A Closer Look...

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8


Brethren have a long tradition of "gathering around the Word." Taking the New Testament as our guide, we discuss what Jesus did – and why. Then we try to pattern our own lives after his.

"Where two or three are gathered together in my name," Jesus promised, "there am I in the midst of them." Brethren come together – as small groups or larger ones – in loving imitation of Jesus' actions.

Conviction. We don't all describe our faith the same way. Some of us have difficulty voicing it at all. Yet repeatedly Brethren have sacrificed homes, work, and life itself to do what they believed discipleship required.

Covenant. You don't need to be Christian all alone. Our name was chosen to express the deep ties that bind us to one another as brothers and sisters in the family of faith. Allegiance to Christ is central.

Compassion. We love to quote Matthew 25:40, "Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me" (NRSV). That text has inspired a remarkable record of human service.

Conversation. We stubbornly defend our cherished beliefs and practices. Yet we insist believers must regularly gather around the Word to discover the fresh truth the Spirit reveals. Open discussions of all aspects of faith and practice shape our life.

Conviction, covenant, compassion, conversation – these are the common strands in the Brethren fabric. They show what is essential and singular about Brethren and offer a design for describing what we say and do.

Read more about the Ankeny Church of the Brethren...

Find out more at the Official Church of the Brethren website...

A Closer Look

The Brethren's History


Other Resources & Links

The Official Church of the Brethren website

Church of the Brethren Network

Nothern Plains District, Church of the Brethren