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Mission Statements

Church of the Brethren

Many districts, congregations, agencies, and camps have adopted Mission Statement's to add individual expression or more intensely communicate the focus of their ministry. These are usually brief statements of evangelical vision or practical discipleship. If your Brethren group would like to share their Mission Statement with the wider church family, please Contact Us. Please be sure to include the full organizational name and the date of adoption if it is known.

Last Update : 08-29-22

A Life In Christ

Cape Coral, Florida
Atlantic Southeast District

"To reach out to people of any age in the Cape Coral community and beyond with hearts of compassion, hands in service, thoughts in prayer, and mouths speaking the message of the freeing grace of Jesus Christ."


Submitted by Leah J. Hileman

Antelope Park Church of the Brethren

Lincoln, Nebraska
Western Plains District

"We are a faith community striving to follow Jesus Christ and nurture our God-given gifts for supporting one another in service to others. We invite all people to experience and celebrate God's love with us through active peacemaking, the pursuit of justice, and the sharing of hope with our community and the world."


Submitted by Clarice Grenier Grabau

Batavia Faith Church of the Brethren

Batavia, Illinois
Illinois-Wisconsin District

"We, Faith Church of the Brethren, seek to worship God and follow Christ, as we serve our church family and the Fox Valley community, through worship, fellowship activities, study, and local/international service projects."

Beavercreek Church of the Brethren

Beavercreek, Ohio
Ohio Southern District

"Welcoming all to another way of living. Nurturing the family of God. Sharing the call of Christ. Serving..."


Adopted April 2001 : Submitted by L. Hazen

Beech Grove Church of the Brethren

Pendleton, Indiana
Indiana South-Central District

"To be a community of believers that worships Jesus Christ by accepting His love, proclaiming salvation through the name of Jesus and ministering His love to one another, our community and the world at large."


Submitted by Phil Reynolds

Bethany Theological Seminary

Richmond, Indiana


"To prepare people for Christian ministry, and to educate those called as witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the cities and communities of the world."

Bunkertown Church of the Brethren

McAlisterville, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Southern District

"In Christ's love, we follow, serve and reach out."

Camp Eder

Fairfield, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Southern District

"Camp Eder is a place where persons can experience God's creation in a loving, caring environment. Our purpose is to extend the love of Jesus Christ to all people and to provide each one the opportunity to discover His Spirit at work in the world and in one's own life."

Camp Mack

Milford, Indiana
Indiana Northern & South-Central Districts

"Camp Alexander Mack, a camp and retreat center, is a Christ-centered ministry of the Church of the Brethren in Indiana providing holy hospitality for God's people to meditate, commit, recreate, fellowship and serve."

COBYS Family Services

Leola, Pennsylvania
Atlantic Northeast District

"Motivated by Christian faith, COBYS Family services educates, supports, and empowers children and adults to reach their full potential."

Community Church of Waterford

Goshen, Indiana
Indiana Northern District

"To do what it takes to reach and disciple people for Jesus Christ."


Submitted by Larry Cripe

Cross Keys Village ~ The Brethren Home Community

New Oxford, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Southern District

"The Cross Keys Village - The Brethren Home Community, a vessel for Christian ministry reflecting the Church of the Brethren value of compassionate service, promotes health and wholeness, provides nursing care, rehabilitation services, and adult residential housing to individuals of all faiths."

Creekside Church of the Brethren

Elkhart, Indiana
Indiana Northern District

"Because we are God's Beloved in Christ, united in the Spirit we seek God's love in our lives celebrate God's love in vital worship share God's love through acceptance, service, and witness."


Submitted by Gary Arnold

East Chippewa Church of the Brethren

Orrville, Ohio
Ohio Northern District

"The East Chippewa Church of the Brethren exists to bring people to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and to live out the teachings of the New Testament."

Elm Street Church of the Brethren

Lima, Ohio
Ohio Northern District

"To study, follow and share the Word of God and to help ourselves and others walk the path of righteousness, peace and harmony the way Jesus wants us to live."


Submitted by Wes Richard

Fairview Church of the Brethren

Unionville, Iowa
Northern Plains District

"The mission of the church set forth in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) may be defined as having an inner and outer direction. The inner mission of the church is to nurture its members, seeking ever to bring them more and more to the stature of maturity in Christ. The outer mission of the church is to be related, as God's instrument, to the problems and the needs of all souls in the world. These two major functions of the church are achieved to the extent that they are undergirded with stewardship of time, talent, and material resources."


Adopted November 20, 1996 : Submitted by Ron & Diane Mason

Fraternity Church of the Brethren

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Virlina District

"Fraternity Church of the Brethren exists to meet the needs and touch the lives of people, so as to win them to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, while nurturing a loving, supportive fellowship of prayer and worship, and equipping them as witnesses and ministers for everyday life."


Submitted by Amy Adams

Glade Valley Church of the Brethren

Blacksburg, Virginia
Virlina District

"Glade Valley Church of the Brethren seeks to come together joyfully in Christ, include all people, provide spiritual refreshment, and equip one another for God's Service."

Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren

Blacksburg, Virginia
Virlina District

"We are a Body of Believers who acknowledge salvation by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. We seek to: Be a local congregation within the Church universal under the authority of the Scriptures and in the heritage of the Church of the Brethren. Proclaim by word and deed the saving acts of God's love revealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Be open to the Holy Spirit's working and guidance in our lives. Encourage the personal development and spiritual growth of all who share in our life together. Serve lovingly our neighbors, our community, our nation, and the world in the manner exemplified by Christ."


Adopted 1983

Goshen City Church of the Brethren

Goshen, Indiana
Indiana Northern District

"We follow Jesus, reflecting God's love, serving and welcoming all."


Submitted by David Evans

Green Tree Church of the Brethren

Oaks, Pennsylvania
Atlantic Northeast District

"The mission of Green Tree Church of the Brethren is to provide a nurturing environment; to welcome all people of the community in sharing the gospel in Christian love, fellowship, and service, and to achieve faith in God through Christ."

Greensburg Church of the Brethren

Greensburg, Pennsylvania
Western Pennsylvania District

"To glorify God through worship, nurture and service."


Adopted April 26, 2009 : Submitted by Jim Blair

Hagerstown Church of the Brethren

Hagerstown, Maryland
Mid-Atlantic District

"The mission of the Hagerstown Church of the Brethren is to celebrate the love of Jesus Christ and glorify the Lord by striving to live as Christ lived, experiencing the power of God's healing in our lives.? We seek to nurture our faith community through prayer, music and the proclaimed Word, while enthusiastically reaching out to others with compassion, respect and love for everyone so that we may grow in faith and commitment together."

Vision Statement:
Journeying with Christ, Serving our neighbor, Uniting at the Master's table


Submitted by Beth Cox

Harrisburg Church of the Brethren

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Atlantic Northeast District

"We are called to build a Christ-centered multicultural community in the inner city, sharing the love, healing, peace, and justice of Christ."


Submitted by Gerald W. Rhoades

Harrisonburg Church of the Brethren

Harrisonburg, Virginia
Shenandoah District

"We, the First Church of the Brethren, Harrisonburg, Virginia, are a community of believers committed to being faithful to a life worthy of the calling received from God through Christ Jesus."

NEW : 08-29-22

Haxtun Church of the Brethren

Haxtun, Colorado
Western Plains District

"To Grow in Spirit and Community"


Adopted informally 2015 : Submitted by Ministry Team: Ken Frantz, Jean Gray

Indiana Northern District

Nappanee, Indiana

"To equip our family of churches for service to build up the Body of Christ."


Submitted by Herman Kauffman

Indiana South-Central District

North Manchester, Indiana

DISTRICT BOARD MISSION STATEMENTS

Serving the Body of Christ, we continue the work of Jesus - peacefully, simply, together:
Peacefully ... by nurturing faith, peace, wholeness, and reconciliation;
Simply ... by calling leadership and sharing our resources to empower local congregations; and
Together ... by encouraging all congregations to grow in discipleship. denominational identity, and unity.

STAFF MISSION STATEMENTS

To empower congregations for mission;
To support District Board ministries;
To nurture South Central Indiana ministers and families;
To encourage a broader vision for the church.

Illinois/Wisconsin District Youth



"The Illinois/Wisconsin District Youth Cabinet exists to build community among the youth of the district by planning retreats and other events in order to strengthen relationships with one another and with God. Peacefully, Simply, Together"


Submitted by Jim Miner

Lampeter Church of the Brethren

Lampeter, Pennsylvania
Atlantic Northeast District

"God calls the Lampeter Church of the Brethren to share salvation and make Christian disciples of all persons in the surrounding community and throughout the world by providing a strong and nuturing fellowship. Inspired by God's Word, revealed in Christ's example, and guided by the Holy Spirit, the church shall minister to the people's spiritual, social, and physical needs through caring and service."


Submitted by Bob Williams

Live Oak Church of the Brethren

Live Oak, California
Pacific Southwest District

"The Live Oak Church of the Brethren seeks to be a caring community called by Christ to glorify God; empowered by the Holy Spirit to express God's love, serve our neighbors and invite others to follow Christ in a life-changing way."

Living Stone Church of the Brethren

Cumberland, Maryland
West Marva District

"The Living Stone Church of the Brethren is dedicated to bringing people into relationship with Jesus Christ, developing a faith that is based on God's Love, and living out that faith as inspired by the Holy Spirit."


Submitted by Pastor Timothy L. Monn

Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren

Glen Arm, Maryland
Mid-Atlantic District

"Our purpose is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We will teach, preach, nurture, and witness to create a fellowship for reconciliation, healing, and love. Thus, we hope all people will come to know God's saving grace and develop as His servants."


Submitted by Pastor Peter Haynes

Longmeadow Church of the Brethren

Hagerstown, Maryland
Mid-Atlantic District

"To bring people to Jesus and membership in his family, develop them to Christlike maturity, and equip them for their ministry in the church and life mission in the world, in order to magnify God's name."


Submitted by Sue Lopez

Loon Creek Church of the Brethren

Huntington, Indiana
Indiana South-Central District

"United in Christ our Lord we seek to follow Jesus by proclaiming the message of salvation as we serve the community."


Submitted by Richard Stiver

Mack Memorial Church of the Brethren

Dayton, Ohio
Ohio Southern District

"As followers of Jesus, we are called to be the body of Christ in a multicultural, urban neighborhood, embracing diversity, celebrating God's transforming love, living our faith, and working in hope for reconciliation and peace in our community and our world."


Submitted by Mark Flory Steury

Maple Spring Church of the Brethren

Hollsopple, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Western District

"The living water of Christ wells up within us and overflows! It is our mission to be obedient to Christ, by living in unity with one another, by discipling one another through the Holy Spirit, and by reaching out to our neighbors."

Memorial Church of the Brethren

Martinsburg, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Middle District

"Continuing the work of Jesus through love, service, and invitation."

Michigan District ~ Church of the Brethren

Kaleva, Michigan

Our Mission:
"The Michigan District Church of the Brethren Board is committed to facilitating Christian discipleship and spiritual health within local congregations."

Our Vision:
"The Michigan District of the Church of the Brethren will live out of the heritage of scripture and tradition which is ours, and will live into the witness of the gospel of the resurrected Christ for today's world."


Adopted by the District Board January 26, 2002 with a Plan of Action : Submitted by Marie Willoughby

Modesto Church of the Brethren

Modesto, California
Pacific Southwest District

"Ministry Focus Statement: As a community centered in Jesus, we seek to grow through continuing the work of Jesus. We understand that work to include spiritual practices and friendship, service and justice, hospitality and invitation. As we continue that work, we fulfill the call to participate in God's transformation of the world.

Welcome Statement: Believing that God's unbounded love and grace, as taught by Jesus, are offered to all and meant to be shared and celebrated by all, we embrace persons of every age, race, sexual orientation, ethnic and religious background, physical and mental ability, and economic means as vital and integral members of God's family. We welcome everyone to participate in the life and worship of our church."

Moxham Church of the Brethren

Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Western District

"Therefore, the Moxham Church of the Brethren has made a commitment to: Enable people to experience the church as the people of God, the body of Christ, and the community of the Holy Spirit. Call people to know God and foster an ongoing knowledge of the God who acted in history and continues to act throughout all time. Challenge learners to accept Christ as Lord and Savior, seeking the mind of Christ and participating in the life of Christian community. Provide an understanding of brethren heritage and practice. Help people bring biblical truths and attitudes into their daily witness as they address current issues, such as peace with justice, ecology and stewardship, racism and violence, abusive relationships, and family life. Respect the integrity of individuals, and encourage people to achknoledge their accountability to one another in the faith community. Employ wide variety of learning styles, recognizing that people learn in many ways. Provide materials and methods that are educationally appropriate for each age level, drawing from the best insights of Christian and secular educators. Inspire and challenge our congrgation to grow and serve, thereby transforming their faith. Call people to accept responsibility and involvement; thus making us better disciples of the word of God."


The Moxham Church of the Brethren Education Committee
September 9, 1996

Mt. Pleasant Church of the Brethren

North Canton, Ohio
Ohio Northern District

"Changing lives through the Power of Jesus Christ."


Submitted by Bruce Jacobsen, Pastor

New Covenant Church of the Brethren

Chester, Virginia
Virlina District

"As we go, witnessing to God's transforming power, worshipping in celebration, welcoming one another in love, walking in simiplicity, and continuing the work of Jesus in service and peace."


Adopted 1997 : Submitted by James McKinnell, Co-Pastor

North County Church of the Brethren

San Marcos, California
Pacific Southwest District

"Christ calls us to glorify God, express His love, serve our neighbors, and invite others to follow Him in a life-changing way."


Submitted by Eldon & Margaret Eller

Ohio Northern District

Ashland, Ohio

"The mission of the Northern Ohio District, authorized by the District Conference and implemented by the District Board, is to resource congregations, ministers, and individuals, in all aspects of Christian life so that we might continue the work of Jesus Christ in our world today - peacefully, simply, together."

Ohio Southern District

Union, Ohio

"The Southern Ohio District Board's mission is to connect, encourage and strengthen congregations and individuals, helping them to extend the ministry, love and witness of Jesus Christ."

Pacific Southwest District

La Verne California

"The Pacific Southwest District supports the life, growth, and witness of Church of the Brethren congregations within its boundaries, for the building up of the body of Christ, through nurturing its congregations toward healing and wholeness, consciously lifting up joys and sharing in pains of its members and congregations, building inter-congregational and denominational relationships, within the faithful witness of Scripture, recognizing that the statements of Annual Conference reflect the consensus of our larger community of faith."


Submitted by Joe Vecchio

Peace Church of the Brethren

Portland, Oregon
Oregon-Washington District

"The Peace Church Community is dedicated to the growth and development of people who share God's love for the world, following Christ's example. We believe Jesus calls us to make peace, act justly, live simply, and value the dignity of each person as created in the image of God."

Peoria Church of the Brethren

Peoria, Illinois
Illinois-Wisconsin District

"The mission of the Peoria First Church of the Brethren is to glorify Christ by discerning God's will through: Prayer, Worship, The Word, Christ-centered Service to the Community, Social Justice, Christian Growth - by the power of the Holy Spirit."


Submitted by Ray Knotts

Philadelphia First Church of the Brethren

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Atlantic Northeast District

"The mission of First Church is to encourage and enable persons to discover, worship and serve God, and to discern, experience and become a part of God's community."


Submitted by John Hoover

Pine Glen Church of the Brethren

Lewistown, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Middle District

"We are a church family where all may discover the meaning of God's love, where souls go in strength, and where wandering feet may be led back to the Father's house."


Submitted by Donald E. Peters Jr.

Pleasant View Church of the Brethren

Fayetteville, West Virginia
Virlina District

"Gathering to Worship, Departing to Serve."


Submitted by Sam and Denise Riner

Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren

Littleton Colorado
Western Plains District

"To Worship God. To Become Disciples. To Serve Others.
Continuing The Work Of Jesus: Peacefully, Simply, Together."


Submitted by Jeff Neuman-Lee

Rock Run Church of the Brethren

Goshen, Indiana
Indiana Northern District

"The Rock Run Church of the Brethren strives to be a church home witnessing to the love of our ever-present God; a place where God is praised, and a family continuing the work of Jesus simply,peacefully,and together."


Submitted by Yvonne E. Schwartz

Sebring Church of the Brethren

Sebring, Florida
Atlantic Southeast District

"Confessing Jesus Christ as the Lord of Life and affirming the worth of every person, the mission of the Sebring Church of the Brethren is:

To share the good news of Christ in ways that all persons may experience wholeness and a sense of being right with themselves, with others and with God.

To provide a spiritual undergirding by teaching and nurturing persons in the faith as proclaimed in the New Testament.

To reach out with love to the larger community and the world, empowered by the spirit as servants and stewards of God, with efforts to achieve social justice, peace and unity among all peoples."


Adopted May 21, 1989 : Submitted by Don & Ginny Groves

Shelton Church of the Brethren

Mount Airy, North Carolina
Virlina District

"The mission of the Shelton Church of the Brethren is to carry out the Great Commission as commanded by Jesus Christ. The primary goal and objective strives to lead unbelievers to the saving grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ."

St. Petersburg First Church of the Brethren

St. Petersburg, Florida

"Worshiping and Sharing,
        Reaching out and Caring,
                Serving God......
                        Peacefully, Simply, Together"


Submitted by Terry Hatfield

Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center

Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania

"To equip leaders for ministry in a regionally based, Christ centered, culturally relevant context in ways that bear witness to the beliefs, heritage, and practices of the Church of the Brethren."

Tucson Church of the Brethren

Tucson, Arizona
Pacific Southwest District

"We the congregation of the Church of the Brethren meeting in Tucson, Arizona hold as our vision to develop a fellowship of care giving Christians. We are preparing ourselves to give love and caring acts to all who associate with us and to those who because of misfortune of our society, or of nature, or of their own ignorance find themselves in need of a helping hand. We believe that God created the world and all that is there in. We believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ and God's appointed Messiah and offer the belief in Him as salvation for the whole world. We believe that God works through the Holy Sprit to all who believe to effect newness of life and creation."


Submitted by Andy Branagh

Union Church of the Brethren

Plymouth, Indiana
Indiana Northern District

"We seek to welcome everyone, nurturing with fellowship, Bible-based teaching and worship."

Valley View Community Church

Whittier, California
Pacific-Southwest District

"To be a center for the teaching of God?s Word and the equipping for ministry. To provide practical opportunities for each person within the fellowship to reach out with the gifts that God has provided them within the church. To send local missionaries out into our community to reach out to those outside of the church with the Gospel using the gifts that God has provided."

Wiley Ford Church of the Brethren

Wiley Ford, West Virginia
West Marva District

"The mission of the Wiley Ford Church of the Brethren is to bring people to Jesus and membership in His family; develop them to Christlike maturity; and equip them for their ministry in the church and life mission in the world, in order to magnify God's name."

Woodworth Church of the Brethren

Youngstown, Ohio
Ohio Northern District

"The Woodworth Church of the Brethren is a group of individuals who seek to follow God, whose will is made known through Jesus Christ. We will share the Good News of God's love by serving our community in word and deed."

York First Church of the Brethren

York, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Southern District

"To make believers of unbelievers ... and disciples of believers."


Submitted by Larry Gibble

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:19,20