early Brethren." Unlike these two excellent works that have become treasures to fellow Brethren readers, "Honors" tells the story of Mack to the non-Brethren web visitor from the global community. It is written with a gentle sensitivity to the modern audience that wants a hero, and explains why the beliefs of Alexander Mack fills that need. We especially want to thank Mr. Willoughby for donating his time and literary talents, to help COB-Net tell the Brethren story through this evolving online technology of web communication.

Anabaptism ... having started in the 16th century, profoundly influenced the early Schwarzenau Brethren. They accepted it's basic principles by renouncing materialism and participation in government, but especially abjuring infant baptism and publically rebaptizing themselves as believing adults.

Pietism first started within the big three European churches by people who wished to 'feel' the effects of grace. Schwarzenau Brethren founder Alexander Mack was heavily influenced by Ernest Hochmann who was a member of the Separatist wing of Pietism.

Brethren in America - Seeking freedom from religious persecution, the Brethren migrated in different groups throughout Europe and later to America where they could finally worship in peace. On Christmas day in 1723, resident and newly arriving Brethren founded the Germantown Congregation when they baptized seven individuals in the icy waters of the Wissahickon Creek in northwest Philadelphia.

Early Brethren Life - Have you ever wished that you could go back in time and experience life in a typical Brethren farming community? When life was at a much slower pace, without the vibration of noisy over crowded highways, and the word filth referred to something in a barnyard. Here is at least one opportunity to discover what simple family life was like during the 1840-1850's, in and around the small farming community of Boston, Indiana. These articles have been contributed by Brethren church historian, Merle Rummel.

Brethren Groups - Brethren? Which Brethren!? There are so many Christian groups using the term Brethren, that questions frequently arise concerning their relationship with each other. The purpose of this exercise is to acquaint you with a basic, non-theological outline of denominations using the word Brethren, and hopefully give you an overview of how we all fit together.

Nineteenth Century Acculturation - The industrialism of the Nineteenth Century changed the Brethren, who were mostly rural based and agriculturally minded. During the previous century of their American experience, they had insulated themselves from the many influences of the secular world, due to their German sub-culture and predominately rural location. The industrial and cultural innovations of the Nineteenth Century would force the Brethren to acknowledge the outer world, it's influences and subtle control over personal living.

Denominational Themes

Annual Conference - It is the historical town meeting of the Church of the Brethren where delegates from each local church gather in harmony to affirm one another, and enact polity. This annual gathering successfully mixes fun, worship, serious debate, education, and challenge in one memorable week.

Communion & Love Feast - The Church of the Brethren observes holy communion in a three-fold service, comprised of a fellowship meal, feet washing, and the sacraments of the bread and cup. It is a corporate, mental re-enactment of Jesus and His disciples celebrating the Passover which is now called the Last Supper.

Brethren Concepts of Peace & War - Peace, non-participation in war, and meaningful coexistence is the historic imprint of the Brethren on society. The Church of the Brethren differentiates between patriotism and militarism or the role of government to resolve seemingly impassable conflicts between individuals or nations. Their beliefs focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ who sacrificed his life on a cross instead of engaging political forces with violence to implement his beliefs.

Mission & Service - The concept of service logically follows our pursuit of a peaceful world. Christ modeled an exemplary life of service by identifying people's needs and ministering to them by feeding, healing, teaching, and most of all, loving. Brethren service is a direct outgrowth of our members loving others as Christ loved. We feel the urgency to touch hurting and impoverished people with love.

Here are a few selected links for those interested in our denomination (see our Links page for more):

Official Denomination Web Site
Good information, and links to denominational agencies.

Unofficial(!) Denomination Web Site
Good information, lots of resources, and many links.
Of special note is the Information Center, which offers a Brethren Timeline, current news, Annual Conference Statements (official denominational positions), e-mail addresses, and even a prayer board, to name a few!

The Anabaptist Web Site
Information about our denomination, its background, and sister churches.

