The Plymouth Brethern assemblies are the closest to the model of the early church. All men are encouraged to preach and share and the women teach the younger women and children. Plurality of Eldership and deaconship and no one man is venerates above the rest. They share all things in common and reach out to the lost.
Open and Exclusive Brethren have historically been known as "Plymouth Brethren." This confusion and the many schisms the group experienced during its development and the open contention between competing groups through the years make it difficult to determine exactly what they believe in a particular assembly. Most elements have been good about not having a pastor or clerical distinctions regarding all members as ministers owing to the universal priesthood of all believers. Darby's contribution to their early development introduced an ardent exclusivity based on his systematic refining of the concept of Dispensationalism and the pre-tribulation rapture of the church. I believe this rigidity of their belief system is still resistant to members, who do not share their exact doctrine. Watchman Nee, leader in the "Little Flock" movement in China, was "put out" by the Exclusive Brethren for "breaking bread with sectarians" However, I believe there are less than 100,000 of them worldwide, which is likely due to some of the foregoing issues.
I also have a substack. It’s free to subscribe. I write devotional poems and post them at least once a day. I also share song lyrics. Check it out, comment and share!!
The Plymouth Brethern assemblies are the closest to the model of the early church. All men are encouraged to preach and share and the women teach the younger women and children. Plurality of Eldership and deaconship and no one man is venerates above the rest. They share all things in common and reach out to the lost.
Open and Exclusive Brethren have historically been known as "Plymouth Brethren." This confusion and the many schisms the group experienced during its development and the open contention between competing groups through the years make it difficult to determine exactly what they believe in a particular assembly. Most elements have been good about not having a pastor or clerical distinctions regarding all members as ministers owing to the universal priesthood of all believers. Darby's contribution to their early development introduced an ardent exclusivity based on his systematic refining of the concept of Dispensationalism and the pre-tribulation rapture of the church. I believe this rigidity of their belief system is still resistant to members, who do not share their exact doctrine. Watchman Nee, leader in the "Little Flock" movement in China, was "put out" by the Exclusive Brethren for "breaking bread with sectarians" However, I believe there are less than 100,000 of them worldwide, which is likely due to some of the foregoing issues.
Thankful they are not about numbers but are about staying true to the tenants of their faith!
I also have a substack. It’s free to subscribe. I write devotional poems and post them at least once a day. I also share song lyrics. Check it out, comment and share!!