Brethren today strive to maintain the bonds of love in the midst of diversity.  We think of ourselves as a family and we continue to recall that which binds us to one another– Christ Jesus. Brethren still tend to have the same mind-set of restoring the church, making it the true bride of Christ, yet knowing there is much work to do.

From the very beginning of the Brethren we have used the word Gemeinschaft.  Which is a German word, which comes from our European heritage.  It is a word that is hard to define, but it is a word that we strive to be.  It means more than coming and worshipping together.  It means “porch time,” helping one another out in times of need, relying on one another with interpretation of the Word, and ideas that together in harmony seek to practice what Jesus taught.  Most importantly, it means “caravan,” people together,  living for Jesus with a common purpose, goal and destination.  It is not about believing with your lips, or being a community related to a building, but living out those beliefs peacefully, simply, and together. 

Today’s Brethren live very much in the world; work in a broad range of  occupations, and make use of the latest technology. They are not immediately recognizable by their dress.  Nor do they greet one another with a Holy Kiss.  (like the old order Brethren do still today) Continually, though, is a people that see church as a family of brothers and sisters joining the mission of God, trying to live in the Bible; dedicated to others in a way of peace and reconciliation rather than self-interest and intimidation; using prayer and the “mind of Christ” as their source.  They are people that are committed to Christ and His community rather than to individualistically self-interested:  In other words, there is more to salvation than just being saved.  We are called to make a difference in the world by continuing the works of Jesus. 

An idealized Brethren lifestyle would include traits such as loving your enemies and praying for those who give you trouble, knowing  humility, keeping integrity, living in the Bible, serving others like you would serve the LORD, furthering yourself in the Holy Spirit, building one another up in community, and an emphasis on peace, grace, love, and the ministry of reconciliation. 

Most Brethren work at realizing all of these characteristics in their daily lives, although each person is likely to prioritize their list differently, and each Brethren is at a different level on their journey.

Today, the Church of the Brethren are found across the nation with  the heaviest concentrations in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and California. The adult membership in 2008 was 137,000 in 1097 congregations, 36 states, with mission projects around the world, especially in Nigeria, India, and Ecuador where the  Church of the Brethren is thriving in the mission fields.

The Church of the Brethren is one of the three “historic peace churches.” Along with the Quakers (Friends) and Mennonites, the Brethren have consistently held an official peace witness, often          expressed in conscientious objection to military service as well as emphasizing the ministry of reconciliation in times of strife.  Out of the peace concern the Brethren are known worldwide as a people that will serve and love those suffering from war, natural catastrophe, or social disadvantage.

Also, the Brethren are known as one of the greatest denomination to serve.  The Brethren are a diverse people, but Brethren of all stripes find themselves united in service. We serve “for the glory of God and our neighbor’s good,” to quote one of our early leaders.  It was a member of the Church of the Brethren who began the now-independent Heifer International, as well as BVS, On Earth Peace, and Brethren Disasters Ministries. 

The Brethren have mission all over the world, yet mainly in Brazil, Dominican Republic, Haiti, India, Nigeria, & Sudan.