What is the doctrinal position of the "Brethren"?
A number of doctrines and positions generally characterize the "Brethren". Again, this should not be taken as applying to every "Brethren" church or every individual who fellowships in one of these churches. Very briefly stated, the doctrines and positions are:

verbal, plenary inspiration of the original manuscripts of the Bible
pretribulational, premillenial and dispensational
non-charismatic, but recognizing the "non sign" gifts
no salaried ministry. Gifted brothers minister as they are able. Gifted sisters will often minister among each other at ladies Bible studies, conferences, etc. However, we do not believe in an "every man" ministry (that is to say, we believe that every believer has a ministry but not every believer is called to be a preacher), but only ministry by those who are gifted
church government by a plurality of elders who meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1
some have deacons to attend to physical ministry (e.g. taking care of the chapel). Deacons are not in a decision making position.
often, the meetings are unstructured. This is especially true of the breaking of bread (communion service), but can also apply to Reading Meetings and Open Meetings
clear evangelistic witness
most open assemblies hold a middle of the road position with respect to election and free-will. Some can be found at either extreme. Most exclusive meetings hold to election.
trinitarian
most hold to the doctrine of Eternal Security
believers baptism by immersion. A significant number of brethren in the "non-open" assemblies believe in and practise Christian household baptism.
eternal sonship of Jesus Christ
http://www.brethrenonline.org/faqs/Brethren.htm







     

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