What are Brethren members not allowed to do?

What are Brethren members not allowed to do?

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church is a mainstream evangelical Christian church, and our beliefs and way of life are based on the teachings of the Holy Bible. A common question we receive is “what are Brethren not allowed to do?” This is because the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has been described in the media as being secretive, strict, and controversial. These labels are often used by people unfamiliar with the Brethren faith, who have the false impression that we are forced to follow a long list of rigid rules or restrictions.

Rather than enforcing strict rules, the Church encourages members to make personal, faith-led choices about how they live, guided by Christian values, family life, and spiritual responsibility.

In this article we answer some commonly asked questions to address misconceptions and explain the beliefs that shape everyday life within the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.

Are Brethren Members allowed to….

Celebrate birthdays? Within the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, the main celebration is the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion, which is held every Sunday. After attending Church, members often gather for lunch in family homes, which gives us an opportunity to socialise and enjoy quality time with family members and friends from the Church community.

Birthdays are not treated as celebrations in the same sense, but this doesn’t mean they are ignored. Families may choose to mark birthdays with a cake or gifts, depending on personal preference. As with many aspects of Brethren life, this is a matter of individual family choice.

Listen to pop music? Music plays an important role in the lives of many Brethren. Members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church include talented singers and musicians, and music is valued as a form of expression and worship. Examples of our talented members can be seen in our Voices of Brethren videos.

Choices about what type of music to listen to, including pop music, are made by individuals in line with their personal preferences.

Eat or drink with non-Brethren? One of the most frequently misunderstood Brethren beliefs relates to eating and drinking. Members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church believe that sharing a meal is an act of fellowship. For this reason, they choose to eat meals only with those with whom they would also share the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion with. While drinking itself is a matter of personal choice, members choose not to drink socially with those outside the Church, as sharing a drink is also understood as an expression of fellowship. However, this does not mean that members isolate themselves from the world. The Church’s members are active participants in their communities, living and working alongside people from all backgrounds and beliefs, and contributing to the public benefit through charity initiatives, education, and business activities.

Watch TV or listen to radio? Members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church seek to limit exposure to influences that may detract from Christian teaching and family life. For many, television viewed primarily as entertainment falls into this category, and as a result it is generally avoided. As always, these decisions are guided by personal responsibility, and some members watch the news or factual documentaries online or through streaming services. Additionally, members often prefer online content to the television or radio, as it helps parents ensure their children access age-appropriate material and reduces inadvertent exposure to potentially harmful content.

Use technology? Like many faith communities, the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has approached technological change thoughtfully, mindful of the potential harms that can come with new forms of media. Over time, the Church and its members have adapted, and technology now plays an important role in members’ lives. Brethren members use technology in education, business, and the practice of their faith, with appropriate safeguards in place. Computers, laptops, and smartphones are used in daily life at school, at work, and at home, much like in wider society.

Wear makeup or trousers as women? Both men and women in the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church choose to dress modestly and as such, women typically wear dresses or skirts and minimal makeup. Decisions on what to wear are guided by personal preference, practicality, and responsibility in line with members’ Christian values and beliefs.

Go on holiday? Members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church do travel. As family time is highly valued within the Brethren faith, time together is often spent visiting extended family in other cities, states or countries. Given the importance of the Lord’s Supper, members tend to travel to locations where other Brethren communities are located, so they are still able to attend the service on a Sunday.

Have pets? Although many Brethren would keep animals for agricultural purposes, Brethren don’t generally keep pets as they prefer to focus their time and attention on family life and the Church community.