Our Slant — For and Against

A brief overview of what BRF is for and against.

• When did Brethren Revival Fellowship begin?

BRF was organized in 1959 during a prayer meeting at the Ocean Grove, New Jersey, Annual Conference, out of concern about the neglect and disregard of New Testament beliefs and practices. Brethren W. Hartman Rice and Linford Rotenberger, both pastors, were key early leaders of the fledgling movement. Several early area meetings were held, but real influence began with the regular publishing of the BRF WITNESS in 1966 with Harold S. Martin as editor. Bro. Martin has served as staff member of BRF since 1977.

• What are the specific concerns of BRF?

• the fact that many within the Church of the Brethren have set aside a firm belief in the trustworthiness and authority of the Bible, and knowingly or unknowingly have embraced the historical-critical views of Biblical interpretation.
• the drift from a balanced Biblical-Anabaptist-Pietist and Brethren-oriented understanding of church and state, war and peace, church discipline, and New Testament ordinances (such as the three-part Love Feast).
• the turn from preaching the Gospel of reconciliation of the individual to God through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, to a human centered program of political involvement.
• the diminishing membership and the need for revival and evangelism within the Church of the Brethren.
• the content of Church of the Brethren produced materials which so often call for the acceptance of more diversity, and give evidence of more drift toward a broad inclusiveness that embraces even those who practice a sexually immoral lifestyle.
• our denomination’s participation in the National and World Councils of Churches (and their local affiliates) with their slant toward syncretism, and their reimagining God and allowing room for multiple gods and goddesses.
• saving the Church of the Brethren and not fragmenting it by splintering into many small independent groups. We encourage evangelical members of the denomination to stay in the Church of the Brethren and witness there.

• What are the means BRF is using to accomplish its mission?

• publishes the free bi-monthly publication, the BRF WITNESS, which contains one major article on a Bible teaching or current topic. Over 11,000 copies are sent to interested persons and congregations. To receive a sample copy, or to be placed on the mailing list, write or e-mail the BRF.
• is publishing the Brethren New Testament Commentary series. This series will simply take the biblical text as it is, and give the exposition, along with applications for everyday life.
• meets with denominational officials on occasion to discuss vital issues.
• supervises the Brethren Mission Fund.
• conducts Brethren Bible Institutes.
• trains and oversees Brethren Volunteer Service Units.
• oversees youth work camps.
• established three Church of the Brethren congregations in Maine.
• maintains a visible presence at Annual Conference and some District Conferences.
• provides speakers for meetings, revival services, Bible conferences, teaching sessions, at no cost where requested.
• holds an annual General Meeting.
• sponsors the biennial Brethren Alive event at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania.
• maintains an Internet presence at http://www.brfwitness.org/

If you are reading this, you are already there.