The Exclusive Brethren are a branch of the Plymouth Brethren, separating from the Open Brethren in 1848.
The Exclusive Brethren have since divided into several smaller groups, separated over minor points of doctrine or practice. The largest and better known of these is the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, also known as the Raven-Taylor-Hales group.
The split in the Plymouth Brethren came about over a disagreement between George Müller and John Nelson Darby relating to the Plymouth meeting. Those who followed Müller became known as the Open Brethren while Darby's group became the Exclusive Brethren. The names of the two groups reflected their willingness to hold communion with believers outside of the Brethren.
Through tireless effort, Darby was able to hold the Exclusive Brethren together for most of his life. Although there were difficulties, he was able to smooth them out.
Things began to come apart shortly before he died in 1882, largely over issues of church governance. A few years after his death, a larger split came about when a minority adopted a more open approach to fellowship, while the majority group became known as the Raven group. The early 1900s brought further divisions.
By 1970, the Raven group had been in the hands of a man by the name of James Taylor, Jr. At a meeting in Scotland, Taylor became obviously drunk, and publicly insulted other members. That weekend, he was discovered in bed with a married woman. When accused, Taylor denied these improprieties, and the affair divided the group worldwide, with some believing that Taylor had been unjustly accused. The Taylor fellowship further divided in 1972.
However, several of the groups that had broken off from one faction or another reunited, while others eventually joined the Open Brethren.
Most of the Exclusive Brethren groups can be described as Darbyite, as they closely adhere to the doctrines and original teachings of John Darby, rejecting the idea that the teachings of church leaders are authoritative, divinely sanctioned, or binding on the fellowship, as is the position of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.
The Exclusive Brethren groups originally believed that unity of the local assembly was necessary for fellowship, with local assemblies obligated to honor the disciplinary actions of associated assemblies. This remains the policy of some assemblies, but others have since modified their policies.
Except for the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, the various Exclusive Brethren assemblies are theologically similar. They hold to the Bible as the sole authority in matters of doctrine and practice. Much of their doctrine is based on the teachings of John Darby, which is also true of the Open Brethren. Other than matters of fellowship, the Exclusive Brethren hold to the same beliefs as the early Plymouth Brethren.
On matters of the Lord's Supper, some Exclusive groups will receive all professed believers to communion, while others restrict access to communion to those who are known to be in their fellowship.
Most Exclusive Brethren branches have no formal leadership structure. In some, only adult males may attend meetings in which matters are brought up for debate. Connections between the various Exclusive groups allow for the requirement that members marry within the Exclusive Brethren.
The Exclusive Brethren do not ordain pastors, but some "commend" men who are dedicated to preaching, although salaries are uncommon.
Exclusive Brethren do not name their meeting places other than by reference to the road or street on which they are located, and refer to the buildings as "halls" or rooms" rather than as churches, chapels, or temples.
Unlike the Open Brethren, Exclusive Brethren do have an official membership, as they are choosy about affiliations. Those who wish to take communion must be affiliated with an Exclusive Brethren assembly.
Exclusive Brethren are known to be active in nineteen countries, and are strongest in Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, and the United States.
The focus of this category and its subcategories is on the various Protestant groups or factions known as the Exclusive Brethren, a branch of the Plymouth Brethren movement. Topics related to either of these groups or to the Exclusive Brethren as a whole are appropriate for this category.. The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church will be listed in a subcategory of its own. Sites whose topic is in opposition to the Exclusive Brethren may also be listed here.
Categories
Plymouth Brethren Christian Church |
Recommended Resources
Established in 2000, the site offers articles on a variety of Scriptural topics, Christian living, and ministry from a perspective of the Exclusive Brethren, a faction of the Plymouth Brethren movement. Topics include eternal life and heaven, baptism, the gathering of believers, obedience, devotion and the maturity of faith, charity, service, and living a Christian life, as well as a Bible overview and other Bible topics.
http://biblecounsel.homestead.com/
Christian Brethren Assembly Puthuppally
Located in Puthuppally, in Kottayam, Kerala, India, the CBAP meets together as a local and independent Assembly, known as a church locally. Schedules and a calendar of events are published to the site, including its celebration of the Lord’s Supper, Bible studies, prayer meetings, outreaches, and gospel meetings. Its elders and deacons are introduced, and a photo gallery and audio messages are included.
http://www.puthuppallybrethren.org/
The history and ministry of the early Exclusive Brethren is presented, including the origin, progress, and testimony of this branch of the Plymouth Brethren from 1827 to 1959, and onward, including biographical data for some of its prominent members, some of their writings, and an overview of its doctrine, Bible studies, poetry, ministries, an an introduction to Gordon Rainbow, the author.
http://www.mybrethren.org/
