The document provides an overview of what it means to be a member of the Church of the Brethren from the perspective of a member. It discusses some of the member's personal faith journey and maturation in their understanding of salvation, peace, and living according to biblical principles. Key aspects of Brethren theology are explained, including non-creedalism, the priesthood of all believers, simplicity, and ordinances. The effectiveness of the denomination in areas like ethical investing, outreach, and disaster relief is highlighted. The member expresses continued spiritual growth within the Brethren tradition.

1. What does it mean
to be Brethren?
Why am I here?
A bit of personal testimony
and
A bit about the Brethren.

2. There are some bits of
the story are from here
Hartville
Church of the Brethren

3. And some bits happened
along the way
Is there a God?
How do I be good?
Hey! I am a Christian!
This is fun!
How do I live an honorable life amidst temptation?
What kind of a Christian am I going to be?
Am I good enough for God?
What about the 144,000?

4. Some maturing bits
Do I measure up?
Am I honoring my wife?
Am I being a good role model
to my kids?
Am I living up to my father-
in-law’s expectation?
Can I ever compare to my
brother-in-law? Should I?
And even on occasion:
What if I’m wrong about all
this whole God thing?

5. Eventually a I got a bit of assurance
Eventually I learned some key lessons
as my knowledge of the Bible grew.
The most important is that salvation is
not a matter of being good enough,
doing enough or praying enough.
I’m not enough, but God is.
That ties into another lesson:
God wants us to be at peace. Life isn’t
supposed to be a painful struggle.
“Don’t worry be happy” is trite, but
the message is clear, “God has called
us to peace.” 1Cr 7:15
“Grace to you and peace from God our
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 18
And yes, I
times
learned that
Εἰρήνη - ei-rā'-nā – Peace is used up
here.
to 92 times in the New Testament

6. But why Brethren?
(Admittedly, I like being different)

7. Ok but really, why Brethren?
• Culture shock after living with the Amish for a month
• I can explain what the Brethren believe and why they
believe it. There is a very logical thought out approach
in everything from baby dedication to the structure of
autonomous churches supported by the district.
• The foundation is a good one. The Brethren were
formed when what the other churches were doing
wasn’t Biblical: Baptism as a census.
• Courageous people sacrificed because it was the right
thing to do.
• The basic tenets are consistent and make sense in the
world we live in today.

8. Non-creedalism
• A creed is a statement the defined exactly what you must believe. The
COB holds no creed but the New Testament.
• If there is a single part of the New Testament that is most pointed to as a
guide for members' lives it is The Sermon on the Mount.
• Brethren tend to describe themselves in terms of what we do compared
to what we believe.
• We do have a vision statement. This is not a litmus test to decide if you
are saved, but is meant focus the mission of the church and spur activity
on the denominational level and in congregations and districts.
Through Scripture, Jesus calls us to live as
courageous disciples by word and action:
To surrender ourselves to God,
To embrace one another,
To express God’s love for all creation.
• There are three basic core beliefs/tenets from the Bible that Brethren
share.

9. Peace
• We are one of the historic peace churches
• This is not something that was just important
in the past.
• It is something that still sets us aside today.
• It doesn’t just mean war, but also we strive for
peace and reconciliation in our daily lives and
in the governing of the Church. For example:
(A video was played here about Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa (EYN - the CoB in Nigeria) . It described the conflict between the Muslims and Christians
and how the EYN stepped in to prevent escalation. To protect the lives of those in the video, it was requested that it not being made
available online.)

10. This is how we now do business

11. Priesthood of all Believers
• As disciples of Christ, we are called to be
brave and courageous in our quest to make
disciples of all.
• That means that we are each set aside to
minister in the church and beyond
• This is why, in the past, Brethren churches
traditionally used by-vocational pastors

12. Simplicity
• We are called to lead a simple lifestyle
• This helps us be at peace
• It helps us direct our time to service
• It helps us direct our money to where it is
needed most.
• This is not easy today, but the rewards are
hard to argue with.

13. The Ordinances are important to me
• These are symbolic actions ordered by Jesus
Christ and practiced by the early church
– Anointing ( and laying on of hands )
– Believer's baptism – Baptism is an outward sign of
an inward experience of salvation.
– Love Feast – A love feast includes foot washing,
sharing of a meal, and communion.

14. We are effective
• As a denomination we invest in ethical
companies and proactively wield our shares
rights to steer the companies in the right
direction
• Our districts have outreach programs in the local
cities and urban areas to reach those who need
the Lord’s blessings the most
• We have an effective disaster relief programs
locally and internationally
• We make a difference in the world, for example:
EYN. Read more: http://www.brethren.org/partners/nigeria/

15. I’m still growing
I’m being fed and I am increasingly able to boldly
minister for the Lord.
And I must admit, I do like it when it sounds as if
Paul speaks directly to us:
2Cr 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Become
complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live
in peace; and the God of love and peace will be
with you.