Priesthood of all believers; pastoral leadership; women fully ordained since 1958
The Church of the Brethren affirm the Reformation principle of the priesthood of all believers. All Christians, through baptism and the Holy Spirit, have direct access to God. No ordained priest is necessary to mediate between God and people.
Pastoral leadership is affirmed as essential. Pastors are called, set apart, and ordained to teach Scripture, administer ordinances, and shepherd the congregation. However, pastors are not priests in a sacramental sense; they do not perform sacrifices or mediate grace in a way unavailable to others.
Since 1958, the Church of the Brethren has affirmed the full ordination of women to all levels of ministry. Women serve as pastors, elders, and leaders throughout the denomination. This represents the denomination's conviction that the Spirit's gifts are distributed without regard to gender and that all believers—women and men—can be called to leadership.
Key Distinctions
- Ministry model:
- leadership and teaching affirmed; representative but not exclusive
Scripture References
Sources
- Church of the Brethren Church Manual (ordination and ministry)
- Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Doctrinal Statements
- Reformation theological principles affirmed by the denomination