Defining the Church of the Brethren?

 

The Church of the Brethren originated in Germany 1708. Because of political pressures and personal persecutions, eight people sought to pursue the principles and precepts found in the New Testament. Their purpose was to have a deeply personal relationship with Christ—free from governmental regulations and the growing restraints placed upon them by other faiths, these eight individuals aspired to live a life of piety—where pray, peace, and practicing what Christ preached was paramount to their daily living.

 

Their humble beginnings can be traced to both the Pietistic movements—a devotion to holy living—and the Anabaptists—the dedication of adult members through baptism. However, regardless of their efforts to emancipate themselves from the exigent demands placed upon the people, the founders of this innovative practice experienced severe persecution.

 

Following in the footsteps of other persecuted faiths, the Church of the Brethren’s forefathers migrated to a New Nation (The United States) where freedom of faiths was widely favored.  Their first church settled in Pennsylvania and quickly spread to Maryland, Virginia, and Ohio. Soon the Church of the Brethren traveled to western territories—preaching peace and planting new churches in Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, and California.

 

Today, there are 1000 churches throughout the United States whose congregations combined total over 150,000 members. Though the Church of the Brethren has witnessed some changes since its conception, it still adheres to the basic principles and precepts prescribed in the New Testament and advance the message of peace in practical ways.

 

What does the Church of the Brethren Believe?

 

Because no creed or doctrine can fully capture the fullness of the Bible, the Church of the Brethren does not adhere to any precise statements of faith, but adheres to the principles prescribed in the New Testament—particularly those found in Christ’s presentation on the Sermon on the Mount.

 

To continue on the rich example set forth by Jesus Christ, the Church of the Brethren exercises foot washing, explores other options to peace than war, and executes Christ’s commandment to love God and neighbor.

 

 

What is the Eastwood Church of the Brethren like?

 

There is one word that best describes and defines the Eastwood Church of the Brethren—family. Here at Eastwood, everyone is seen as a brother and sister in Christ. Anyone who walks through our doors is welcomed with arms opened and is wrapped with the compassion of Christ and warmed by the comfort of His love. The strength of Eastwood is its people—people whose love for the Lord is exemplified through their gentle spirit and in their gifts of service.