You do not have permission to edit this page, for the following reasons:

This IP address has been blocked from editing Wikipedia.
This does not affect your ability to read Wikipedia pages.
Most people who see this message have done nothing wrong. Some kinds of blocks restrict editing from specific service providers or telecom companies in response to recent abuse or vandalism, and can sometimes affect other users who are unrelated to that abuse. Review the information below for assistance if you do not believe that you have done anything wrong.

The IP address or range 75.101.128.0/17 has been blocked (disabled) by ‪JJMC89‬ for the following reason(s):

The IP address that you are currently using has been blocked because it is believed to be a web host provider or colocation provider. To prevent abuse, web hosts and colocation providers may be blocked from editing Wikipedia.
You will not be able to edit Wikipedia using a web host or colocation provider because it hides your IP address, much like a proxy or VPN.
We recommend that you attempt to use another connection to edit. For example, if you use a proxy or VPN to connect to the internet, turn it off when editing Wikipedia. If you edit using a mobile connection, try using a Wi-Fi connection, and vice versa. If you are using a corporate internet connection, switch to a different Wi-Fi network. If you have a Wikipedia account, please log in.
If you do not have any other way to edit Wikipedia, you will need to request an IP block exemption.

How to appeal if you are confident that your connection does not use a colocation provider's IP address:
If you are confident that you are not using a web host, you may appeal this block by adding the following text on your talk page: ((unblock|reason=Caught by a colocation web host block but this host or IP is not a web host. My IP address is _______. Place any further information here. ~~~~)). You must fill in the blank with your IP address for this block to be investigated. Your IP address can be determined here. Alternatively, if you wish to keep your IP address private you can use the unblock ticket request system. There are several reasons you might be editing using the IP address of a web host or colocation provider (such as if you are using VPN software or a business network); please use this method of appeal only if you think your IP address is in fact not a web host or colocation provider.

Administrators: The IP block exemption user right should only be applied to allow users to edit using web host in exceptional circumstances, and requests should usually be directed to the functionaries team via email. If you intend to give the IPBE user right, a CheckUser needs to take a look at the account. This can be requested most easily at SPI Quick Checkuser Requests. Unblocking an IP or IP range with this template is highly discouraged without at least contacting the blocking administrator.

This block will expire on 05:39, 2 October 2024.

Even when blocked, you will usually still be able to edit your user talk page, as well as email administrators and other editors.

For information on how to proceed, please read the FAQ for blocked users and the guideline on block appeals. The guide to appealing blocks may also be helpful.

Other useful links: Blocking policy · Help:I have been blocked
Your IP address is in a range that has been blocked on all Wikimedia Foundation wikis. The block was made by ‪Jon Kolbert‬. The reason given is Open proxy/Webhost: See the help page if you are affected .
- Start of block: 05:40, 21 February 2024
- Expiry of block: 05:40, 21 February 2029
Your current IP address is 75.101.254.2. The blocked range is 75.101.128.0/17. Please include all above details in any queries you make. If you believe you were blocked by mistake, you can find additional information and instructions in the No open proxies global policy. Otherwise, to discuss the block please post a request for review on Meta-Wiki. You could also send an email to the stewards VRT queue at stewards@wikimedia.org including all above details.

You can view and copy the source of this page:

((Short description|Evangelical Christian churches))
((More citations needed|date=March 2023)) 
((Use dmy dates|date=April 2022))
((Infobox Christian denomination
| name                = Open Brethren<br />(Christian Brethren)
| image               = 
| imagewidth          = 
| caption             = 
| main_classification = [[Protestant]]
| orientation         = [[Plymouth Brethren]]
| polity              = [[Congregationalist polity|Congregationalist]]
| founder             = [[George Müller]] and others
| founded_date        = 1848
| founded_place       = [[Bristol]], England
| separated_from      = [[Plymouth Brethren]] (N.B. The Open Brethren and the [[Exclusive Brethren]], which emerged from the schism, dispute which party was responsible for it)
| leader/moderator    = 
| leader              = 
| parent              = 
| merger              = 
| separations         = [[Needed Truth Brethren]], 1892
| fellowships         = 
| associations        = 
| area                = ((circa|130)) countries
| hospitals           = 
| nursing_homes       = 
| aid                 = 
| congregations       = 25,000<ref name="partnershipuk.org"/>
| members             = 2 million est.<ref name="partnershipuk.org"/>
| ministers           = 
| missionaries        = 
| temples             = 
| primary_schools     = 
| secondary_schools   = 
| tertiary            = 
| footnotes           = 
))
The '''Open Brethren''', sometimes called '''Christian Brethren''', are a group of [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]] [[Christianity|Christian]] churches that arose in the late 1820s as part of the '''Assembly Movement''' within the [[Plymouth Brethren]] tradition. They originated in Ireland before spreading throughout the British Isles, and today they have an estimated 26,000 assemblies worldwide.

The Open [[Brethren (religious group)|Brethren]] form independent, autonomous assemblies and the name "Open" is given to them to distinguish them from "[[Exclusive Brethren]]", with whom they share historic roots. The division of the [[Plymouth Brethren]] into the Open Brethren and the Exclusive Brethren took place in 1848.<ref>http://www.bruederbewegung.de/pdf/collingwood.pdf ((Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022))</ref> Open Brethren are also commonly known as "Plymouth Brethren", especially in North America. Many Open Brethren outside North America, however, are unwilling to use the "Plymouth Brethren" designation because it is associated with the Exclusive Brethren, particularly the [[Plymouth Brethren Christian Church]], which is known for its rigid interpretation of the doctrine of [[Nonconformity to the world|separation from the world]].

The Brethren are committed to [[missionary]] work and they also hold the view that the [[Bible]] is the first authority in matters of faith and practice. Each assembly (or congregation) is independent of the others in doctrinal matters, yet there is a high degree of communication and cooperation among those who share a similar doctrine and practice.<ref>Open Brethren customarily adhere to [[Dispensationalism|dispensational]] concepts like other historically related groups, though the Open Brethren's congregational polity tolerates various personally held views of biblical prophecy and other issues.</ref> Open Brethren assemblies form a continuum, from tight gatherings that extend fellowship only to those who have first left other denominations, to very loose gatherings that receive into fellowship any stranger without question.<ref>((Cite web |url=http://www.biblebeliever.co.za/Brethren%20History/Brethern%20since%201870.htm |title=History Since 1870<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=4 August 2015 |archive-date=24 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924212843/http://www.biblebeliever.co.za/Brethren%20History/Brethern%20since%201870.htm |url-status=dead ))</ref>

A building associated with a group of open brethren is usually called a "Gospel Chapel", "Gospel Hall", "Bible Chapel", "Christian Assembly" or other similar term. A sub-set of the Open Brethren are the [[Gospel Hall Assemblies]], who tend to be more conservative than their fellow Brethren in their practices.<ref>((cite web | title = Gospel Hall FAQ |url=http://www.gospelhall.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17|access-date=2015-05-25))</ref> Theologically, however, they differ very little.

== History ==
The separation of the independent or open brethren from the [[Exclusive Brethren]] occurred when [[John Nelson Darby]] denounced [[Benjamin Wills Newton]], an elder of the Plymouth assembly, at that time the largest of the Brethren assemblies, over disagreements concerning prophecy and church organisation. Darby forced him to admit to theological errors, then attacked [[George Müller]] and [[Henry Craik (evangelist)|Henry Craik]] at Bethesda Chapel in Bristol for accepting two others of that assembly, even though they were not implicated in any of Newton's errors.

This led to a separation of Bethesda from Darby and a clear adoption of an independent or [[congregational]] stance by many of the assemblies. The statement of the assembly at Tottenham gives clearly the position of the Open Brethren:

<blockquote>We welcome to the table, on individual grounds, each saint, not because he or she is a member of this or that gathering or denomination of Christians nor because they are followers of any particular leader, but on such testimony as commends itself to us as being sufficient. We distinctly refuse to be parties to any exclusion of those who, we are satisfied, are believers—except on grounds personally applying to their individual faith and conduct.<ref>((harvnb|Coad|1968|p=301))</ref></blockquote>

The exclusive Darbyites "became more and more introverted and mystical as the years passed",<ref>((harvnb|Coad|1968|p=164))</ref> while the open brethren continued to develop an emphasis on the "[[faith mission]]s" pioneered by [[Anthony Norris Groves]] in India and [[George Müller]] with his orphanages in Bristol. In 1853, they started their first missionary journal, ''The Missionary Reporter''. In 1859, the [[Third Great Awakening|religious revival]] which reached Britain had a transforming effect on many of the assemblies and brought in new leaders such as [[Joseph Denham Smith]]. Ulster became one of the stronger centres, and expansion occurred in Scotland and northern England. In London, [[Thomas John Barnardo]] began his rescue work with orphans. [[Dwight L. Moody]] from Chicago, on a trip to England to visit George Müller and [[Charles H. Spurgeon]], met a young man in a Dublin assembly, [[Henry Moorhouse]], who was to profoundly influence his preaching style when he preached at Moody's church, revolutionising his work as an evangelist.

In Barnstaple, one of the largest early brethren assemblies developed from the inspiring example of [[Robert Chapman (pastor)|Robert Cleaver Chapman]], who continued his ministry until the end of the century. He had made an evangelistic tour of Spain in 1838 and after 1869 the work expanded in Barcelona and Madrid and also in Portugal. In Italy, an indigenous development by [[Count Guicciardini]] linked up with [[T. P. Rossetti]] (a cousin of [[Dante Gabriel Rossetti]]) in England although the Protestant "Brethren" faced persecution and imprisonment by the Catholic church.

The movement soon spread with English-speaking emigrants to Australia and New Zealand as well as to the United States and Canada. Some 600 congregations were recorded in 1959 in the U.S. and 300 in Canada.<ref>
((citation|author=J.R. Taylor|title=Who Are the Plymouth Brethren?|publisher=World Christian Digest|date=July 1959))
</ref>

===Increasing diversity===
By the middle of the twentieth century, a number of streams were becoming apparent within the Open Brethren, especially in North America. A clear line of demarcation (albeit with some overlap) appeared between more conservative assemblies, generally known as ''[[Gospel Hall Brethren|Gospel Halls]],'' and the more "progressive" ''[[Bible Chapel Brethren|Bible Chapels]]'', with the latter being more receptive to innovations like accompanied music and collaboration with non-Brethren Christians. [[Robert McClurkin]] was welcome in both circles, but he complained that the Gospel Halls were being influenced by literature from the very strict [[Needed Truth Brethren|Needed Truth]] movement (an 1892 schism from the Open Brethren), and that a rigid line of demarcation was being drawn. This line was far less pronounced outside of North America, however.

