This book is an examination of the principles and practices of an evangelical group of Christians known as “The Open Brethren.” The Open Brethren are quite widespread, having assemblies on almost every continent. In some countries their assembly gatherings are in the hundreds. They are particularly known for their missionary efforts in the gospel and Sunday School work, for which they are to be commended. The examination in this book, however, does not pertain to their excellent gospel ministry, or to their personal piety and devotedness, but to their principles and practices regarding assembly order. Our inquiry is simple: “Is the ecclesiology (Church doctrine and practice) of the Open Brethren according to the Word of God?” Our intention is to answer this from Scripture.
We want to make it clear that in putting forth this book we have no quarrel with the Open Brethren. We have no “bone to pick,” no “axe to grind,” or any personal issue with individuals among this group of Christians. Since we are to have “love unto all the saints” (Eph. 1:1515Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, (Ephesians 1:15); Col. 1:44Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, (Colossians 1:4); 1 Peter 1:2222Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: (1 Peter 1:22)), we genuinely love these dear Christians. However, it is our belief that the principles on which the Open Brethren meet are not in accord with Scripture, and that their position of being professedly gathered to the Lord’s name is false. Since love desires the best for its objects, we sincerely desire the good and blessing of our brethren in this fellowship. It is love that compels us to point out the errors of their unscriptural church position, and we trust that it will be a help to all who are exercised about it. Therefore, it is not the people, but the principles on which the Open Brethren meet for worship and ministry that we take issue within this book.
Our prayer is that this publication will be used of the Lord to teach the truth of God in respect to the assembly. In doing so, we have no intention of trying to “steal sheep” from the Open Brethren. If those in that church position are happy in that fellowship, we leave them with the Lord. The Bible says, “To subvert a man in his cause, the LORD approveth not” (Lam. 3:3636To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not. (Lamentations 3:36)). Therefore, we do not wish to coerce anyone against their conscience who do not have the faith or the conviction for such a path.
Nor do we have any intention of comparing the Open Brethren with the so-called “Exclusive” Brethren and pit them against one another. Our object, rather, is to examine their assembly principles and practices in the light of Scripture, and let it be used of the Lord, if He pleases, to help any who are honestly seeking the truth. We pray that it will be a beacon of light to all who want the truth (Psa. 112:44Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. (Psalm 112:4)).
Two Main Branches of the Open Brethren
It should be noted at the outset that there are two main branches of the Open Brethren. They are not to be confused. These two branches gradually separated from one another over a period of about 20 years, around 1910-1930. One branch is marked by being more liberal and is sometimes spoken of as the “loose” Open Brethren. These assemblies have a very open reception principle. In North America this branch is generally identified by their meeting places being called a “Chapel,” though it is not always the case. The other branch, which is sometimes known as the “tight” Open Brethren, is marked by having a closed reception principle. In North America these are generally identified by their meeting places being called a “Hall.” (A few looser Open Brethren assemblies still bear the name of a “Hall” on their buildings, which is a carry over from the days when both branches were in practical fellowship). Numerically, the “loose” arm is by far the larger of the two.
We point out this distinction because some of the things we touch on in this book will only apply to one of the branches, and not the other. It would not be fair, or accurate, to accuse them of something that belongs only to the other branch. Since there is a wide diversity of assemblies with varying principles of practice, it is somewhat difficult to write an article on the Open Brethren without, at times, “painting them all with the same brush.” We will try to avoid this as much as possible by mentioning which branch we are referring to, so as not to create offence.
Specifically, we want to examine in the light of Scripture four salient principles on which the Open Brethren assemblies are based.