“Does God call us to engage in the work of racial reconciliation, and what is our role in that work as a predominantly white congregation?” This question was posed by a typically reserved and quiet member of our congregation who felt compelled to speak up on this issue. It kick-started a conversation that has challenged and grown many of us at Marsh Creek Community Church. This work is relational and messy and there are no formulas. However... Marsh Creek (Exton, Pa.), as stated in the question, is predominantly white and inexperienced in racial justice. But this congregant’s question prompted ..read more

A worldwide pandemic, dynamic social shifts, the ongoing decline of the Western church, vast advances in technology – much has changed in the twenty years since Brethren in Christ U.S. first identified its ten core values. Considering such shifts, are these values merely slogans, or do they constitute guiding and orienting lights? Global leaders reflect on these questions in Compelling Convictions: Finding our Future in a Modern World (Herald Press, 2024). “Our core values can help us clarify who we are and what we will embody to the world,” the book posits. “While never using them as boundari ..read more

“Brethren in Christ communications exist to declare our vision, promote our mission, teach our values, encourage our dialogue, and strengthen our bonds of trust.” This statement, adopted by Leadership Council in July 1998, still encapsulates the purpose of the BIC U.S. communications team. Recently, the team received three awards from the Evangelical Press Association celebrating their efforts and accomplishments. Blog: Website – First Place, Higher Goals in Christian Journalism. The judge said, “This blog for Brethren in Christ U.S. offers a great mix of feature content…. The inclusion of co ..read more

A large wooden emblem was a staple on the front wall of my childhood church’s sanctuary. It is prominent in my young memories: the cross, the basin and towel, and the dove. This emblem was not unique to my congregation but can be found in Brethren in Christ spaces around the world. This crest will be familiar to many of you for the same reason. While the crest’s history has been documented in the past, this research has not been published for several years. Understanding our history and the significance of the elements used in this crest is important, especially as we approach 250 years of bei ..read more

We are thrilled to announce the members in Cohort A of the Thriving Congregations Initiative. Over the next three years, twenty-one congregations from four conferences (listed below) will address the changing context of congregational life and develop clear values and mission unique to their assets and community needs. “I’m thankful for these 21 congregations and look forward to the learning process that will take place over the next three years,” says Jennifer Lancaster, Thriving Congregations program director. “As these congregations examine their values, mission, and community need, they ca ..read more

General Assembly 2024 (July 12-15 in Cincinnati, Ohio) is a family event, where all ages are welcome. “I encourage you to bring your family,” says Bishop Lynn Thrush of the Great Lakes Conference. “I know many stories of young people who have come to General Assembly and have found it very meaningful; it’s been out-of-proportion influential in their lives.” As July approaches, we are thrilled to announce the leaders of our nursery, children, and youth ministries: Rachel Ulloa, Joy Brown, and Marissa Cowan. Along with a qualified team of volunteers they will lead impactful programming for child ..read more

In the 1740s, two frontiersmen, Mark Evans and Tasker Tosh, explored the heart of a salt lick valley in the Appalachian Mountains. Through their optimism, patience, courage, and inspiration, “Big Lick” became the city of Roanoke, Virginia. These days, two Brethren in Christ “frontier pastors” explore the spiritual land of Roanoke: Roberto Alegre, lead pastor of La Roca BIC, and Jennifer Hickey, lead pastor at Community of Faith Church. While these pastors and their congregations are different from each other and diverge from many of the norms seen in the Allegheny Conference of Brethren in Chr ..read more

In March 2023, Cyclone Freddy struck the east coast of Africa. Devastating floods and landslides displaced over 650,000 people and killed more than 1,000. Malawi was impacted most severely. In response, Brethren in Christ (BIC) conferences in the U.S., Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe collaborated to provide immediate and ongoing aid. Seeing the need of their brothers and sisters to the north, BIC Zimbabwe collected items for those affected in Malawi and Mozambique, donating seven bales of clothing and blankets. BIC U.S. sent money from the Global Compassion Fund to pay shipping costs to trans ..read more

Walking by faith is risky and filled with paradoxes, something that Jesus’ disciples certainly felt. They simultaneously experienced miracles, hunger, fellowship, derision, provision, threats, healing, weariness, breakthroughs, great loss, and great love. Just like the disciples, Jesus beckons us to take risks with him. Brethren in Christ U.S. World Missions’ history is filled with women and men who responded to God’s call even when it was risky. We recently met with four households who have been taking those risky steps for decades, repeatedly saying “yes” to Jesus. Whether married, single, o ..read more

General Assembly 2024 (July 12-15 in Cincinnati, Ohio) is a family event. “I encourage you to bring your family,” says Bishop Lynn Thrush of the Great Lakes Conference. “I know many stories of young people who have come to General Assembly and have found it very meaningful; it’s been out-of-proportion influential in their lives.” As July approaches, we are thrilled to announce our children and youth ministers: Joy Brown and Marissa Cowan. Along with a qualified team of volunteers they will lead impactful programming for children and teens, leading them consider our theme, “Formed to Follow.” N ..read more