In the second half of the twentieth century, the Brethren movement diversified further still, especially through cultural adaptations in [[Third World]] countries. Examples of this include some assemblies in [[Papua New Guinea]], which began using [[coconut]] flesh and milk instead of bread and wine to celebrate Holy Communion (or "the Lord's Supper", as many Brethren prefer to call it). In France, Brethren have established a central committee offering leadership and direction to assemblies that choose to participate, despite the common Brethren aversion to central organisations, while Brethren in [[Ethiopia]] have leadership conferences at which some collective decision-making takes place. In Germany, many Brethren assemblies have joined [[Wiedenest]], a joint Brethren–[[Baptist]] venture which operates a [[seminary]], conference centre, youth movement, and [[missionary]] organisation. In predominantly Muslim [[Pakistan]], some assemblies seat men and women on opposite sides of the room, as in a [[mosque]]. When they pray, they do so on their knees.<ref>((citation|url=http://www.partnershipuk.org/qwicsitePro2/php/docsview.php?docid=1659|title=The 'Brethren' movement – a briefing note|date=Jan 2013|access-date=12 Feb 2013|pages=24|archive-date=1 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201050358/http://www.partnershipuk.org/qwicsitePro2/php/docsview.php?docid=1659|url-status=dead))</ref>

International Brethren Conferences on Mission (IBCM) were founded in 1993 in [[Singapore]] by unions of churches from various countries.<ref>Neil T. R. Dickson, Tim Grass, ''The Growth of the Brethren Movement: National and International Experiences'', Wipf and Stock Publishers, USA, 2006, p. 9</ref>

== Statistics ==
According to an IBCM Network census released in 2020, they claimed 40,000 churches and 2,700,000 members in 155 countries.<ref>IBCM, [https://www.ibcm.net/about/ IBCM Network], ibcm.net, UK, retrieved August 22, 2020</ref>

==Characteristics==
In Open Brethren meetings, each local assembly is independent and autonomous, so the characteristics of each may differ to a greater or lesser degree, which makes it difficult to generalise when describing distinctive characteristics. They have no central [[hierarchy]] to dictate a statement of faith, and even local assemblies have traditionally been reluctant to adhere to any of the historic "Creeds" and "Confessions of Faith" found in many Protestant denominations. This is not because they are opposed to the central sentiments and doctrines expressed in such formulations, but rather because they hold the Bible as their sole authority in regard to matters of doctrine and practice. In the last two decades, however, some Brethren assemblies have adopted statements of faith, generally emphasising [[fundamentalist]] doctrines. Like many non-conformist churches, Brethren observe only the two [[Ordinance (Christian)|ordinances]] of Baptism and Communion.

In many countries, the terms ''conservative'' and ''progressive'' are informally used to describe the character of particular Brethren assemblies. Congregations calling themselves "Gospel Chapels", and even more so "Gospel Halls", are often described as "conservative" and tend to put more emphasis on distinctive Brethren doctrines and features. Congregations calling themselves "Community Churches" or "Evangelical Churches" are often described as "progressive"; these tend to put less emphasis (and in some cases, no emphasis) on Brethren distinctives. When assemblies known as "Bible Chapels" first became common in the 1950s, they were considered very progressive compared to other assemblies of that time; today, some of them are still considered progressive, but others are now considered to be somewhat conservative by today's standards. Congregations calling themselves "churches" are almost invariably at the progressive end of the Brethren spectrum. The "conservative" and "progressive" labels, in general, refer to differences in style, not doctrine: few assemblies, if any, have moved away from Evangelical theology.

The most notable differences between Brethren and other Christian groups lie in a number of doctrinal beliefs that affect the practice of their gatherings and behaviour. These beliefs and practices can be summarised as follows:<ref name=mackay1981>((Cite book |first=Harold |last=Mackay |title=Assembly Distinctives |publisher=Everyday Publications |location=[[Scarborough, Toronto|Scarborough]], [[Ontario]] |year=1981 |isbn=978-0-88873-049-7 |oclc=15948378 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/assemblydistinct0000mack ))((Page needed|date=September 2010))</ref>

===Theology===
The Open Brethren are generally [[Dispensationalism|dispensational]], [[Rapture|pre-tribulational]], and [[Premillennialism|premillennial]] in their theology (although there are many variations) and they have much in common with other conservative evangelical Christian groups. Most of them teach the "[[eternal security]]" of the true Christian, with each believer being subject to "[[Divine grace|grace]]" and not "[[Biblical law in Christianity|law]]".<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.gracebeliever.com/articles/articles/stronger.htm |title=Which Is Stronger: Law Or Grace?|access-date=2009-07-18))</ref>

==== Justification by faith ====
Justification by [[faith]] alone (''[[sola fide]]'') states that it is by grace through faith alone that Christians receive salvation and not through any works of their own (see Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:23). Open Brethren have a strong emphasis on the concept of [[salvation]]. The brethren teach that the consequence of human sin is condemnation to eternal death in hell. [[Jesus|Christ]]'s death on the cross paid sin's penalty and his resurrection is evidence that eternal life is available to any who will have it. The only requirements are that each individual accepts the substitutionary payment of his own sin by faith in Christ's death.

==== Believer's baptism ====
The Open Brethren teach that [[Believer's baptism|baptism]] plays no role in salvation, and is properly performed only after a person professes [[Jesus Christ]] as Saviour. Baptism is an outward expression that symbolises the inward cleansing or remission of a person's sins which has already taken place at salvation. Baptism is also a public identification of that person with Jesus Christ. In many assemblies, an individual is considered a member of that assembly once he or she is baptised.

In other assemblies, however, an individual (after baptism) must show a commitment to a particular assembly by faithful attendance to as many assembly meetings as possible. In such assemblies, it is usually the recently baptised individual who will request fellowship, but not always, as any concerned assembly member may contact the individual to determine their intentions with regard to assembly fellowship. Once it is shown that the individual desires acceptance into assembly fellowship, that desire is then communicated to the gathered assembly so that all members may have opportunity to express any concerns regarding the applicant. Once the applicant meets with the approval of the assembly members, an announcement is made to the gathered assembly that the applicant will be received into full assembly fellowship, which would be the first Sunday (Lord's Day) following the announcement.

Open Brethren emphasise baptism by full immersion. This mode is preferred for its parallel imagery to the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Immersion baptism is also seen as a practice established by the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist and is therefore Biblically based. Baptism may occur in any body of water that will allow full immersion, though many Brethren assembly halls will have a baptistry. Baptismal services are celebratory and are often linked to an evangelistic meeting.
[[File:Cregagh St Gospel Hall.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Cregagh Street Gospel Hall, [[Belfast]]]]

====Dispensationalism====
Most Brethren have always considered what many call [[Dispensationalism]] to be the proper interpretation of what the apostles taught. Many of them believe that Brethren pioneer [[John Nelson Darby]] was the first in modern times to "rediscover" this "forgotten" teaching of the apostles. A number of influential non-Brethren Evangelical leaders were influenced by Darby's teaching, men such as [[D. L. Moody]] and, indirectly, [[C. I. Scofield]], who popularized this view through his [[Scofield Reference Bible]]. In essence, Dispensationalism as taught by the Brethren sees a clear distinction between "law" and "grace", Israel and the Church. It also holds that the Church, consisting of all genuine NT believers, will be [[rapture]]d when the Lord returns '''in the clouds''', not to the earth, with the spirits of the NT believers who had previously died. At this time the bodies of the living believers will be transformed and the bodies of the NT believers who had previously died will be resurrected and united with their spirits. This will be followed by a seven-year [[Great Tribulation]] during which God will turn his attention back to the Jews, who will ultimately recognize The Lord Jesus Christ as their [[Messiah]], thus triggering his return '''to the earth''' to save them from annihilation. This period will be followed by a thousand-year [[Millennium]] during which The Lord Jesus Christ will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Although generally held by most Brethren, both historical and contemporary, there have always been some Brethren who rejected Dispensationalism. [[George Müller]] and [[G. H. Lang]] were among the prominent Brethren leaders who never accepted this doctrine, and non-Dispensationalism has always been followed by a significant minority of Open Brethren in the United Kingdom. Until much more recently, however, Dispensationalism was much more universally held among Brethren outside of the United Kingdom.

====Eternal security====
Most of the Brethren pioneers such as Groves, Darby and Muller were convinced [[Calvinism|Calvinists]]. By the 1930s, however, a strong [[Arminian]] strain developed in many parts of the Brethren movement, especially in North America.<ref>((cite web|last1=Stevenson|first1=Mark R.|title=Early Brethren Leaders and the Question of Calvinism|url=http://www.brethrenhistory.org/qwicsitePro/php/docsview.php?docid=1563|website=Brethrenhistory.org|publisher=The Brethren Archivists and Historians Network))</ref> Today, it is common to find Brethren advocates for both theological systems, with the caveat that even those who embrace Arminianism in the main will still generally hold to the fifth point of Calvinism, which Brethren call the [[eternal security]] of the believer<ref>((cite web|last1=Abigail|first1=Shawn|title="Plymouth Brethren" FAQ|url=http://www.brethrenonline.org/faqs/Brethren.htm|website=BrethrenOnline|access-date=1 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160518150855/http://brethrenonline.org/faqs/Brethren.htm|archive-date=18 May 2016))</ref>—the doctrine that it is impossible for a true Christian to lose his or her salvation. Even today, it is rare to find a Brethren preacher or an official Brethren publication questioning this doctrine.

====Gifts of the Holy Spirit====
Although some of the early Brethren pioneers were initially interested in the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit such as [[miracles]], [[healing]] and [[speaking in tongues]] that were being practised by the [[Catholic Apostolic Church]] of [[Edward Irving]], with whom many of the early Brethren were acquainted, they soon adopted a [[Cessationist]] position, which was to remain the prevailing Brethren view for the best part of two centuries. Cessationism holds that the sign gifts were given to the early Church only, for the specific purpose of authenticating the [[Apostles in the New Testament|Apostles]], and "ceased" with the death of the last Apostle, usually believed to be [[John the Apostle|John]], around the end of the first century.

Until very recent times, this doctrine was the nearly unanimous view of Brethren preachers and Brethren institutions (publications, Bible colleges, and missions agencies). A few prominent Brethren did question it: G. H. Lang expressed doubts about it in the 1920s,<ref>((cite web|last1=Randall|first1=Ian|title='OUTSIDE THE CAMP': BRETHREN SPIRITUALITY AND WIDER EVANGELICALISM IN THE 1920s|url=http://brethrenhistory.org/qwicsitePro/php/docsview.php?docid=408|website=brethrenhistory.org|access-date=10 December 2015|pages=31))</ref> and [[Harry Ironside]], perhaps the most influential Brethren preacher who ever lived, rejected it in principle in 1938. Although he condemned [[Pentecostalism]],<ref>((cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Q-npoRWoZuUC&q=%22Ironside%22+%2B+%22Pentecostal%22+%2B+%22Madhouse%22&pg=PA146|title=The Holiness-Pentecostal Tradition: Charismatic Movements in the Twentieth Century|isbn=9780802841032|access-date=2015-05-09|last1=Synan|first1=Vinson|date=25 August 1997|publisher=Wm. B. Eerdmans ))</ref> the "package" in which the sign gifts were most often seen, he nevertheless said that he did not believe that the age of miracles had ceased.<ref>((cite web |url=https://bible.prayerrequest.com/4934-harry-ironside-collection-28-files/4/63/ |title=Harry Ironside Collection: Ironside, Harry A. – Addresses on the First Epistle to the Corinthians: 12-Christ's Gracious Provision |access-date=2015-05-09))</ref> Most Brethren preachers, however, remained unwilling to compromise on this stance. Although Brethren theologian [[Ernest Tatham]] published a book, ''Let the tide come in!'' in 1976, saying that he had been mistaken in his previous support for Cessationism,<ref>((cite book|last1=Tatham|first1=C. Ernest|title=Let the Tide come in!|date=1976|publisher=Creation House|isbn=9780884190059|pages=150))</ref><ref>((cite web|title=Greetings in Christ's HOLY Name|url=http://www.lydiaofpurple.com/Let%20the%20Tide%20Come%20In.htm|website=Lydia of Purple|access-date=1 June 2015))</ref> most Brethren remained opposed to the [[Charismatic movement]]. A handful of Brethren assemblies around the world did begin to embrace the Charismatic movement in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but it remained very much a fringe element among Brethren until the early 2000s.

