Three ordinances: Love Feast (foot washing, meal, communion), baptism (trine), anointing
The Church of the Brethren practice three distinctive ordinances. The Love Feast combines foot washing (service and humility), a fellowship meal (agape), and the Lord's Supper (communion), embodying the denomination's values of servanthood, community, and remembrance of Christ. Participants wash one another's feet as Christ did and commemorate His death and resurrection. Believer's Baptism employs trine immersion—three forward immersions (once for Father, once for Son, once for Holy Spirit)—administered only to believers who have consciously decided to follow Christ. It is a public declaration of faith and identification with Christ's death and resurrection.
Anointing with oil for healing, based on James 5:14-16, completes the three ordinances. The ordained anoint the sick with oil while the congregation prays for healing and wholeness. All three ordinances are signs and seals of grace (not ex opere operato), depending on faith for their spiritual efficacy.
Key Distinctions
- Term used:
- ordinances (not sacraments; signs and seals of grace, not ex opere operato)
- Sacrament count:
- three: Love Feast (foot washing, meal, communion), baptism, anointing
- Baptism mode:
- trine immersion (three forward immersions in name of Trinity)
- Baptism recipients:
- believers only (believer's baptism; not infant baptism)
- Eucharist presence:
- symbolic and communal memorial; spiritual communion
Scripture References
Sources
- Church of the Brethren Church Manual (ordinances)
- CoB catechisms and doctrinal statements
- Brethren Life and Thought (theological journal)