What is the Church of the United Brethren in Christ?

If you travel down this country road in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and pass the “No Outlet” sign, you’ll come upon a remarkable house.

Built in the 1750s, half of the roof is original – the only known 18^th century clay-tile roof in the county.[1] This is the Isaac Long farm, and the barn, still in use, was built in 1754 – 35 years before George Washington became the first president of the United States. Isaac Long was a Mennonite, and in this very barn in 1767, he hosted a “Great Meeting”, as they were known. The first great awakening had led to these meetings beginning, and people from various denominations and backgrounds would come and listen to Christian preaching for hours. More than one preaching service took place on this day, May 10, 1767. One preacher spoke in the orchard, and another, Mennonite preacher Martin Boehm, spoke in the barn. Among the people who had come to listen was William Otterbein, a German Reformed Pastor who had traveled 30 miles to attend.

As Boehm spoke, he recalled his own conversion experience and his calling into the ministry. Greatly moved by the story, Otterbein rose from his seat and embraced Boehm – saying, loud enough for all to hear – “We are brethren!” Thus begin a lifelong friendship between the two men, who realized that despite their differences, both were Christians, brothers in Christ. It didn’t take too long before there was a loose movement of believers who didn’t identify as Mennonite or German Reformed, but Brethren. In 1800 they officially organized, elected Boehm and Otterbein as Bishops, and took the name of United Brethren in Christ.[2] Of their beginnings, the church today says “…we became the first denomination to actually begin in the United States. Other denominations existed at the time (Lutheran, Reformed, Mennonite, and others), but they were transplants from Europe. The United Brethren Church was truly Made in America.”[3]

Almost a century later, and decades after the deaths of their founders, in 1889 the church experienced a split, with the majority adopting a new constitution and confession of faith. This group would go on to merge with another denomination called the “Evangelical Church” to form the “Evangelical United Brethren” which merged with the Methodist Church in 1968 to form the United Methodist Church, with a small group staying out producing today’s “The Evangelical Church”, then in 2022 the Global Methodist Church formed from churches exiting the UMC. However, back in 1889, One of the six bishops, Milton Wright dissented from making a new constitution, and about 15,000 members followed him in retaining the old constitution. This is the United Brethren in Christ church today. The initials “UB” are used to refer to the church.

On core Christian Doctrines, the first point of the confession of faith affirms the Triune God of Father, Son and Holy Ghost.[4] Of Jesus it is said that he is very God and Man, was born of the Virgin Mary, is the Savior and Mediator of humanity, that he died, was buried, and rose again, and ascended to heaven, and will one day return.[5] The church rejects open theism, saying that God has knowledge of all past, present, and future events including future decisions of free moral agents.[6]

The two ordinances are baptism and the Lord’s Supper.[7] Feet washing is an optional practice.[8] It is said in the Confession of Faith that all Christians ought to practice the ordinances, but the manner is left up to the judgment of the individual.[9] Some UB churches call them sacraments.[10]

So in the case of baptism, for example, the article “Life in the Center Lane” on the church’s website says

“…while stressing the importance of baptism, the Confession says nothing about how a person must be baptized. We give individuals the freedom to choose the method—sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. If somebody wants to be sprinkled or poured (perhaps because of a medical condition), we’re free to accommodate them.

Most want to be immersed, but even there you have differences, such as three times forward or one time backward. Any method is okay in the UB church. The Bible commands us to be baptized, but doesn’t specify what method to use. We want to follow the Bible, but not go beyond its teachings.”[11]

They also say “If someone was baptized in a non-United Brethren church, we don’t require that they be re-baptized to join with us.”[12] Baptism of believers is practiced.

The church holds a Zwinglian view of the presence of Christ in communion, that is to say, a symbolic view.[13] The element of the cup is normally grape juice.[14]

Communion is open to all believers.

The canon of scripture is 66 books.[15]

A 1977 General conference statement says that the Bible is the sole authority for the believer and only infallible rule of faith and practice.[16]

The first point of the confession of faith says that God created the heavens and earth and all that in them is.[17] Beyond this, the church requires no particular beliefs on creation.

