Founded in 1900, the Church of the Lutheran Brethren is an independent Lutheran body made up of autonomous congregations in the United States and Canada.
The organization was formed primarily for the purpose of assisting with foreign and local missions, and Christian education. For the first fifty years of its existence, more than fifty percent of denominational funds were spent on world missions, an amount that is currently around forty percent.
The denomination serves its member churches only in an advisory and cooperative capacity, having no authority over local churches. It seeks to assist churches in local, national, and international missionary outreach.
The Church of the Lutheran Brethren adheres to the creeds and confessions in The Book of Concord, the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, the Augsburg Confession, and Luther's Small Catechism.
According to the CLB, the Bible is verbally inspired, free from error, and is the final guide for Christian faith and conduct.
The CLB holds that there is one true God, the creator, and preserver of the universe. In that one essence are three distinct persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. In the incarnation, He was true man and true God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. Through His perfect obedience to God's law and his substitutionary death on the cross, He paid the price for human redemption. He rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is at the right hand of the Father, where He makes intercession for us as our High Priest. The Holy Spirit is a divine person who is one with the Father and Son. He convicts people of sin, righteousness, and judgment. His ministries include regeneration, sanctification, and the preservation of believers, comforting and empowering them to fulfill the Great Commission.
When Adam and Eve fell into sin, they lost their fellowship with God. Through disobedience, the human race has become depraved and under God's condemnation. In their fallen nature, people are unable to trust, fear, or love God. Through the law, sinners are brought into an awareness of their lost condition and the necessity of repentance. Through the gospel, God makes sinners aware that salvation comes only by faith in Jesus Christ. Also through the gospel, the Holy Spirit makes sinners aware of their sin, convicts them of their guilt, and calls them to repentance and belief in Christ. In belief, the believer is instantly forgiven and justified. Christians are secure in their salvation, but may perish if they cease to live a life of faith with Jesus.
One day, Jesus will come again, bodily and visibly, to establish His millennial kingdom. He will judge the living and the dead. Heaven is reserved for those who believe in Jesus as Savior, while hell is for those who do not.
Apart from the United States and Canada, the CLB has congregations in Cameroon, Chad, Japan, and Taiwan. Its headquarters is in Fergus Falls, Wisconsin, which is also the location of the Lutheran Brethren Seminary, the Lutheran Center for Christian Learning, and the Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.
The focus of websites listed in this category is on the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, in the United States, Canada, or elsewhere. Sites listed here should pertain to this denomination, including those that may be in opposition to the body. However, sites representing local congregations should be listed in the appropriate Local & Global category representing the location of the church.
Recommended Resources
Church of the Lutheran Brethren
The Church of the Lutheran Brethren is largely located in the United States and Canada, although there are also overseas members. An overview of the denomination, vision and mission statements, a statement of faith, constitution and bylaws, and its core values are enumerated. Pamphlets on various topics related to the denomination may be downloaded, and an online bookstore offers books, pamphlets, position papers, and other items.
http://www.clba.org/
Church of the Lutheran Brethren Canada
CLBC came about as a result of a spiritual revival in Saskatchewan in 1917 and 1918, founded by Scandinavian pioneers who had come from Minnesota and North Dakota, where they had fellowshipped with the Lutheran Brethren. Its history, a statement of faith, and a list of member congregations are set forth, along with its seminary, publications, and overseas missions, as well as administrative contacts.
http://www.lbcanada.org/
The church planting program was begun by a group of congregations and pastors in the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, and is an affiliate organization of the CLB that is charged with initiating and supporting gospel-centered missions through launching new CLB churches in large urban areas of North America, such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, Montreal, and Toronto. The program is outlined here, including a timetable.
http://www.fifthactchurchplanting.com/
Located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Hillcrest is a Christian college-preparatory high school offering both boarding and day school options for local and international students. Affiliated with the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, the school emphasizes a Christian worldview and apologetic training. Its accreditation, memberships, senior testimonies, and employment opportunities are posted, along with an academic overview.
https://www.ffhillcrest.org/
Lutheran Brethren International Mission
Formed just after the denomination itself, LBIM is the foreign mission arm of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. Its history, a profile of the denomination, and a mission statement are set forth, and its active mission fields and work are highlighted. Other resources include mission articles, video, and daily prayer notes. Opportunities to become involved in its foreign missions are defined, including volunteer work and assisting through financial contributions.
http://lbim.org/
Located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, sharing its campus with the denominational headquarters and its high school, LBS is the school of theology for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren of America. Its history, degree options, accreditation status, and an academic catalog are presented, along with a school calendar, library catalog, a course directory, personnel directory, alumni resources, and a podcast.
http://www.lbs.edu/
Women’s Ministries of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren
WMCLB is a ministry of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Featured are a statement of faith, devotionals, a calendar of programs and events, news, announcements, and other notices. A focus brochure may be downloaded from the site, and its regional women’s ministries are highlighted, by region. Its projects are discussed, and a private area of the site for members only is included.
http://www.wmclb.com/
