What is a GBC?

Grace Brethren churches were born with a passion to see people really live Christianity, not just on Sundays, but every day!

When Alexander Mack and those with the same convictions began the first GBC in Germany in 1708, they applauded the Reformation, but also cheered for more! They wanted even more of a return to the Scriptures.

They also desired more of an emphasis on personal salvation and the public identification of believers with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and their work of grace in salvation. They wanted a return to the biblical command to be baptized as a symbol of one's identification with Christ.

With a belief in the integrity of God's Word, they searched the Bible for principles for daily living. "If the Bible teaches it, then let's do it," was their goal.

Today, several hundred Grace Brethren congregations seek to have that same conservative stance in theology while being progressive in method and love. Sundays, and everyday.

Love in Action

Sunday is for us a very important day as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. GBCs emphasize the sharing of the Good News of Jesus Christ and the building up of believers in our services of praise and worship. We find warm fellowship in Bible teaching classes.

The important ministry of encouraging believers happens not only when our church meets as a body, but is lived out as we serve Christ and others throughout the week.

Local Government with Cooperation

Grace Brethren churches are self-governed and owned. We cooperate with each other by merging prayers, people and money to do the work of missions and evangelism at home and overseas, college and seminary work, youth programs and Christian education.

Roots with Growth

Our concern to have self-governed churches went back to the 1708 initiation, as well as the New Testament. As the new church began in Schwarzenau, Germany, Mack and his followers were determined to follow their own biblical convictions. Unreasonable pressure from state churches sent them sailing to America in 1719.

As GBCs grew in America, they were characterized by a firm belief that the Bible was given to people by God, flawlessly! They trusted what they read and taught.

They enjoyed observance of the Communion evening, and emphasized public identification with Christ by trine immersion baptism.

Now 40,000 members strong, Grace Brethren churches reach from New York to Hawaii and from Alaska to Florida. Our early commitment to helping others find a personal relationship with Jesus Christ resulted in the start of Grace Brethren Foreign Missions, with over 120,000 members in Africa, Europe, Central and South America, and the Orient.

As this fellowship of churches grew, other organizations were formed to assist the local churches: Grace Theological Seminary and College, located in Winona Lake, Indiana; Brethren Missionary Herald Co., publishing books and materials; and GBC Christian Education, providing national programs for youth and training for church workers.

New GMCs are formed by established churches, the vision of church districts, and the pioneering work of Grace Brethren Home Missions, another assisting organization. People who move away from an exciting experience of growth and ministry in a Grace Brethren church, often work hard to help start a new one.

Doctrines with Assurance

This community of believers is characterized by a commitment to God and His Word. Our motto -- "The Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible" -- is a call to serious study combined with love in the spirit of Christ. Many hear that call and experience good teamwork and joy in the local body of believers.

Our doctrinal statement reads like a primer on the Bible, including the clear teachings on vital issues that give anchor in a changing world. We rest strongly in God's control of world situations, but know that in His legislation of the world He calls us to freely decide to trust His Son and obey His Word for morality and ministry.

As the winds of change come and the storms of confusions blow, we have a sure Word, and that gives us confidence, no only on Sundays, but also the rest of the week.

People with Direction

We see those other six days as opportunities to reflect Christ's love and priorities through our work, words, and relationships. Even in our homes and when we relax or play, we want to honor God.

GBCs have a strong emphasis on the family, following the biblical guidelines about loyalty, support, and faithfulness. In the Bible we find principles for growing a rich and meaningful marriage and family.

The importance of teaching children the Bible and giving them spiritual foundations has led to the development of our children's and youth programs, as well as Christian schools.

The doors of our churches are open wide. We are especially pleased when people, searching to know more about Jesus Christ and how He can relate to their lives, come to visit and find a church home. We want to share the joy and fulfillment we have found in Jesus Christ with others.

"Be imitators of God... and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

The Apostle Paul
Ephesians 5:1-2

Life with Meaning

Within each person is a longing for fulfillment, an insatiable desire to find happiness and purpose.

Some look for it in money and possessions; acquiring more and more, yet remaining less than satisfied.

Some people pour their lives into a career, seeking gratification and success. Unfortunately, when they finally reach the top, the nagging emptiness returns.

Others look for fulfillment through relationships. They join social clubs, attempt to strengthen family ties, and add to their list of friends. But people let us down. No one's perfect.

The tragedy is that people are searching in the wrong places. The God who created us programmed us to be truly fulfilled only when we are in fellowship with him. He is the missing dimension. He knows us best and wants to give our lives full meaning and joy. Yet, He allows us to decide our own life's course. We have the freedom to turn to God or to turn away. But the consequences are eternal.

GMCs are committed to helping people discover that abundant life. Not just on Sunday, but every day.

This material is copyrighted and is used by permission of
CE National, Inc. PO Box 365, Winona Lake, IN 46590

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