Today, Brethren attitudes to the "sign gifts" are much more diverse than in the past. In the early 2000s, [[Netherlands|Dutch]] theologian Willem Ouweneel became one of the first high-profile Brethren leaders to publicly endorse the charismatic movement without leaving the Brethren.<ref>((cite web|url= http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/TBJoshua-Willem-Ouweneel/9781852403546|title=T. B. Joshua by Willem Ouweneel|access-date=2015-05-17))</ref> A significant minority of Open Brethren assemblies in New Zealand, along with some in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, have embraced the Charismatic movement over the past fifteen years, and many more now describe themselves as cautiously receptive to it. Other assemblies, however, have responded by formalising their commitment to Cessationism. Despite the traditional Brethren aversion to having written statements of faith, some assemblies have recently adopted a statement of faith denying the continuity of the sign gifts. In India, too, some Brethren assemblies have embraced the Charismatic movement, but most prominent [[Indian Brethren]] preachers, such as [[Johnson Philip]], principal of '''Brethren Theological College''' in [[Kerala]],<ref>((cite web|url= http://www.gospelmi.org/page_to_print.cfm/bible-schools|title=Bible Schools|publisher=Gospel Missions of India|access-date=2015-05-25))</ref> remain opposed.<ref>((cite web|url= http://www.biblebeliever.co.za/Brethren%20Assemblys/Brethren%20Information/Brethren%20Movement%20in%20Indiar.htm#Doctrinal|title=The Brethren Movement in India|author=Dr Johnson C. Philip|access-date=2015-05-25))</ref>

===Simplicity in worship and symbolism===
Brethren churches have traditionally avoided crosses displayed inside or outside their place of worship. As the focus is on [[Christ]] and the Word of God.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.assemblycare.org/library/books/WHTFOUND.pdf|title=What I Have Found|publisher=Assembly Care|access-date=2009-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410120917/http://www.assemblycare.org/library/books/WHTFOUND.pdf |archive-date=2008-04-10))</ref> they typically view an unembellished room as more effective.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.pembrokebiblechapel.com/pdf/TheBrethrenAndrewMiller.pdf |title=The Brethren|last=Miller|first=Andrew|page=10|access-date=2009-07-18))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://cnview.com/churches_today/what_i_have_found.htm |title=What I have Found|access-date=2009-07-18))</ref> Similarly, crosses are not typically placed inside homes or worn around the neck by these believers. Other symbols such as stained glass windows for their normal meeting hall have also been traditionally discouraged. In the past two decades, however, some of the more "progressive" assemblies have abandoned this traditional stance.

Meetings do not usually follow a set [[liturgy]]. Liturgical calendars of "High Church" groups, such as the [[Anglican]] or [[Lutheran]] churches, are almost universally avoided. Traditionally, many Brethren groups did not celebrate [[Christmas]] or [[Easter]], arguing that there is no Biblical command to do so. There are still some assemblies that take this stance, but many Brethren churches today do celebrate these festivals, and sometimes use them as an occasion to evangelise in the community.

===Naming conventions===
Until recently, Brethren churches have rarely used the word "Church" as part of their name. Open Brethren groups usually called their places of worship "Gospel Halls" or "Gospel Chapels", with the latter generally being somewhat less sectarian (i.e., more open to cooperating with non-Brethren Christians) than the former. A third group, called "Bible Chapels", became widespread in North America and Oceania from the 1950s onwards. Bible Chapels are often more willing to use musical accompaniment in worship and are generally very willing to cooperate with other Christians who share their Evangelical beliefs. In recent years, many of the more progressive assemblies have moved away from their previous aversion to the word "church" and may now be called "Community Church" (especially in Canada, Australia, or New Zealand), or "Evangelical Church" (in the United Kingdom). It is important to note that these distinctions are purely descriptive; they (generally) denote differences in worship and administrative style, not affiliation.

Some Brethren churches have Bible names, e.g., "Ebenezer Gospel Hall", "Hebron Chapel", "Shiloh Bible Chapel" and "Bethel Assembly"; sometimes they are named after the street on which they are found, e.g. Curzon Street Gospel Hall, [[Derby]]; sometimes after the locality, e.g. [[Ballynagarrick]] Gospel Hall. Some assemblies at the progressive end of the Brethren spectrum have names like "Life Church, [[Manurewa]]", or "Street City Church, [[Wellington]]".

In most parts of the world, the "Brethren" label is rarely used as part of the name of a local congregation. A notable exception is India, many of whose local assemblies do use it as part of their name, e.g. '''Ebenezer Brethren Assembly'''.<ref>((cite web|title=Ebenezer Brethren Assembly (Church) (Gospel Hall), Bangalore (Bengaluru), India. Welcome!|url=http://www.ebrethrenassembly.com/|website=ebrethrenassembly.com|access-date=1 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502113642/http://www.ebrethrenassembly.com/|archive-date=2 May 2015))</ref>

===Fellowship, not membership===
Open Brethren assemblies have traditionally rejected the concept of anyone "joining" as a member of a particular local gathering of believers and the maintenance of any list of such members.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.believershome.com/html/who_are_the_brethren.html|title=Who are the Brethren?|access-date=2009-07-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080312213734/http://www.believershome.com/html/who_are_the_brethren.html|archive-date=2008-03-12|url-status=dead))</ref> Brethren emphasise the Christian doctrine of the one "Church" made up of all true believers and enumerated in [[Heaven]] in "Lamb's Book of Life",<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+13:8&version=NASB |title=Revelation 13:8 |access-date=2009-12-28))</ref> rather than by humans. However, as a practical matter, in the late twentieth century many American assemblies began maintaining lists of those in regular attendance at meetings. This was often to comply with secular governance issues or to offer a directory of attendees for internal use. The Open Brethren emphasise that meeting attendance for the nonbeliever has no direct spiritual benefit (though it is hoped the individual may be influenced to convert). Nonbelievers are not to partake of the "Breaking of Bread", though this proves generally difficult to enforce in larger assemblies. Regardless, regular attendance for believers is felt to be an act of obedience to the New Testament command that they should not neglect the assembling of themselves together.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+10:23-25&version=NASB |title=Hebrews 10:25 |access-date=2009-10-25))</ref> Despite the Brethren's rejection of the term 'member', many observers use the term to refer to those who attend meetings. Visiting brethren have traditionally been expected to bring a "letter of commendation" from their "home assembly", assuring the group they are visiting that they are in fellowship and not under any form of discipline. This practice is somewhat less common today than in years past, however.

=== Leadership ===
While much of typical Brethren theology closely parallels non-[[Calvinism|Calvinist]] English and American [[Baptist]] traditions on many points, the view on clergy is much closer to the [[Quakers]] in rejecting the idea of [[clergy]]. Many Protestant denominations claim adherence to the New Testament doctrine of the priesthood of all believers<ref>((bibleverse|1Pet|2:9–10))</ref> to varying extents. One of the most defining elements of the Brethren is the rejection of the concept of clergy. Rather, in keeping with the doctrine of the [[Priesthood of all believers]], they view all Christians as being ordained by God to serve and are therefore ministers. The Brethren embrace the most extensive form of that idea in that there is no ordained or unordained person or group employed to function as [[Minister (Christianity)|minister]](s) or [[pastor]](s).

====Pastors and itinerant preachers====
Brethren assemblies are led by the local church elders within any fellowship and historically there is no office of "senior pastor" in most Brethren churches, because they believe such an office does not exist in the New Testament. The English word in its plural form, "pastors", is found only once in many English versions of the New Testament, being a translation of the original [[Koine Greek]] word ''poimenas'' as found in Ephesians 4:11. Therefore, there is no formal ordination process for those who preach, teach, or lead, within their meetings. In place of an ordained ministry, an itinerant preacher often receives a "commendation" to the work of preaching and/or teaching that demonstrates the blessing and support of the assembly of origin. In most English-speaking countries, such preachers have traditionally been called "full time workers", "labouring brothers", or "on the Lord's work"; in India, they are usually called [[Evangelism|Evangelist]]s and very often are identified with '''Evg.''' in front of their name. A given assembly may have any number of full-time workers, or none at all.

In the last twenty years, many assemblies in Australia and New Zealand, and some elsewhere, have broken with tradition and have begun calling their full-time workers "Pastors", but this is not seen as ordaining clergy and does not connote a transfer of any special spiritual authority. In such assemblies, the Pastor is simply one of several elders, and differs from his fellow-elders only in being salaried to serve full-time. Depending on the assembly, he may, or may not, take a larger share of the responsibility for preaching than his fellow-elders.

====Elders====
The Open Brethren believe in a [[Plurality (church governance)|plurality of elders]] (Acts 14:23; 15:6,23; 20:17; Philippians 1:1)—men meeting the Biblical qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9. This position is also taken in some [[Baptist]] churches, especially [[Reformed Baptist]]s, and by the [[Churches of Christ]]. It is understood that [[church elder|elders]] are appointed by the Holy Spirit ([[Acts 20:28]]) and are recognised as meeting the qualifications by the assembly and by previously existing elders, whereas some believe in the time of the establishment of the first New Testament assemblies it was either an apostle's duty or his directly appointed delegate's responsibility to ordain elders (for example, Timothy or Titus), this original order being consistent with the Christian concept that authority comes from above and does not arise from men.

Men who become elders, or those who become deacons and overseers within the fellowship, are ones who have been recognised by others within the individual assemblies and have been given the blessing of performing leadership tasks by the elders.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.icrf.com/articles/casino.htm|title=Defining Religion In American Law|access-date=2009-07-18|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060514092022/http://www.icrf.com/articles/casino.htm|archive-date=2006-05-14))</ref> An elder should be able and ready to ''teach'' when his assembly sees the "call of God" on his life to assume the office of elder (1 Timothy 3:2). Brethren elders conduct many other duties that would be typically performed by "the clergy" in other Christian groups, including: counselling those who have decided to be baptised, performing baptisms, visiting the sick and giving spiritual counsel in general. Normally, sermons are given by either the elders or men who regularly attend the Sunday meetings; but, again, only men whom the elders recognise have the "call of God" on their lives. Visiting speakers, however, are usually paid their travel costs and provided for with Sunday meals following the meetings.

