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They are best known for devising the theory of [[Dispensationalism]], especially as formulated by Anglican priest [[John Nelson Darby]], later the  founder of the "Exclusive" grouping. This theory became a core belief of [[Fundamentalism]] in the 20th century.

They are best known for devising the theory of [[Dispensationalism]], especially as formulated by Anglican priest [[John Nelson Darby]], later the  founder of the "Exclusive" grouping. This theory became a core belief of [[Fundamentalism]] in the 20th century.

In 2005 the denomination, now known as the "Christian Brethren" reported 86,000 members and 600 clergy in the United States. They do not ordain their clergy.  Since 1941 it operates Emmaus Bible College, which since 1984 has been located in Dubuque, Iowa.  

In 2005 one of the denominations, likely the 'Open' one, reported 86,000 members and 600 clergy in the United States. They do not ordain their clergy.  Since 1941 it operates Emmaus Bible College, which since 1984 has been located in Dubuque, Iowa.  

== Defining Characteristics ==

== Defining Characteristics ==

There is typically a weekly ceremony where the two emblems of bread and wine are sent throughout the body. This is where most congregations differ - some say that any professing salvation may take part in the ritual, others say that only those approved by the church body or a middle ground solution, bearing letters of recommendation from the congregation leaders which are styled as Elders and are typically selected by the congregation from the most learned and Christ centered men. Generally during this meeting an offering plate or box or bag is sent around, but only those in fellowship may contribute, and only to the amount they feel required of them; tithing is regarded as churchist and applying only to the dispensation existing between God and Israel.

There is typically a weekly ceremony where the two emblems of bread and wine are sent throughout the body. This is where most congregations differ - some say that any professing salvation may take part in the ritual, others say that only those approved by the church body or a middle ground solution, bearing letters of recommendation from the congregation leaders which are styled as Elders and are typically selected by the congregation from the most learned and Christ centered men. Generally during this meeting an offering plate or box or bag is sent around, but only those in fellowship may contribute, and only to the amount they feel required of them; tithing is regarded as churchist and applying only to the dispensation existing between God and Israel.

Men and women are separate in all matters. Women were created to help men, but this does not imply a relationship of inferiority, rather a differed relationship. Women are housewives, child bearers; women are noted for their quiet worship and subdued nature rather than men who are noted for risk taking and providing. Therefore, generally it is wished that a woman shall stay home and watch the children produced by a marriage.  Generally speaking all Brethren congregations agree that women shouldn't be allowed to speak during the meetings.

Men and women are separate in all matters. Women were created to help men, but this does not imply a relationship of inferiority, rather a differed relationship. Women are housewives, child bearers; women are noted for their quiet worship and subdued nature rather than men who are noted for risk taking and providing. Therefore, generally it is wished that a woman shall stay home and watch the children produced by a marriage.  Generally speaking women do not speak during the meetings.

Ministers are styled workers and are selected from the body of the men in any given congregation according to their gifts for learning and speaking. There is no formal school to produce or accredit them, there is no salary. Ministers live at the bequest of individual congregations which may support their work to the manner they choose. Generally Ministers live very well.

Ministers (in the Open Brethren) are styled workers and are selected from the body of the men in any given congregation according to their gifts for learning and speaking. There is no formal school to produce or accredit them, there is no salary. Ministers live at the bequest of individual congregations which may support their work to the manner they choose. Generally Ministers live very well.

 

Exclusive Brethren do not maintain a clergy and do not operate in a hierachy like the Open division does.

Finally, there are no charismatic gifts in the congregation. When the canon of scripture was completed with the Book of Revelation, the outpouring of Charismatic gifts ended.

Finally, there are no charismatic gifts in the congregation. When the canon of scripture was completed with the Book of Revelation, the outpouring of Charismatic gifts ended.

There are about 100,000 members in Britain.

There are about 100,000 members in Britain.

See [[Pietism]].

See [[Pietism]].

* Closed Bible Society

* Closed Bible Society

===Exclusive Brethen===

===Exclusive Brethen===

* The Exclusive Brethren - The only 'Exclusive Brethren' endorsed site

* [http://www.plymouthbrethrenchristianchurch.org/ Plymouth Brethren Christian Church - the official Exclusive Brethren website]

* My Brethren.Org (Exclusive Brethren)

* My Brethren.Org (Exclusive Brethren)

* The Brethren Writers' Hall of Fame — a biographical gallery of several prominent writers from the Plymouth Brethren and several others who had similar views.

* The Brethren Writers' Hall of Fame — a biographical gallery of several prominent writers from the Plymouth Brethren and several others who had similar views.