Disciples of Christ Denomination

The Church of the Brethren is a Christian denomination and in 2008 had 124,408 members and 999 churches in the United States. Their are additional groups in Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, India (Church of North India), Nigeria and Oku, Cameroon, and Sudan.

The church says: "In the New Testament, the word 'brethren' describes a community of men and women who chose another way of living: the way of Jesus. The Church of the Brethren, begun nearly three centuries ago in Germany, still draws people who want to continue Jesus’ work of faithfulness and loving service...

The central emphasis of the Church of the Brethren is not a creed, but a commitment to follow Christ in simple obedience, to be faithful disciples in the modern world. As do most other Christians, the Brethren believe in God as Creator and loving Sustainer. We confess the Lordship of Christ, and we seek to be guided by the Holy Spirit in every aspect of life, thought, and mission...

For guidance, Brethren look to the scriptures rather than to doctrine. Our faith emphasizes compassion, peacemaking, and simplicity. We baptize those who seek to follow Jesus; we anoint for healing; and in our love feast we re-enact the Last Supper, at which Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and offered the bread and cup of communion."