====Deacons====
The main role of the "[[deacon]]" is to assist the elders with members' needs. Deacons are usually chosen from members who have demonstrated exceptional Christian piety. (see 1 Timothy 3:8–12). However, in many meetings there is no official list of deacons, diaconal work being shared by anyone willing to give a helping hand in a particular task.

Brethren groups generally recognise from the teachings of the [[Apostle Paul]]'s [[epistle]]s that not all the believers in any one fellowship are suited to give public ministry such as teaching and preaching.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Eph&c=4&v=11&t=NKJV#s=1101011 |title=Ephesians IV, 11|access-date=2013-10-12))</ref>

===Weekly "Remembrance" meeting===
[[File:Former Brethren Chapel, Lower Church Road, Burgess Hill.jpg|thumb|Former Brethren Meeting House, [[Burgess Hill]]]]
A distinctive practice of the Brethren is a separate weekly Communion meeting, referred to as the "Breaking of Bread" or "The Lord's Supper". Although specific practices will vary from meeting to meeting, there are general similarities.
* The "Remembrance Meeting" is usually held each Sunday morning (though some assemblies hold it in the evening).<ref name="Muller, G. 1860 pp. 279">Muller, G. (1860) A Narrative of some of the Lords dealings with George Muller, pp. 279–281</ref>
* Where a meeting hall allows for the adjustment of furniture, the table bearing the communion "emblems" (bread and wine or grape juice) is sometimes placed in the centre of the room. Chairs may be arranged around the table in four radiating sections, all facing the table, although this is not a recognised standard.
* There is no order or plan for the meeting: rather the meeting is extempore; men (see [[#Separate_roles_of_men_and_women|Separate roles of men and women]]) will (as "led by the Spirit") rise and read or quote Scripture, pray, request a hymn to be sung or give a Christ-centred thought.
* Many of the more conservative assemblies do not have instrumental accompaniment to hymns and songs sung during the "Remembrance Meeting" but instead have men who "start the hymns" (choosing a tune, tempo, pitch and key and singing the first few words, with the rest joining in shortly thereafter).<ref>((cite web|url=http://shipoffools.com/Mystery/2004/827.html |title=The Mystery Worshipper: Downshire Road Hall, Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland|access-date=2009-07-18))</ref> In some groups, musical accompaniment may be used at the other meetings (i.e., gatherings). Here is an [https://soundcloud.com/lumbee-1/worship Acapella example] sung from [[Little Flock hymnbook|Hymns of the Little Flock]] at [[Prospect, North Carolina#Churches in Prospect|Preston Gospel Chapel]] recorded in 2017. Assemblies calling themselves "Bible Chapels", on the other hand, are much more likely to have musical accompaniment than those calling themselves "Gospel Halls". One notable feature of this time of worship is the use of a select few collections of hymns. Some examples of this are [[Little Flock hymnbook|Hymns of the Little Flock]] and [https://emmausinternational.com/products/hymns-of-worship-and-remembrance Hymns of Worship and Remembrance] (affectionately known as "The Black Book").
* Either at the beginning or toward the end of the "Remembrance Meeting" gathering, a prayer is said in reference to the bread concerning its portrayal as "the body of Christ", perhaps by an individual so appointed or (in a meeting where no one is appointed) by a man who has taken it upon himself.<ref name="Muller, G. 1860 pp. 279"/><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.bruederbewegung.de/pdf/embleydissertation.pdf|title=Embley|access-date=2009-07-18))</ref><ref>Bradshaw, P.F. The new SCM dictionary of liturgy and worship, p.375</ref>
* Generally a loaf of leavened bread is used as an emblem of Christ's body – though many assemblies use unleavened bread or matzos. After giving thanks for the loaf, it is broken and circulated to the quiet, seated congregation. Congregants will break off small pieces, or take small pieces of broken unleavened bread, as it is passed, and eat them individually (i.e. not waiting for a group invitation to consume it together). At this time, the worshiper usually engages in silent prayerful worship of the Lord Jesus Christ.
* As with common Christian practice, wine has been traditionally used at Brethren Remembrance Meetings as the emblem of Christ's blood. Some individual meetings use grape juice, especially if someone in fellowship has had an alcohol problem in the past. The emblem of the blood is served after the bread has been circulated to the congregation and after it has been prayed over. In a similar fashion as each worshiper takes the "cup", so to speak, that individual again usually engages in silent prayerful worship of the Lord Jesus Christ.
* Most assemblies do not take an offering during the time their Sunday sermons are preached; but some, not all, do take an offering at the Breaking of Bread meetings. Only those in fellowship are expected to give. Many assemblies see [[tithe|tithing]] (the giving of 10 percent of one's income) as a commandment for Israel from the [[Old Testament]] law and not binding on Christians, although some assemblies do encourage tithing. Instead, the amount given is normally left to the giver and is a private matter between the individual and the Lord.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.preciousseed.org/search_articles.php?search_phrase=church+finance |title=Precious Seed|access-date=2009-07-18))</ref>

One reason for not taking up an offering at all meetings is to avoid causing any unbelievers who may be present to think that they might gain a spiritual benefit by making a donation. Some assemblies never send an offering bag round the congregation, even at the Breaking of Bread meeting. They prefer to simply have a box or two located at the back of the meeting hall, thus avoiding even the appearance of solicitation for funds. Many assemblies operate a "back seat" or "guest row" during the Breaking of Bread so that neither the offering bag nor the emblems of bread and wine will pass down the row of those not in fellowship. An offering bag, basket or box may be sent around after these two "emblems" have been passed, collecting money given voluntarily for use in maintaining the building, hall or room, to remunerate full-time or labouring members, or for distribution to the needy. In some cases an offering box may be placed at the door and not circulated.

* Because some assemblies do not encourage strangers to take Communion, it is common for those who are travelling to take with them a "letter of introduction" so they might be permitted to take Communion away from their home assemblies. These letters are typically read aloud to those present at the "Remembrance Meeting" and serve the purpose of introducing visitors to the meetings so that they can be made welcome and benefit from fellowship. These Open Brethren meetings operate what is termed a "Closed Table Policy". Any stranger arriving at such a meeting without a letter is allowed only to observe the meeting.

On the other hand, many of the more progressive assemblies welcome any who profess Jesus Christ as the Saviour and who give evidence of such after simple questioning by either one or more of the assembly elders or one or more of those ushering at that particular meeting. At some assemblies, a pamphlet explaining the Scriptural basis and purpose of the Lord's Supper is handed to visitors before they enter the main meeting room where the assembly is gathered preparing themselves for worship. This pamphlet explains to the visitor what they are about to witness and perhaps, if they so choose, be a participant in.

===Other Sunday meetings===
Following the Remembrance meeting there may be one other Sunday meeting, or perhaps more. Whereas the purpose of the Lord's Supper is predominantly for worship, recalling the person and work of Christ, other meetings involve Bible teaching, evangelism and gospel preaching (among young and old). Sunday Schools and Bible classes are common. In ministry and Gospel meetings the congregation, seated in rows facing a pulpit or platform, sing hymns and choruses and listen to Scripture readings and a sermon preached by one of the brethren called to "preach". Bible teaching may be given either in the form of a ministry meeting in which a sermon is delivered or in a "Bible reading" or "Bible study" in which the men discuss a portion of Scripture.

===Separate roles of men and women===
No distinction is made in Brethren teaching between men and women in their individual relation to Christ and his "vicarious [[Atonement in Christianity|atonement]]" for them on the cross, or their individual position before God as believers. However, in most Brethren meetings the principle of "male headship" is applied in accordance with teaching found in several passages in the Bible, including 1 Corinthians 11:3, which says:

<blockquote>But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.</blockquote>

<blockquote>1 The Head of every man is Christ—no equality. 2 The head of the woman is the man—equality and subjection. 3 The Head of Christ is God—equality, yet subjection.<ref name="Crawford, N. 2003 p.76">Crawford, N. (October 2003). Gathering Unto His Name. Gospel Tract Publications. ((ISBN|0-948417-07-2)), p.76</ref></blockquote>

Thus most Brethren meetings reserve public leadership and teaching roles to men, based on 1 Timothy 2:11,12 ... :

<blockquote>A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.</blockquote>

Also, 1 Corinthians 14:34,35 states,

<blockquote>Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. (The reason for this has to do with acknowledging Headship: Headship and the head covering are seen by many as inseparable since the head covering is intended to teach the meaning of headship. See below for information on the head covering).</blockquote>

From this, Brethren teaching traditionally (though with regional exceptions) outlines a system in which the men take the "vocal" and leadership roles and the women take supportive and "silent" roles. Traditionally, women have not usually been permitted to participate in individual speech during the "Breaking of Bread" meeting. In most Brethren groups women would be heard to sing the hymns along with the group, but their voices would not otherwise be heard during the meeting. Often the men are, practically speaking, the only ones involved fully and vocally in all discussions leading up to administrative decision making as well. There were some local exceptions in the past, with some women preaching in Brethren circles in the United Kingdom in the 1860s and 1870s, but these events were isolated and short-lived. A number of assemblies in the south of England, under the influence of [[G. H. Lang]], permitted women to participate audibly in worship (but not to preach) as far back as the 1930s, and a large network of assemblies in India, connected with the ministry of [[Bakht Singh]], did the same from the 1950s onward. But these innovations had little impact beyond their immediate geographical areas. In the last two decades, however, a large number of assemblies in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as some in North America, have modified or abandoned this rule. Other assemblies, however, have reacted by placing more emphasis on this traditional teaching and by formalising what was previously an unwritten rule.

====The head covering====
As to the reason behind [[Christian head covering|women covering their heads]] at meetings in traditional Open Brethren services, ((Bibleverse|1 Corinthians|11:5-6|RSV)) says:

<blockquote>But every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman is not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it is a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.</blockquote>

Open Brethren traditionally interpret this verse to mean that during prayer, a Christian women is supposed to have her head covered; this has been the historic practice in all of Christendom.<ref name="Gordon2015">((cite web |last1=Gordon |first1=Greg |title=Are Head Coverings Really for Today? |url=https://evangelicalfocus.com/yourblog/929/Are-Head-Coverings-Really-for-Today- |publisher=Evangelical Focus |access-date=2 May 2022 |language=English |date=31 August 2015 |quote=Hippolytus an early Church Father wrote, “Let all the women have their heads covered.” Others who taught this practice in the Church were, John Calvin [father of the Reformed tradition], Martin Luther [father of the Lutheran tradition], Early Church Fathers, John Wesley [father of the Methodist tradition], Matthew Henry [Presbyterian theologian] to name just a few. We must remind ourselves that until the twentieth century, virtually all Christian women wore head coverings.))</ref> For this reason, Brethren meetings will be characterised by the women wearing head coverings ("loaners" in some assemblies are available at the back for women who have come without a covering). Head coverings typically take the form of a [[hanging veil]], [[mantilla]], [[shawl]], [[Tam cap|tam]], [[beret]] or other headcovering.<ref name="Loop2020">((cite web |last1=Loop |first1=Jennifer |title=Why I Keep My Headcovering |url=https://www.ntwrightonline.org/why-i-keep-my-headcovering/ |publisher=[[N. T. Wright]] |access-date=9 April 2022 |language=English |date=12 May 2020))</ref>

While that is an overly simplified view of the head covering, the traditional Brethren understanding of the purpose for the head covering comes from their interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:3&4, which says:

<blockquote><sup>3</sup>But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. <sup>4</sup> Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonours his head.</blockquote>

Here is the "picture" that the head covering is understood to display: the Head of the man is Christ, so the man's physical head needs to be uncovered to honour his Head, Christ. The head of the woman is the man, so the woman's physical head must be covered, men are not on display in the church. The woman's head covering and silence in the church shows that the men participating are not on display but rather that Christ is on display.<ref name="Crawford, N. 2003 p.76"/>

This practice is not as widely held by Brethren as it once was. Many assemblies throughout the world have developed to leave questions of head coverings, levels of female participation and responsibility to the discretion of the individual. But there are still some Brethren assemblies that seek to be completely untouched by changing attitudes within society regarding the role of women. They view the abandonment of the traditionally practised doctrine of [[Headship]] as evidence of an overall [[apostasy]] (or moral deterioration) within Christendom and as leading to disorder and eventual anarchy within their fellowships.

