What are Open Plymouth Brethren (Christian Brethren) – Part 2: A Brief Introduction

Here is a brief introduction to the Plymouth Brethren using the 5W’s  and 1H.

Who? Of the original founders, John Nelson Darby is the best known.

Other Plymouth Brehtren include “Praying” George Mueller (founder of the Bristol Orphanage), Sir Robert Anderson (apologist and evangelist, and head of the criminal investigation division of Scotland Yard during the later the Jack the Ripper murders), missionary Jim Elliot (1 of 5 missionaries who died in Operation Acura and husband to Elizabeth Elliot), missionary Hudson Taylor (founder of the Chinese Inland Mission), Harry Ironsides (preacher and teacher), Ada R. Habershon (hymn writer “Will the Circle be Unbroken” and writer on biblical typology and symbolism), bible commentator F. F. Bruce, and Watchmen Nee (pastor in Communist China).

There are different types of Plymouth Brethren, such as Open and Closed Brethren. We are Open Plymouth Brethren (Christian Brethren).

What? There is a focus on the Bible, the Lord’ Supper (Breaking of Bread), and the  Christian life. There is also an interest in the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. (This makes sense to me, as this is a focus of the New Testament that is often overlooked.)

Where? They first started meeting in Dublin, Ireland. The first meeting in England was in Plymouth. This is where they got their name. This movement has spread around the world.

When? The Plymouth Brethren started in the late 1820s.

Why? They originally met for a place for Christians to get together from different denominations who were serious believers. From the beginning, they had a focus on biblical prophecy.

How? They believe in the “priesthood of all believers”. Usually there is no pastor, and there is an emphasis on the congregation participating in the Breaking of Bread and in ministry.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plymouth_Brethren

For more details about of our beliefs, see our Statement of Faith

If you have any questions, please email us on our Website Contact Form or directly at mvcccontact@gmail.com