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	Timeline of the Church of the Brethren tracing our development from a very small circle of eight Anabaptist and Pietist believers in Schwarzenau, Germany, until the present 1,100 congregations in 36 states with mission projects around the world. Discover many external religious events that significantly contributed to our formation. Included are many secular historical markers to help properly frame Brethren events in relation to world happenings

	European Origin - Alexander Mack, son of a German miller was greatly influenced by Pietism, especially it's emphasis on faith as something to be experienced apart from ritual and form. After befriending members of the Separatist wing of the Pietistic movement, Mack and seven others proceeded to the Eder River at Schwarzenau, Germany, in the autumn of 1708, and (re)baptized themselves into a community of faith rooted in both Pietism, and Anabaptism from an earlier period. This was an illegal action for which they had "counted the cost" (Luke 14:28).

	Honors to Alexander Mack is a newly written article about the founder of the Brethren, written especially for COB-Net by noted author William G. Willoughby. He is also the author of "Counting The Cost" and "Beliefs of the Early Brethren." Unlike these two excellent works that have become treasures to fellow Brethren readers, "Honors" tells the story of Mack to the non-Brethren web visitor from the global community. It is written with a gentle sensitivity to the modern audience that wants a hero, and explains why the beliefs of Alexander Mack fills that need. We especially want to thank Mr. Willoughby for donating his time and literary talents, to help COB-Net tell the Brethren story through this evolving online technology of web communication.

	Anabaptism ... having started in the 16th century, profoundly influenced the early Schwarzenau Brethren. They accepted it's basic principles by renouncing materialism and participation in government, but especially abjuring infant baptism and publically rebaptizing themselves as believing adults.

	Pietism first started within the big three European churches by people who wished to 'feel' the effects of grace. Schwarzenau Brethren founder Alexander Mack was heavily influenced by Ernest Hochmann who was a member of the Separatist wing of Pietism.

	Brethren in America - Seeking freedom from religious persecution, the Brethren migrated in different groups throughout Europe and later to America where they could finally worship in peace. On Christmas day in 1723, resident and newly arriving Brethren founded the Germantown Congregation when they baptized seven individuals in the icy waters of the Wissahickon Creek in northwest Philadelphia.

	Early Brethren Life - Have you ever wished that you could go back in time and experience life in a typical Brethren farming community? When life was at a much slower pace, without the vibration of noisy over crowded highways, and the word filth referred to something in a barnyard. Here is at least one opportunity to discover what simple family life was like during the 1840-1850's, in and around the small farming community of Boston, Indiana. These articles have been contributed by Brethren church historian, Merle Rummel.

	Brethren Groups - Brethren? Which Brethren!? There are so many Christian groups using the term Brethren, that questions frequently arise concerning their relationship with each other. The purpose of this exercise is to acquaint you with a basic, non-theological outline of denominations using the word Brethren, and hopefully give you an overview of how we all fit together.

	Nineteenth Century Acculturation - The industrialism of the Nineteenth Century changed the Brethren, who were mostly rural based and agriculturally minded. During the previous century of their American experience, they had insulated themselves from the many influences of the secular world, due to their German sub-culture and predominately rural location. The industrial and cultural innovations of the Nineteenth Century would force the Brethren to acknowledge the outer world, it's influences and subtle control over personal living.

	Annual Conference - It is the historical town meeting of the Church of the Brethren where delegates from each local church gather in harmony to affirm one another, and enact polity. This annual gathering successfully mixes fun, worship, serious debate, education, and challenge in one memorable week.

	Communion & Love Feast - The Church of the Brethren observes holy communion in a three-fold service, comprised of a fellowship meal, feet washing, and the sacraments of the bread and cup. It is a corporate, mental re-enactment of Jesus and His disciples celebrating the Passover which is now called the Last Supper.

	Brethren Concepts of Peace & War - Peace, non-participation in war, and meaningful coexistence is the historic imprint of the Brethren on society. The Church of the Brethren differentiates between patriotism and militarism or the role of government to resolve seemingly impassable conflicts between individuals or nations. Their beliefs focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ who sacrificed his life on a cross instead of engaging political forces with violence to implement his beliefs.

	Mission & Service - The concept of service logically follows our pursuit of a peaceful world. Christ modeled an exemplary life of service by identifying people's needs and ministering to them by feeding, healing, teaching, and most of all, loving. Brethren service is a direct outgrowth of our members loving others as Christ loved. We feel the urgency to touch hurting and impoverished people with love.