==Other practices==

===Gatherings and meetings===
Assemblies prefer to use the term "meeting" to describe their gatherings rather than "service". The term "service", to some, is normally associated with a service or something which is offered for a fee. Assemblies might also have weekly meetings which might include: preaching/teaching meetings, missionary reports, Bible studies and prayer meetings. There is frequently a Sunday School for children and youth groups for teens. There may also be women's meetings, men's meetings, and, in some assemblies, specialized arts and crafts groups which are used as a form of evangelistic outreach to the community.

===Music===
During the weekly Breaking of Bread meeting, hymns were traditionally sung [[A cappella|unaccompanied]] by any [[musical instrument]], though many of the more progressive assemblies today have instrumental accompaniment. In some assemblies, hymns sung during the other types of meetings are accompanied by [[piano]] or [[electronic organ]], though this practice varies among assemblies. Other musical instruments are used at some assemblies. Some assemblies blend traditional hymns with contemporary "Praise & Worship" music accompanied by bands. The name used by the assembly often gives a rough (but not infallible) guide to the music used in worship. The "Gospel Halls" would generally not use musical instruments in their services, whereas some "Gospel Chapels" and most "Bible Chapels" do use them and may have singing groups, choirs, "worship teams" of musicians, etc. Assemblies calling themselves "Community Churches" or "Evangelical Churches" may also accept modern Christian music, with drums, guitars, and other instruments.

==Brethren worldwide==

A number of factors make it very difficult to know how many Brethren there are today, and estimates vary from 1 million<ref>((citation | last = Abigail | first = Shawn | title = "Plymouth Brethren" FAQ | year = 2006 | url = http://www.brethrenonline.org/faqs/Brethren.htm | access-date = 2007-01-19 | url-status = dead | archive-url = http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160518150855/http://brethrenonline.org/faqs/Brethren.htm | archive-date = 2016-05-18 ))
</ref> to as many as 2.5 million attenders in 25,000 congregations.<ref name="partnershipuk.org">((citation|url=http://www.partnershipuk.org/qwicsitePro2/php/docsview.php?docid=1659|title=The 'Brethren' movement - a briefing note|date=Jan 2013|access-date=12 Feb 2013|archive-date=1 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201050358/http://www.partnershipuk.org/qwicsitePro2/php/docsview.php?docid=1659|url-status=dead))</ref> The factors hampering the gathering of statistics include the general lack of formal organization, as well as ambiguity over just what churches and networks form part of the Brethren network. In [[Kerala]], the [[Kerala Brethren]] was established through  [[Anthony Norris Groves]] one of the founders of the Brethren Movement, who was also the brother in law of [[George Müller]]. There are a considerable number of independent evangelical churches in Australia and New Zealand, and some in the United Kingdom and Canada, that work closely with networks generally considered to be "Brethren", and there are also networks, such as the [[Assemblies Jehovah Shammah]] of India, which closely resemble the Brethren and are often counted by Open Brethren as part of their movement, but which are nevertheless historically distinct from it. There is no universally agreed criteria among Brethren to determine what assemblies and networks comprise part of Open Brethren movement, which partly explains the widely different statistics given.<ref>((cite web|last1=McQuoid|first1=Stephen|title=A Great Way to do Church|url=http://www.partnershipuk.org/php/view_persp.php?docid=15|website=Perspectives|publisher=www.partnershipuk.org|access-date=7 June 2015|pages=22))</ref> Most assemblies that regard themselves as Brethren will "recognize" similar assemblies which regard themselves as such, however. The largest numbers of Open Brethren are to be found in India (450,000 adults and children in 2,200 assemblies, not counting another 300,000 adults and children in the Assemblies Jehovah Shammah); there are also over 1,000 assemblies each in Angola, Zambia and Chad as well as the United Kingdom and the United States, 800 in Brazil and over 600 in Germany. Assemblies are found in over 70 countries.<ref>((Citation|title=Brethren assemblies worldwide|publisher=Chiesa "dei Fratelli" in Italia|url=http://www.chiesacristiana.info/chiese/chieseit.htm|access-date=Dec 10, 2014))</ref> Piepkorn estimated the number of Open Brethren in North America in 1970 as 60,000 in 1,050 assemblies.

===Mission work===
Open Brethren are noted for their commitment to [[missionary]] work. In the earliest days of the Brethren movement, [[Anthony Norris Groves]] became one of the earliest "[[faith mission]]aries", travelling to [[Baghdad]] in 1829 to preach the gospel and the Bible without the aid of an established [[missionary society]].<ref>Dann, Robert Bernard, ''Father of Faith Missions: The Life and Times of Anthony Norris Groves'', (Authentic Media, 2004), ((ISBN|1-884543-90-1))</ref> Many later Brethren missionaries took the same stance, and included notable missionary pioneers such as [[George Müller]] (founder of orphanages in [[Bristol]], England), [[Dan Crawford]] (Scottish missionary to central Africa), Charles Marsh (missionary to [[Lafayette, Algeria]] from 1925 to 1969),<ref>Marsh, CR, ''Too Hard For God?'', Echoes of Service 1970, ASIN: B0007ARR40</ref> and [[Jim Elliot]], [[Ed McCully]] and [[Pete Fleming]] (missionaries to [[Ecuador]] killed by members of the [[Huaorani]] tribe).

While the majority of Open Brethren missionaries do not belong to a missionary society, there are a number of supporting organisations that give help and advice for missionaries: in the UK, [[Echoes of Service]] magazine,<ref>((citation|title=Echoes of Service|publisher=Echoes.org.uk|url=http://www.echoes.org.uk/|access-date=2015-05-25))</ref> [[Medical Missionary News]] and the [[Lord's Work Trust]]<ref>((citation|title=The Lord's Work Trust|publisher=TheLordsWorkTrust.org|url=http://www.thelordsworktrust.org/|access-date=2015-05-25))</ref> are notable organisations. Today, missionaries are found all over the world, with high concentrations in [[Zambia]] and Southern Africa, Brazil, India, Western Europe and South East Asia. Brethren missionaries are still active in many parts of the world (1,223 from England, North America and Australasia<ref>((harvnb|Abigail|2006))</ref>) and there are assemblies in Chile, Dominican Republic, Peru and South Africa, among others.<ref>((citation|title=Plymouth Brethren|publisher=Adherents.com|bibcode=1987Natur.329..578B|url=http://www.adherents.com/Na/Na_513.html#3117|access-date=2012-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805040624/http://www.adherents.com/Na/Na_513.html#3117|archive-date=2011-08-05|url-status=usurped|last1=Bayne|first1=Brian L.|journal=Nature|year=1987|volume=329|issue=6140|page=578|doi=10.1038/329578b0|s2cid=4371393|doi-access=free))</ref>

=== United Kingdom ===
Along with other evangelical churches in the United Kingdom, the Brethren have been declining in numbers since the 1950s, especially among the more conservative assemblies. Assemblies with more progressive approaches have grown, however. There has been a blurring of distinctions between some assemblies and other non-denominational and house church congregations.<ref>G.Brown. "Whatever Happened to the Brethren?" Partnership, Paternoster Press. 2003.((Page needed|date=September 2010))</ref>

=== Europe ===
Outside the British Isles, the brethren have a large presence in the [[Faroe Islands]], forming the largest non-conformist group amongst a population that predominantly belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Faroe Islands.<ref>((cite web | title = Plymouth Brethren in the Faroes |url=http://www.visitfaroeislands.com/Default.aspx?ID=8946))</ref>

JN Darby's visits to Switzerland between 1835 and 1840 with critiques of [[Methodist perfectionism]] resulted in the establishment of meetings in [[Vevey]] in 1838 and [[Lausanne]] in 1840 drawn from some of the dissenting churches.<ref>((harvnb|Neatby|1901|p=41))</ref> Later he moved to France establishing outposts in the [[Montpellier]] region. During this time he was also translating the New Testament into French. "During the five years that followed Darby's arrival in Lausanne, his principles spread far and wide in French Switzerland, and obtained some successes in Berne and Bâle."<ref>((harvnb|Neatby|1901|p=44))</ref>

The next move came from a visit by [[George Müller]] to a Baptist church in [[Stuttgart]] in 1843 at the invitation of a lady who had visited him in Bristol. "One or two of the elders having determined to reject him, a meeting "for the breaking of bread" was started in his private room the same evening. Seventeen persons were present." In 1854, Darby visited Germany with meetings being set up at [[Elberfeld]] and [[Düsseldorf]] among others.<ref>
((citation|title=Early Beginnings|first=John Nelson|last=Darby|year=1853|url=http://www.bruederbewegung.de/pdf/darbybeginnings.pdf))
</ref>

=== India ===
((main|Indian Brethren|Assemblies Jehovah Shammah))
The expansion of the Plymouth Brethren outside of the British Isles started early, when Anthony Norris Groves left to become a missionary in 1829, first in [[Baghdad]] and then in India. Although his work as a dentist in the [[Godavari]] delta area of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu progressed slowly, it produced in time a flourishing movement of [[Indian Brethren]] with a particular emphasis in [[Kerala Brethren|Kerala]]. According to [[Operation World]], there are 135,000 adult believers in 1929 assemblies throughout India (449,550 if children are included).<ref name="Mandryk 2010 408">((citation|first=Jason |last=Mandryk|title= Operation World |publisher=Biblica Publishing|year=2010|page = 408))</ref> Internal Brethren sources say that the number of assemblies has increased to 2200 and the number of adult believers in fellowship to 200,000, since Operation World was published in 2010.

