What We Believe

People of the Church of the Brethren seek to live by the scriptures, respecting the individual's search for truth. That said, there are some basic beliefs that typify us and make up our theology. We believe that Jesus Christ is the only Savior of the world, the only Way to life after death.

We believe that the Holy Spirit lives within each believer, guiding us and giving us a supernatural power.

We believe that salvation (the act of being saved so that death results in everlasting life) is a personal experience and choice and happens only when one accepts it as the free gift that it is. It comes only through Jesus Christ and is given to all who ask for it and then receive it.

We believe that the Bible and the Holy Spirit are our guides for faith, life, and decision-making and that all who accept the teachings of Christ will strive to life a life imitating Him. We call that discipleship.

We believe that baptism is an inward baptism of the Holy Spirit and an outward baptism of water by the congregation. We believe that baptism has to be a free choice, therefore we do not baptize infants or children who are too young to understand. The service of baptism is conducted by immersion in water, three times forward. We believe in peacemaking, not only in our every day lives, but in the national sense, also. We believe that all forms of violence are wrong because Jesus taught that we are to love our enemies and that life is precious.

We seek to be known “by the manner of our living.” This includes living a simple lifestyle and that our service and mission to the worlds outside our own will reflect our discipleship to Jesus Christ. We believe that worship is both a celebration of God's activity in our lives and an occasion to renew our commitment to God. Holy communion is open to all who profess their belief in Jesus Christ.