Book Description
This examination of the declining membership of the Plymouth Brethren Church by prominent Plymouth Brethren leader Nate Smith gives concrete suggestions on how this once-dynamic dissenting denomination might recpature its historical vibrancy. It has been repeatedly recommended by church leaders as a wonderful resource filled with cogent recommendations for all those involved in churches who struggle to maintain traditional forms of worship in a society undergoing huge changes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

a must read
A must read for any one of Christian Brethren background who seeks to bring about spiritual renewal and growth in churches of this background.A book with a balanced perspective that would appeal to the progressive thinkers as well as those with a more conservative bent. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great synopsis of history of Plymouth Brethren
Having grown up in a New Testament assembly which meets along the lines of the Plymouth Brethren movement, I really enjoyed reading about the history of this group of people who believed in meeting according to New Testament principles rather than that which men have made traditional.

This is an honest account of the movement and includes things many people would rather not have recorded as well as the great things done by those who desire to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.My only desire is that believers today would have the same zeal as those men in the 1800's who desired to follow Christ. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very useful and interesting
The study of the Brethren is interesting for the background of the development of dispensational theology (as denominated in this movement for the first time). This sketch is also very useful for understanding the men who were "very particular about how they broke bread, but not so particular about how they broke hearts." ... Read more

Product Description
There's a "Brethren" connection in the history of the Gideons, Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, the Christian Businessmen's Committee, Dallas Theological Seminary, Moody Bible Institute, Regent College, Good News Publishers, the prophecy movements, and numerous missionary ventures.With little hierarchy or structure, these "assemblies" of those who "gather unto the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ" have left an indelible mark on the North American evangelical scene.From their origins in the 1820's as an idealistic movement in the British Isles to the present, those commonly called "Plymouth Brethren" have planted churches, evangelized, founded schools, and launched influential publishing ventures. But their relentless quest for New Testament fidelity has paradoxically divided them into numerous shades and subtle differences.Uniquely documented, with over 100 illustrations and photographs, this history of the Brethren in North America will take its place as the definitive survey by a veteran insider.Robert H. Baylis has worked on this history for years: "The Brethren are my people. Through a lifetime of association with the assemblies, I know them well, both their strengths and their weaknesses. My purpose in this history is to tell their story in a positive way." Published by: Gospel Folio PressBinding type: paperNumber of pages: 426 pgsDimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 x 0.75 inchesWeight: 1.4 lbsISBN: 1897117280. Category: Church History ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Chief Men Among the Brethren
Chief Men Among the Brethren provides a fascinating survey into the lives of nineteenth century Christians.Pickering communicates a story about Englishmen and Irishmen of almost ultra apostolic character and lifestyle(but not office ! ) who left fortunes, vocations andclerical positions inthe established church to spawn a movement which has had a far reaching(albeit largely unknown) influence on the theology of much of conservativeChristianity, Baptists and American Fundamentalists. The formatofferspictures andbiographies of most of the early "Plymouth Brethren" including the insightful Mr. John Nelson Darby, his colleague, thebrilliant William Kelly with his mind for the universe and the ever popularyet poignant C.H.M. (Charles Henry Macintosh).The book serves as an amplehistorical resource for anyone studying this movement. Yet, shining throughthis historical sketch is their Biblical theology, their simplicity, theirdisdain for the clergy and their personal sacrifice and adoration for theascended Christ. It is clearly written and at times inspirational. Itincites the reader to desire to follow on in their footsteps. Indeed, forthose seeking spiritual encouragement, Chief Men Among the Brethrendescribes the lives of men who believed God, walked with God and desired toraise the standard of historic New Testament Christianity beyond thebaneful confines of denominational bigotry. Henry Pickering has providedmaterial on their conversion, the circumstances that led to theirunderstanding of the simplicity of gathering alone to the Name of the LordJesus Christ on the ground of the Unity of the One Body of Christ (theChurch) and separation from the world. In his effort, he does not fail toevoke the excitement of those early days. I highly recommend this excellentresource. ... Read more