The [[Assemblies Jehovah Shammah]] movement, founded by the evangelist [[Bakht Singh]], are organized largely on Brethren principles with adaptations to Indian culture. Despite some differences from the older Brethren movement that was the fruit of British missionary efforts (such as his encouragement for women to take part audibly in worship), many Indian and foreign Brethren "recognize" the Assemblies Jehovah Shammah as a subset of the Open Brethren movement, albeit one that developed independently. Operation World claims 910 Assemblies Jehovah Shammah with 310,000 affiliates, 95,000 of them adults.<ref name="Mandryk 2010 408"/>

==== Kerala Brethren ====

((main|Kerala Brethren))

An important stream of the Open Brethren is the [[Kerala Brethren]]. Kerala is a small state in India, but has more than 600 Open or Plymouth Brethren Assemblies. Brethren members believe that these assemblies are the result of an independent movement of the [[Holy Spirit]] in India. Eventually the Plymouth Brethren and the Kerala Brethren recognized the similarities in both the movements and thus the Kerala Brethren came to be identified as a sub-set of the Open Brethren.<ref>((Cite web |url=http://www.keralabrethren.net/ |title=The Kerala Brethren website |access-date=2015-08-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801161825/http://www.keralabrethren.net/ |archive-date=2015-08-01 |url-status=dead ))</ref>

=== North America ===
Itinerant preachers carried both the open brethren to North America after the middle of the nineteenth century.<ref>
((citation|first=Arthur Carl |last=Piepkorn|title= Plymouth Brethren (Christian Brethren) |publisher=Concordia Monthly|year=1970|url=http://www.bruederbewegung.de/pdf/piepkorn.pdf|access-date=2012-06-11))
</ref> Darby made a number of visits in the 1870s and his emphasis on prophecy was influential. The Brethren movement has spread throughout the United States and Canada through evangelistic endeavours, immigration from the UK and Commonwealth countries, and by attracting Christians from other backgrounds with its emphasis on Biblicism, centrality of the Lord's Supper and equality of all believers under Christ, as well as its avoidance of denominational governance. Open Brethren congregations in America often are barely distinguishable from other evangelical denominations on the outside and often engage in joint efforts with other Christians in their communities. On the other hand, some previously thriving Brethren assemblies have seen dwindling attendances in recent years due in part to the lack of strong denominational loyalties and cultural discomfort with some brethren practices, such as head covering for women and silence of women in preaching and teaching in main services. In America, the designation of the building in which Open Brethren assemblies meet most often include the word "Chapel" in their formal name, combined with a biblical place name or principle or otherwise a local geographic feature—for instance, Bethany Chapel, Central Gospel Chapel, Park Road Bible Chapel, Riverview Believers Chapel. But unlike many other Christian groups, the names of Christian saints, (e.g. Paul, Luke) are rarely or never used. Closed groups, however, avoid "taking a name" to their group. A Closed group building is referred to as a "Meeting Room" or "Gospel Hall", and the word "Chapel" is avoided.

=== Oceania ===
((Main|Christian Community Churches of Australia|Christian Brethren Church of New Zealand))

According to the Evangelical publication, [[Operation World]], there are 320 Brethren congregations in Australia<ref>((citation|first=Jason |last=Mandryk|title= Operation World |publisher=Biblica Publishing|year=2010|page = 118))</ref> and 202 in New Zealand,<ref>((citation|first=Jason |last=Mandryk|title= Operation World |publisher=Biblica Publishing|year=2010|page = 632))</ref> with 46,176 affiliates in the former and 16,164 in the latter. Some Brethren sources claim the latter number to be underestimated, with internal sources indicating as many as 38,000 adults and children attending Brethren assemblies — almost one percent of New Zealand's population.<ref>((cite web |url=http://aspects.org.nz/category/church-issues/ |title=The State and Growth of Brethren Churches in New Zealand (2011) |access-date=2015-05-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522134839/http://aspects.org.nz/category/church-issues/ |archive-date=2015-05-22 |url-status=dead ))</ref>

The Brethren in both countries have diversified greatly in the last generation. "Gospel Chapels" tend to be conservative; "Gospel Halls" even more so. "Bible Chapels" include both conservative and progressive assemblies, while "Community Churches" (often similar to the Brethren-affiliated "Evangelical Churches" of the United Kingdom) tend to be at the progressive end of the spectrum, often with salaried pastors, women taking an audible part in worship — and sometimes in leadership, and varying degrees of openness to the [[Charismatic movement]]. "Bible Churches" tend to embrace many progressive trends, but generally retain a male-only leadership and continue to disassociate themselves from the Charismatic movement.

Although Brethren leaders throughout New Zealand unanimously rejected the Charismatic movement in 1964,<ref>((cite web|last1=Lineham|first1=Peter J.|title=Tongues Must Cease: The Brethren and the Charismatic Movement in New Zealand|url=http://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/cbr/34_07.pdf|website=biblicalstudies.org.uk|access-date=3 June 2015))</ref> attitudes today are much more diverse. Complete rejection, and uncritical acceptance, of this movement are both minority positions among New Zealand Brethren today.

It is worth nothing that although many "Community Churches" and "Bible Churches" in New Zealand are part of the Open Brethren movement, others — such as [[Mairangi Bay Community Church]] and [[Auckland Bible Church]] — are not. This is often seen as one of many signs that the line of demarcation between Brethren assemblies and other independent Evangelical churches is becoming blurred — a situation that some Brethren welcome, and some do not.

The Brethren movement in Australia, too, has diversified, with the more progressive assemblies generally growing and the more conservative ones declining.

In both Australia and New Zealand, Open Brethren have been embarrassed by negative publicity surrounding the [[Plymouth Brethren Christian Church]], a hardline branch of the Exclusive Brethren (and the only Exclusive group to exist in significant numbers in either country), which some defectors have accused of being a [[cult]]. In Australia, the Open Brethren network has rebranded itself as the [[Christian Community Churches of Australia]], partly because of public confusion between their own movement and the Exclusives.

==Influence==
The influence of the Plymouth Brethren upon evangelical Christianity exceeds their relatively small numerical proportion. The movement today has many congregations around the world.

''Christian Missions in Many Lands'' (CMML), in the United States, ''Missionary Service Committee'' (MSC), in Canada, and [[Echoes of Service]], in the United Kingdom, serve as support agencies for Brethren missionaries, helping with logistics and material support. These agencies help to equip and support those sent from local churches. [[Hudson Taylor]], the founder of the [[China Inland Mission]], kept strong ties with the Open Brethren, even though he was raised a [[Methodist]] and later was a member of a [[Baptist Church]]. The concept of "Faith Missions" can be traced back through Hudson Taylor, to the example of the early Brethren missionary, [[Anthony Norris Groves]].

[[John Nelson Darby|J.N. Darby]], one of the original members and perhaps the most well known of the movement, wrote over 50 books including a [[translation]] of the New Testament and is often credited with the development of the theology of "[[dispensationalism]]" and "[[pretribulationism]]" which have been widely adopted in evangelical churches outside of the brethren movement. In the early twentieth century, J.N. Darby's writings have the greatest influence on the [[Local churches (affiliation)|Little Flock]] or [[Church Assembly Hall (Chinese christian denomination)|Church Assembly Hall]] of [[Watchman Nee]] and [[Witness Lee]].

Many leaders of the contemporary evangelical movement came from Brethren backgrounds. These include England-born [[Stuart Briscoe|Dr. D. Stuart Briscoe]], author, international speaker and former senior pastor of [[Elmbrook Church]] (one of the 50 largest churches in the U.S.), in [[Brookfield, Wisconsin]]; [[Geoff Tunnicliffe|Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe]], CEO of the [[World Evangelical Alliance]]; the late British scholar [[F. F. Bruce]]; 1956 Auca missionary [[martyr]]s [[Ed McCully]], [[Jim Elliot]] and [[Peter Fleming (missionary)|Peter Fleming]]; Walter Liefeld, NT professor at [[Trinity Evangelical Divinity School]]; the late preacher Dr. [[Harry A. Ironside]], who wrote the ''Historical Sketch of the Brethren Movement.'' Radio personality [[Garrison Keillor]] was raised among the Plymouth Brethren, whom he sometimes refers to as the "sanctified brethren" in his News from "Lake Wobegon" monologues. [[Peter Maiden]], the most recent previous leader of [[Operation Mobilisation]], also came from the Brethren.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.om.org/about/who-is-peter-maiden.html |title=Who is Peter Maiden? – OM International |publisher=Om.org |access-date=2010-10-24))</ref> Tony Evans, the widely syndicated radio broadcaster and pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas comes from the Brethren assemblies.<ref>Robert L. Peterson: [http://www.brethrenpedia.com/A_History_of_Some_Assemblies_of_Christians_in_the_US_and_Canada A History of Some Assemblies of Christians in the US and Canada] (1999)</ref> [[William MacDonald (Christian author)|William MacDonald]], the popular author and Bible commentator was also with the Open Brethren group. In Asia, [[Gnanamuthu Dixon James|Dr G D James]] (1920-2003), known for his widespread evangelistic ministry and the founder of [[Asia Evangelistic Fellowship]] (AEF)<ref>((cite web|title=Asia Evangelistic Fellowship International|url=http://www.aefi.org.au/|access-date=31 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219033531/http://www.aefi.org.au/|archive-date=19 February 2011|url-status=dead))</ref> was associated with the Brethren movement.<ref>((cite book|last=James-Nathan|first=Violet|title=That Asia May Know" Perspectives on Missions in Asia|publisher=Asia Evangelistic Fellowship International|isbn=0-646-39763-X|pages=11–13|edition=40th Anniversary Commemorative Volume|author-link=The Man, the Vision and the Mission: The Life of Gnanamuthu Dixon James|editor=Jonathan James and Malcolm Tan|chapter=One|year=2000))</ref>

===Political influence===
Some of the more conservative assemblies discourage political involvement, sometimes to the extent of judging anyone in fellowship who opts to exercise their voting rights in democratic, free elections. This teaching is based on the premise that the Bible teaches that Christians are citizens of heaven, only sojourners here on earth, and therefore ought not to become involved in activities which could be deemed as being too worldly.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.preciousseed.org/search_articles.php?search_phrase=my+responsibility+to+civil+authorities |title=Precious Seed |publisher=Precious Seed |access-date=2010-10-24))</ref> Some have claimed that the movement, with its upper-class roots, lacks compassion for the plight of the underprivileged, alleging, example, that it was left to non-Brethren like [[William Wilberforce]], [[Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury|Lord Shaftesbury]], and other politically active Christians to work toward the abolition of slavery and toward improving the welfare of factory children in the nineteenth century. Many Brethren, however, see this as unfair criticism and point to [[George Müller|George Müller's]] ministry caring for homeless orphans and also to the sacrifices of its missionaries such as [[Anthony Norris Groves]]. It is more reasonable, they claim, to state that the Brethren are more concerned with people's spiritual needs than with their physical condition. However, where physical help is given, it tends to be given directly and not through secular organisations.

