The Church of the Brethren has a tradition of concern about world peace, the rights of all people, and the need for balanced lifestyles.

The Church of the Brethren embraces no set of doctrines except the New Testament.

We encourage our members to develop their own faith with an awareness of what Scripture and the traditions of the church have to teach us.

As a result, a wide diversity exists and is fostered within our denomination.

Brethren are young and old, black and white, men and women, from cities and rural areas. Brethren are a community of faith. They know their church as more than an institution or building. They know it as family and friends.

"Brethren" is in fact a New Testament word that describes the kinship and warmth of Jesus’ early followers. People have experienced that warmth and kinship in the Church of the Brethren.

We invite you to get to know the people called Brethren. We want to share our faith and make a place in our community of believers for you. Will you join us this Sunday in worship?

The story of the Brethren began in Germany almost three hundred years ago. A small group of men and women met for Bible study and prayer in homes, seeking alternatives to the shallow Christianity they observed about them. This group was part of a larger movement that sought to reform the existing Protestant churches. Restless with dead formalism, these first Brethren wanted to be a people shaped by a personal faith in Christ and by life-giving words of Scripture. They wanted to live lives of discipleship and be of service to their neighbor.

Their study led them to be baptized by immersion in a river near their homes. In this act they looked to the previous example of 16th century reformers. The new-found faith of the Brethren created a stir among religious and civic leaders because at that time adult baptism was illegal. But their zeal and warm fellowship attracted many who were searching for a deeper, more meaningful faith.

As the Brethren moved to other more religiously tolerant provinces, they carried their faith with them. After coming to America in the early part of the 18th century, they spread out across the nation, particularly in rich agricultural regions. Later, mission work even spawned continuing congregations in India, Nigeria, and Ecuador. Brethren also became active in publishing and educational activities.

People in the Church of the Brethren, like Christians around the world, believe in a loving, faithful God. Brethren believe that Jesus died and was raised so that we can know salvation and life, that the Holy Spirit guides and gives power, that the Bible is trustworthy, and that the church helps us live as Christ desires until His return. The Church of the Brethren encourages a growing, seeking faith and has therefore steered away from rigid statements of creed. Indeed, Brethren people have been as concerned about "right living" as they have "right doctrine."

Brethren also emphasize the voluntary nature of following Christ and reserve baptism for those old enough to choose (but will usually accept the baptism of other Christian bodies). Brethren perform anointing for healing, a service of confession and prayer following James 5:14. And Brethren relive Jesus’ last supper with his disciples as described in John 13 in a special way. A moving, once– or twice-yearly evening service re-enacts the supper at which Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, shared in a meal, and gave the bread and cup of communion.

The Church of the Brethren takes seriously Jesus’ command to love our neighbor, even the enemy. Many members, therefore, choose a form of alternative service in place of military service. Compassion for all people everywhere fuels the church’s programs among international refugees, and aid to victims of natural disasters and poverty. Brethren cooperate with ecumenical agencies around the world in various service ministries that proclaim the love of Christ for all. Many feel led to witness for peace and justice in other ways as well.

Brethren take seriously living and sharing their faith with family, friends, and neighbors. When you care about people, as members of the Church of the Brethren do, it is not easy to keep a good thing to yourself.