The Loose Brother’s Tale

Abstract

The Brethren are, like all Protestants, children of the Reformation. The two fundamental insights which they brought to the church were the unity of all believers in Christ and the priesthood of all believers. These required, respectively, a willingness to join in fellowship with any true follower of Christ and a desire to free believers to exercise the spiritual gifts which the Holy Spirit had given them. Unfortunately, the impetus of these inspirational distinctive features was soon lost. Instead, assemblies’ attention was focussed inwardly on a legalistic separatism. The time has come for a rediscovery of our heritage. We should welcome the opportunity to collaborate with our evangelical colleagues in the denominations. And we should make sure that we use the gifts of all believers, old and young, brothers and sisters.