In some parts of the world, this aversion to political involvement is no longer widely held. At least two members of the [[Parliament of New Zealand|New Zealand Parliament]] have belonged to the Open Brethren: [[Owen Jennings]], an elder of the [[Karamea]] assembly (for the [[ACT New Zealand]] Party), and [[Joe Hawke]]<ref name="Windsor Community Church">((cite web |url=http://123.255.47.32:8080/church/Publications/Sermons/141214.pdf |title=Te Rongopai - Christianity & Colonial Complications |publisher=Windsor Community Church |date=2014-12-14 |access-date=2015-05-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524174620/http://123.255.47.32:8080/church/Publications/Sermons/141214.pdf |archive-date=2015-05-24 ))</ref> (for the [[New Zealand Labour Party]]). Both served from 1996 to 2002. In Canada, [[Cam Guthrie]], a member of [[Lakeside Church]], a Brethren-rooted<ref>((cite web|url=http://brethrenmatch.com/index.php/blog/396-bible-chapels-in-ontario-gospel-halls-in-ontario-brethren-assemblies-in-ontario |title=Bible Chapels in Ontario |publisher=Brethrenmatch.com|access-date=2015-05-25))</ref> [[megachurch]],<ref name="canadianchristianity.com">((cite web|url=http://canadianchristianity.com/ottawawatch-suicide-elder-abuse-2664/ |title=OttawaWatch: Suicide and elder abuse |publisher=CANADIAN CHRISTIANITY YOUR NATIONAL CHRISTIAN NEWS & MINISTRY SOURCE |date=2011-11-22 |access-date=2015-05-25))</ref> was elected Mayor of [[Guelph]], [[Ontario]], in 2014.<ref>((cite web|url=http://guelph.ca/city-hall/mayor-and-council/mayors-office/ |title=Mayor's Office |publisher=City of Guelph|access-date=2015-05-25))</ref> [[Frank Valeriote]], the [[Liberal Party of Canada|Liberal Party]] [[Parliament of Canada|Member of Parliament]] for the riding of [[Guelph (federal electoral district)|Guelph]], also attends Lakeside Church, even though he identifies as [[Roman Catholic]].<ref>((cite web|url=http://canadianchristianity.com/nationalupdates/2010/100513ottawa.html |author=Lloyd Mackey |title=OttawaWatch: The British Experience |publisher=CANADIAN CHRISTIANITY YOUR NATIONAL CHRISTIAN NEWS & MINISTRY SOURCE |date=2010-05-13 |access-date=2015-05-25))</ref>

==Notable Brethren==
''N.B. This is a list of individuals who were part of the Open Brethren movement for at least a part of their lives. For a list of individuals involved in the Brethren movement before the 1848 schism, see the [[Plymouth Brethren]]'' article.

* [[John Bodkin Adams]]<ref>Cullen, Pamela V., "A Stranger in Blood: The Case Files on Dr John Bodkin Adams", London, Elliott & Thompson, 2006, ((ISBN|1-904027-19-9))</ref> — General practitioner and suspected serial killer (tried for one murder but controversially acquitted)
* [[Cecil J. Allen]] - leading railways expert and writer on trains.
* [[Thomas John Barnardo]]<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.infed.org/thinkers/barnardo.htm |title=Dr Thomas John Barnardo: homes, schools and other works |publisher=Infed.org |date=2009-11-04 |access-date=2010-10-24))</ref> — Took in destitute male and female street children; founded [[Barnardo's]].
* [[Patricia Beer]]<ref>((cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NB59uc9_ss8C&pg=PA48 |title=''Cambridge Guide to Women's Writing in English'' |access-date=2010-10-24|isbn=978-0-521-66813-2|year=1999|last1=Sage |first1=Lorna |last2=Greer |first2=Germaine |last3=Showalter |first3=Elaine |publisher=Cambridge University Press ))</ref><ref>((cite book|url=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/chris.thorns/resources/EDX_anthology/EDXL_1950-present_poets.htm|title=1950-present Poets|access-date=2010-10-24|isbn=978-0-521-66813-2|date=2015-05-21|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122153735/http://homepage.ntlworld.com/chris.thorns/resources/EDX_anthology/EDXL_1950-present_poets.htm|archive-date=22 November 2010|df=dmy-all|last1=Sage|first1=Lorna|last2=Greer|first2=Germaine|last3=Showalter|first3=Elaine|publisher=Cambridge University Press ))</ref> — Poet.
* [[Stuart Briscoe]] — author, international speaker and Minister-At-large at [[Elmbrook Church]], was raised Plymouth Brethren, in England
* [[Edmund Hamer Broadbent]] — Missionary. First published in 1931 and still in print, his book, ''The Pilgrim Church'' is an alternative history of the church emphasizing historical precedents for the church "pattern" seen in Scripture by the Brethren (and related) movements.
* [[F. F. Bruce]] — twentieth-century British Bible scholar and Christian apologist.
* [[Geoffrey Bull]] — Missionary to [[Tibet]] in the early 1950s
* [[Wilson Carlile]]<ref>[[The Times]], Sept 28 1942 – Carlile's obituary</ref> — British evangelist who founded [[Church Army]] and [[prebendary]] of [[St Paul's Cathedral]]
* [[Henry Craik (evangelist)|Henry Craik]] — Worked with George Mûller in Bristol at Gideon and Bethesda Chapels from 1832
* [[William Dobbie|Sir William Dobbie]] — associated with the [[Second Boer War]], World War I and World War II and rose to become a [[lieutenant-general (United Kingdom)|lieutenant-general]] in the British military
* [[Jim Elliot]]<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/GUIDES/277.htm |title=Papers of Philip James Elliot – Collection 277 |publisher=Wheaton.edu |access-date=2010-10-24))</ref> — Missionary killed by [[Waodani]] Indians along the [[Curaray River]], in [[Ecuador]].
* [[H. L. Ellison]] - twentieth-century British missionary, scholar, professor, and author.
* [[Tony Evans (pastor)|Tony Evans]] — Radio Bible Teacher and Pastor of Oakcliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas
* [[Peter Fleming (missionary)|Peter Fleming]] — Missionary killed by the [[Waodani]] Indians along the [[Curaray River]], in [[Ecuador]]
* [[Roger T. Forster]] — Author, theologian and leader of [[Ichthus Christian Fellowship]]
* [[David Willoughby Gooding]] — Professor Emeritus of Old Testament Greek at Queen's University Belfast and Christian author
* [[Robert P. Gordon]] - Professor of Hebrew at the University of Cambridge
* [[Anthony Norris Groves]]<ref>((cite web |url=http://web.ukonline.co.uk/d.haslam/groves/AboutANG.htm |title=About Anthony Norris Grove |publisher=Web.ukonline.co.uk |access-date=2010-10-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091012055329/http://web.ukonline.co.uk/d.haslam/groves/AboutANG.htm |archive-date=2009-10-12 ))</ref> — Missionary to [[Baghdad]] and India
* [[Cam Guthrie]]<ref name="canadianchristianity.com"/> — Mayor of [[Guelph]], [[Ontario]], Canada.
* [[Paul Harvey]] — Conservative American radio broadcaster for the ABC Radio Networks.
* [[Zane Hodges]] — Professor of New Testament Greek at Dallas Theological Seminary and co-author of the Greek New Testament according to the Majority Text
* [[John Eliot Howard]] — Chemist and quinologist
* [[Luke Howard]] — Chemist and meteorologist, the 'namer of clouds'
* [[Joe Hawke]]<ref name="Windsor Community Church"/> — [[New Zealand Parliament|New Zealand MP]] ([[New Zealand Labour Party]], 1996–2002)
* [[Harry Ironside]]<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.gotell.gracenet.org/m_harry_ironside.htm |title=Henry (Harry) Allan Ironside |access-date=2015-08-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217043707/http://www.gotell.gracenet.org/m_harry_ironside.htm |archive-date=2007-12-17 ))</ref> — Bible teacher, preacher and author; Pastor of the [[Moody Church]] in Chicago (1930-1948).
* [[Gordon Jackson (politician)]]<ref>((Cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/High-profile+QC+who's+never+far+from+the+limelight.-a062228775|title = High-profile QC who's never far from the limelight. - Free Online Library))</ref> — Scottish politician and [[Queen's Counsel]]
* [[Owen Jennings]], [[New Zealand Parliament|New Zealand MP]] ([[ACT New Zealand|ACT New Zealand Party]], 1996–2002)
* [[Ferenc Kiss (anatomist)|Ferenc Kiss]] — [[anatomy|anatomist]], university professor, former head of the Institute of Anatomy in [[Budapest]], Hungary
* [[Kenneth Kitchen]] - Professor of Egyptology at the University of Liverpool
* [[Maurice Koechlin]] — Structural Engineer. Chief Engineer in the construction of the [[Eiffel Tower]]
* [[J. Laurence Kulp]]<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.asa3.org/ASA/PSCF/1993/PSCF12-93Yang.html |title=Radiocarbon Dating and American Evangelical Christians |publisher=Asa3.org |access-date=2010-10-24))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.asa3.org/ASA/resources/CMBergman.html |title=A Brief History of the Modern American Creation Movement |publisher=Asa3.org |date=1995-01-20 |access-date=2010-10-24))</ref> — twentieth-century geologist. [[Critic]] of [[Young Earth creationism]]
* [[John Lennox]] — Mathematician, bioethicist, and Christian apologist, Professor Emeritus at the [[University of Oxford]].
* [[George H. Lang|G. H. Lang]] (November 20, 1874 – October 20, 1958), was a noted Bible teacher, prolific author, and biblical scholar of his time.
* [[Erich Sauer]] — (December 31, 1898 – February 25, 1959) A German Bible scholar, theologian, and principal of the Wiedenest Bible School in Germany for many years
* [[John Laing (businessman)|Sir John William Laing (1879–1978)]].<ref name=LAING>((cite book|title=Life and Belief – In the Experience of John W. Laing CBE|last=Harrison|first=Godfrey|publisher=Hodder and Stoughton|date=1954|page=15|work=Chapter I – Early Days – reference to family conversion to the Plymouth Brethren))</ref> — British entrepreneur in the construction industry
* [[William MacDonald (Christian author)|William MacDonald]]<ref>((cite web|author=William MacDonald |url=http://www.christianbook.com/believers-bible-commentary-william-macdonald/9780840719720/pd/19728?event=AFF&p=1022289& |title=Believer's Bible Commentary: Edited By: Arthur Farstad By: William MacDonald: 9780840719720 |publisher=Christianbook.com |access-date=2010-10-24))</ref> — Christian author and scholar, author of well known [http://www.christianbook.com/believers-bible-commentary-william-macdonald/9780840719720/pd/19728?event=AFF&p=1022289& Believer's Bible Commentary]
* [[Peter Maiden]] — International Director Emeritus of [[Operation Mobilisation]], Minister at Large of [[Keswick Ministries]]
* [[Jim McCotter]] — Was a part of Brethren in early life. Left and was the founder of [[Great Commission Churches]]
* [[Ed McCully]] — Studying to be a lawyer at [[Marquette University]], McCully became a missionary instead and was killed by the [[Waodani]] Indians along the [[Curaray River]], in [[Ecuador]]
* [[Brian McLaren|Brian D. McLaren]]<ref>((cite web|url=http://emergent-us.typepad.com/emergentus/2005/08/brian_mclaren_o.html |title=emergent-us: Brian McLaren on "Becoming Convergent" – Part 1 of 3 |publisher=Emergent-us.typepad.com |date=2005-10-01 |access-date=2010-10-24))</ref> — Prominent and controversial voice in the [[Emerging Church]] movement. Raised in a Brethren family.
* [[Alan Millard]] - Professor of Hebrew and Ancient Semitic languages at the University of Liverpool
* [[George Müller]]<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.mullers.org/history.html |title=History |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061231205336/http://www.mullers.org/history.html |archive-date=2006-12-31))</ref> — Founder of the Bristol Orphanage and a stated teacher in Bethesda Chapel, Bristol
* [[Thomas Newberry]]<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.newblehome.co.uk/newberry/biography.html |title=Biography of Thomas Newberry |publisher=Newblehome.co.uk |access-date=2010-10-24))</ref> — [[Translator]] of the ''Newberry Reference Bible'', which uses a system of symbols to explain verb tenses
* [[Dessie O'Hare]]<ref>[[The Irish Independent]], February 24, 2008 – 'Border Fox' O'Hare finds God in a gospel hall</ref> — Irish Republican terrorist.
* [[Camillo Pace]] — Italian evangelist (1862-1948).
* [[Frederick Handley Page]]<ref>[[The Times]], April 23, 1962 – Page's obituary</ref> — Pioneer in the design and manufacture of aircraft
* [[Luis Palau]] — [[Argentina|Argentinian]]-American evangelist, raised in the Plymouth Brethren.
* [[John Parnell, 2nd Baron Congleton]] — Missionary to [[Mesopotamia]]
* [[G. H. Pember]] — An English theologian who lived in the nineteenth century and also wrote the book ''Earth's earliest ages''.
* [[Joseph M. Scriven]] — Writer of the words to the hymn, "[[What A Friend We Have In Jesus]]".
* [[Arthur Rendle Short]]<ref>W.Melville Capper and Douglas Johnson, "Arthur Rendle Short", Inter Varsity, 1954</ref> — Professor of surgery at [[Bristol University]] and author
* [[William Gibson Sloan]] — Scottish missionary to the [[Faroe Islands]]
* [[Samuel Prideaux Tregelles]] — English biblical scholar and theologian
* [[Elsie Tu]], then Elsie Elliott — A Plymouth Brethren missionary in China before leaving the movement and becoming a prominent political figure in Hong Kong
* [[William Edwy Vine]]<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.wordsearchbible.com/products/12529-vine-s-complete-expository-dictionary-of-old-and-new-testament-words |title=Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words |website = wordsearchbible.com |access-date=2016-12-18))</ref> — Author of, ''[[Vine's Expository Dictionary|Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words]]'', and numerous commentaries
* [[Arthur Wallis (Bible teacher)|Arthur Wallis]] — Founder of the [[British New Church Movement]], formerly in the Plymouth Brethren.
* [[Jim Wallis]] — Founder and editor of ''[[Sojourners]]'' magazine, raised in a Brethren family.
* [[Charles Gidley Wheeler]]– Author of ''The Believer'', and ''A Good Boy Tomorrow: Memoirs of a Fundamentalist Upbringing'' – Fleet Air Arm pilot, TV dramatist, novelist and philosopher – was raised in the Plymouth Brethren before breaking away at the age of 16.
* [[Smith Wigglesworth]]<ref>Albert Hibbert, "Smith Wiggleworth – The Secret of His Power",((ISBN|1-85240-004-8))</ref> — Pentecostal preacher. Testified that he had received his grounding in Bible teaching within the Plymouth Brethren
* [[Hugh G.M. Williamson]] - Professor of Hebrew at the University of Oxford
* [[Orde Wingate]]<ref>page 57 of ''The Brethren: An Autobiography of a Plymouth Brethren Childhood'' by Anne Arnott</ref> — British [[Major General]], advisor to [[Hagana]] units during the 1930s
*[http://www.audreyassad.com/about/ Audrey Assad]<ref>((Cite web|url=http://www.audreyassad.com/about/|title=About|website=Audrey Assad|access-date=2018-10-02))</ref> —  American singer-songwriter and recording artist. Audrey grew up in a Brethren family and left the movement at the age of 21, later converting to Catholicism. Some believe that her knowledge of four-part harmony a cappella hymns in the brethren church influenced parts of one of her albums, ''Inheritance''.<ref>((Cite news|url=http://www.breathecast.com/articles/audrey-assad-s-new-album-inheritance-takes-listeners-on-a-personal-journey-review-32615/|title=Audrey Assad's 'Inheritance' Takes Listeners On A Personal Journey [REVIEW]|last=BreatheCast|date=2016-02-18|work=BREATHEcast|access-date=2018-10-02|language=en))</ref>
* Martyn Iles, raised in a Brethren family in Australia and former managing director of the [[Australian Christian Lobby]]

