The Brethren in Christ are a relatively small evangelical denomination whose origin is in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania about
1790. We embrace the holiness traditions in a quiet way and are counted among the peace churches. We maintain close ties with the Mennonites and support their disaster relief organization. Messiah College, a nationally
recognized private college, was founded by the denomination in response to the need for solid value-oriented education. Strong mission activity has spread the denomination to many countries across the
world during the last 100 years. There are now more Brethren in Christ churches and members outside the US than within. A major portion of the denominational giving goes to support this mission commitment. All ages are
encouraged to participate in mission work and trips.
Purpose statement: "The purpose of the Brethren in Christ Church is to foster a fellowship of believers whose objective is to worship and obey
the triune God, and to proclaim His gospel to all people." (Historic and still active)
Mission Statement:
"Our mission is to build a community of believers who worship and obey God and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with all people."
The Brethren in Christ hold the following core values:
- Experiencing God's Love and Grace
- We value the free gift of salvation in Christ Jesus and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
- Believing the Bible -
We value the Bible as God's authoritative Word, study it together, and build our lives on its truth.
- Worshiping God
- We value heartfelt worship that is God-honoring, Spirit-directed, and life changing.
- Following Jesus
- We value wholehearted obedience to Christ Jesus through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
- Belonging to the Community of Faith
- We value integrity in relationships and mutual accountability in an atmosphere of grace, love, and acceptance.
- Witnessing to the World -
We value an active loving witness for Christ to all people.
- Serving Compassionately -
We value serving others at their point of need, following the example of our Lord Jesus.
- Pursuing Peace
- We value all human life and promote forgiveness, understanding, reconciliation, and non-violent resolution of conflict.
- Living Simply
- We value uncluttered lives, which free us to live boldly, give generously, and serve joyfully.
- Relying on God
- We confess our dependence on God for everything, and seek to deepen our intimacy with Him by living prayerfully.
Vision Statement: "By 2010, we see the Brethren in Christ Church in North America as: 325 healthy congregations in partnership to impact the world for Jesus Christ."We will strive together
for the fulfillment of this Vision in these ways:
Fervent Prayer
We will pray and fast for the life-changing grace of God to renew the Church
Healthy Congregations
We will strengthen distinguishing traits of health in our congregations.
Bold Communications
We will boldly declare the enduring biblical message with fresh words and enthusiasm.
Ambitious Church Planting
We will create partnerships within and among our congregations to start new congregations.
Active Compassion
We will actively respond to human need in the name of Christ.
Global Mobilization
We will mobilize for global witness and service, especially among the least-reached peoples of the world.
Leadership Development
We will raise up and develop men and women as workers and leaders for an expanding network of congregations and ministries.
Enriched Community
We will work to be increasingly enriched by ethnic, cultural and racial diversity.
Brethren in Christ North America web page:
