The Brethren in Christ began as the result of a spiritual awakening in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Inspired by the preaching of Philip Otterbein and Martin Boehm in the 1760s, the group referred to themselves simply as the Brethren, but others called them the River Brethren because they lived mostly along the Susquehanna River. The group was part of the United Brethren in Christ before that group officially organized as a church. They separated from the Mennonites over the issue of triple immersion in baptism. They saw no need of an organizational structure until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1860s. Because they were pacifists, they needed the protection of an established religion in order to avoid bring drafted into military service. They organized under the name of the Brethren in Christ Church. Although they retained some of the principles of the Anabaptists, other theological influences included Pietism, Wesleyanism, and Evangelicalism. From the Anabaptists, they inherited an identity as a peace church, as well as the principles of separation of church and state, and baptism of believers. The BIC once wore plain dress similar to that of the Amish. From the Pietists, they inherited the importance of personal conversion and a renewed life in Christ. The American Wesleyan movement gave them a belief in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit upon conversion, and daily growth in holiness. Struggling with declining membership, the church embraced the evangelical wave that swept across America through such leaders as Billy Graham, as well as an embracement of the saving work of Jesus Christ. During this period, many within the body shifted focus from the things that separated the church from the culture, such as dress and lifestyle, although some congregations and individual members continue to dress plainly. Congregations within the Brethren in Christ are largely autonomous, but there are eight regional conferences and a general conference with ultimate authority.
Recommended Resources
The Canadian offices of the Brethren in Christ are headquartered in Oakville, Ontario. Its history, leadership structure, strategic initiatives, core values, articles of faith and doctrine, and the Canadian handbook on faith and life are featured, along with information about leadership credentialing and equipping for ministry. Canadian congregations of the denomination are listed in alphabetical order, or may be found through a search on the church name or location.
http://www.canadianbic.ca/
The Foundation provides financial services to various Brethren in Christ denominational entities, including the maintenance of the Brotherhood Loan Fund, which provides financing for the acquisition, construction and remodeling of churches within the denomination, parsonages, and other church-related projects, including residential loans for ministers. Its history, services, financial reports, and management are set forth.
https://bicfoundation.org/
Brethren in Christ Historical Society
The mission of the Society is the promote an appreciation and understanding of the historical, theological, and contemporary life and practices of the Brethren in Christ. In pursuit of its mission, the Society publishes a journal, a newsletter, and hosts an annual meeting focused on a specific theme or issue, as well as an annual heritage service. Its journal is available only to members, while non-members may read the editorial and one featured article from each edition.
http://bic-history.org/
The Brethren in Christ have their roots in the Anabaptist and Pietist movements of the late 1700s, and in the River Brethren, a group of which became known as the Tunkers. The BIC came into existence around the time of the US Civil War. Its history, beliefs and leadership structure are noted, and a list of congregations, ministry projects, funding programs, and ministry training programs are put forth.
https://bicus.org/
Supported by the Brethren in Christ denomination and the Mennonite Central Committee, the program targets people who aren’t into church, functioning as a multi-site church with a production site in Oakville, Ontario, and eighteen regional sites across Ontario, each site led by a pastor or pastors who oversees the staff and volunteer teams that help with setup for its programs for adults, youth, and kids.
http://www.themeetinghouse.com/