==Major collection of literature==
The largest '''Christian Brethren Archive''' in the world is housed at the [[John Rylands University Library]] in Oxford Road, [[Manchester]]. It contains a large collection of materials, including [[book]]s and [[manuscript]]s, relating to assemblies or meetings of Christians often called Plymouth Brethren, with particular reference to the British Isles.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/specialcollections/collections/brethren/ |title= Christian Brethren Printed Book Catalogue and Archive List))</ref>

The second largest collection of Brethren material in the world,((citation needed |date=June 2014)) as well as being the largest in North America is found at the library of [[Emmaus Bible College (Iowa)|Emmaus Bible College]] in [[Dubuque, Iowa]].

==See also==
((Portal|Christianity))
*[[Elder (religious)#Brethren|Elder]]

==Notes and references==
((Reflist))

==References==
* ((citation|last=Coad|first=Roy|title=A History of the Brethren Movement|year=1968|publisher=The Paternoster Press, Exeter))
* Carroll, H. K. (1912) ''Religious Forces in the United States''. New York
* Coad, F. Roy (2001) ''A History of the Brethren Movement: Its Origins, Its Worldwide Development and Its Significance for the Present Day''. Regent College Publishing ((ISBN|1-57383-183-2))
* ((cite book|first=Peter L.|last=Embley|title=The Origins and Early Development of the Plymouth Brethren|year=1966|url=http://www.bruederbewegung.de/pdf/embleydissertation.pdf)) Ph.D. Thesis
* ((citation|title=Gathering to His Name: the Story of Open Brethren in Britain and Ireland |first=Tim|last=Grass|year=2006|publisher=Paternoster Press, London))
* Groves, Mrs. (1869) ''Biography of A. N. Groves'', by his widow, 3rd edition. London
* Ironside, H. A. (1985) ''[http://www.plymouthbrethren.org/series/6265 Historical Sketch of the Brethren Movement]'' Loizeaux Brothers ((ISBN|0-87213-344-3)), 1st edition 1942.
* ((citation| last = Neatby | first = William Blair | title = A History of the Plymouth Brethren| year =1901| url = http://www.schneid9.de/glaube/bruederbewegung/neatby.pdf | access-date = 16 January 2021))
* Pickering, Henry (1918) ''Chief Men Among the Brethren''. London: Pickering & Inglis, 1918; Loizeaux Brothers, Inc. Neptune, NJ, 1996, ((ISBN|0-87213-798-8))
* Smith, Natan Dylan (1996) ''Roots, Renewal and the Brethren''. Hope Publishing House ((ISBN|0-932727-08-5))
* Strauch, Alexander (1995) ''Biblical Eldership: an Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Church Leadership''. Lewis & Roth Publishers ((ISBN|0-936083-11-5))
* Stunt, Timothy C. F. (2000) ''From Awakening to Secession: radical evangelicals in Switzerland and Britain, 1815–35''. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark ((ISBN|0-567-08719-0))
* Taylor (1866) ''Biography of Henry Craik''. London

Other sources of information are writings by B. W. Newton and W. Kelly.


((Christianity in the United Kingdom))
((Authority control))

[[Category:Plymouth Brethren]]
[[Category:Christian fundamentalist organizations in Europe]]
[[Category:Religious organizations established in the 1820s]]
[[Category:Apocalyptic groups]]

Pages transcluded onto the current version of this page (help):

Open Brethren (edit)
Template:Ambox (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Authority control (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Bare URL PDF (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Bibleverse (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Catalog lookup link (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Category handler (view source) (protected)
Template:Christianity in the United Kingdom (edit)
Template:Circa (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Citation (view source) (protected)
Template:Citation needed (view source) (protected)
Template:Cite book (view source) (protected)
Template:Cite news (view source) (protected)
Template:Cite web (view source) (protected)
Template:DMCA (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Dated maintenance category (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Dated maintenance category (articles) (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Delink (view source) (protected)
Template:FULLROOTPAGENAME (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Find sources mainspace (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Fix (view source) (protected)
Template:Fix/category (view source) (protected)
Template:Harvard citation no brackets (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Harvnb (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Hlist/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Template:ISBN (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Infobox (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Infobox Christian denomination (view source) (semi-protected)
Template:Infobox religion (view source) (semi-protected)
Template:Main (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Main other (view source) (protected)
Template:More citations needed (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Navbox (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Navbox with collapsible groups (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Ns has subpages (view source) (protected)
Template:Page needed (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Pagetype (view source) (protected)
Template:Portal (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:R (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:R/ref (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:R/superscript (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:R/where (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Reflist (view source) (protected)
Template:Reflist/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Template:SDcat (view source) (protected)
Template:Short description (view source) (protected)
Template:Short description/lowercasecheck (view source) (protected)
Template:Small (view source) (protected)
Template:Template other (view source) (protected)
Template:Tooltip (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Tooltip/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Trim (view source) (protected)
Template:Use dmy dates (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Yesno (view source) (protected)
Template:Yesno-no (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Yesno-yes (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Arguments (view source) (protected)
Module:Authority control (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Authority control/config (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Bibleverse (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Catalog lookup link (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Category handler (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/blacklist (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/data (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/shared (view source) (protected)
Module:Check for unknown parameters (view source) (protected)
Module:Check isxn (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Citation/CS1 (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/COinS (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Date validation (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Identifiers (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Utilities (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Whitelist (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Module:Delink (view source) (protected)
Module:Disambiguation/templates (view source) (protected)
Module:EditAtWikidata (view source) (protected)
Module:Find sources (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Find sources/config (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Find sources/links (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Find sources/templates/Find sources mainspace (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Footnotes (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Footnotes/anchor id list (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Footnotes/anchor id list/data (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Footnotes/whitelist (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Format link (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:GetParameters (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Hatnote (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Hatnote/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Hatnote list (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Infobox (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Infobox/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:InfoboxImage (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Labelled list hatnote (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Message box (view source) (protected)
Module:Message box/ambox.css (view source) (protected)
Module:Message box/configuration (view source) (protected)
Module:Namespace detect/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Namespace detect/data (view source) (protected)
Module:Navbar (view source) (protected)
Module:Navbar/configuration (view source) (protected)
Module:Navbar/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Module:Navbox (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Navbox/configuration (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Navbox/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Navbox with collapsible groups (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Ns has subpages (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/disambiguation (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/setindex (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/softredirect (view source) (protected)
Module:Portal (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Portal/images/c (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Portal/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:SDcat (view source) (protected)
Module:String (view source) (protected)
Module:String2 (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Unsubst (view source) (protected)
Module:Wikitext Parsing (view source) (protected)
Module:Yesno (view source) (protected)

Return to Open Brethren.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Brethren"