Who are Open Brethren and Exclusive Brethren?
For a history student, the terms “Exclusive” and “Open” refer to groups of assemblies who have formed lines of membership based on doctrinal differences. The “open” brethren believe that each assembly (church) is an independent entity. Each group handles its business of teaching, finances and receiving new members as an independent action from other assemblies. The “exclusives” believe that since each assembly is part of the body of Christ, in order to maintain unity of the body, a decision rendered by one assembly needs to be recognized by all others in order to maintain the fellowship of the body. The practical results of their views are chronicled in the various books and articles about the Brethren but you will not find their story here. Exclusive assemblies often use the name “Gospel Hall” for their building, but these assemblies have very little relationship to the assemblies listed on this site. You can read about the exclusive brethren on their own web site at http://www.theexc
For a history student, the terms “Exclusive” and “Open” refer to groups of assemblies who have formed lines of membership based on doctrinal differences. The “open” brethren believe that each assembly (church) is an independent entity. Each group handles its business of teaching, finances and receiving new members as an independent action from other assemblies. The “exclusives” believe that since each assembly is part of the body of Christ, in order to maintain unity of the body, a decision rendered by one assembly needs to be recognized by all others in order to maintain the fellowship of the body. The practical results of their views are chronicled in the various books and articles about the Brethren but you will not find their story here. Exclusive assemblies often use the name “Gospel Hall” for their building, but these assemblies have very little relationship to the assemblies listed on this site.