The confession of faith affirms “The fall in Adam”[18] and a 1981 General Conference statement says that all persons are born with an inherent tendency toward evil.[19]

On salvation, the confession of faith says “without faith in Jesus Christ, true repentance, forgiveness of sins, and following after Christ, no one can be a true Christian.”[20] That a person has “experienced the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ” is a requirement to be a member in an UB church.[21] Precise teaching on salvation can differ. The church says “Regarding salvation, we could spell out a series of steps for becoming a Christian, or set other rules about how, when, and where you can be saved. But we don’t. Why limit how God chooses to work in people’s lives?”[22]

The church’s General Board of Administration said in 2002,

“We recognize that some in our church believe that God may, if He so chooses, save some to whom the gospel message has never been specifically proclaimed, namely, those whose deaths occur prior to an age of accountability, the mentally impaired, or those who have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. Even with this understanding, the church has always insisted that salvation is a gift of God, given solely on the basis of the atoning work of Jesus Christ.”[23]

The church says “We are (mostly) Arminian” and clarifies:

“While we are a predominantly Arminian denomination, a number of ministers would consider themselves mostly Calvinist in theology, and a few who have Lutheran leanings. As our Discipline states, “The church’s historic position has been to stand firm on biblical absolutes, allow freedom where the Bible allows freedom, and maintain unity when disagreements arise.”[24]

The church teaches sanctification only a progressive, not instantaneous and says that we become perfect and complete only after we die and see Christ.[25]

The UB church is not Pentecostal, but it is continuationist, believing that all of the spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible are available today.[26]

On end times, the article “Life in the Center Lane” on the church’s website says “The Confession of Faith says Christ will return, but doesn’t say how. Some church groups require belief in a specific view of the End Times. But in the UB church, you can be premillennial or amillennial, pre-trib, mid-trib or post-trib. It’s not something we get hung up about.”[27]

Marriage is defined as a covenantal relationship between a Man, a Woman, and God.[28] The church’s family standards only allow licensed ministers to participate in weddings between “one genetic biological man and one genetic biological woman.”[29] Members are not to cohabitate prior to marriage.[30] Premarital sex, adultery, and homosexual behavior are also not condoned.[31] The family standards speaks extensively against pornography.[32]

The husband and father is the head of the home and should exercise his delegated authority without being authoritarian.[33] The wife should be submissive without being subservient.[34] The Family standards calls on husbands and wives to engage in spontaneous prayer, especially at mealtimes,[35] and daily, directed worship.[36]

Marriage is said to be a permanent relationship that ends when one of the partners dies.[37] However, “Continual and deliberate sexual sin by a marriage partner is a justifiable cause for divorce,”[38] and “If an unbelieving partner chooses to dissolve the marriage, the believing partner may yield to the divorce.”[39] The church’s family standards also say “Even though the Bible admonishes Christian spouses not to divorce each other (1 Corinthians 7:10-11b), there may be situations in which a spouse decides a divorce is essential, e.g., when the spouse or children suffer severe physical or emotional abuse.”[40]

On remarriage, the family standards say it is permitted when a spouse dies,[41] when the marriage and divorce were prior to salvation,[42] in cases of sexual marital unfaithfulness where the offender will not repent,[43] desertion by an unbelieving marriage partner,[44] and when one’s spouse chooses to divorce them – something the church considers as the spouse assuming the position of an unbeliever.[45]

On abortion, the church says “We believe that human life is sacred from the moment of conception until natural death. Consequently, abortion cannot be recognized morally and scripturally as a means of birth control.”[46] And also “The church recognizes that abortion may be medically necessary in rare and tragic circumstances, taking into account the life of the mother and baby.”[47] The church’s family standards also says that they cannot condone Euthanasia.[48]

On worship style, “Life in the Center Lane” says

“If you travel across our denomination, you’ll encounter a wide range of worship styles and settings. Some churches have very formal worship services, some use a contemporary style, and some are on the cultural cutting edge. You’ll find churches singing hymns with a pipe organ, and churches with a full band and screaming guitars. Larger churches may hold multiple services with different styles. Some churches meet in beautiful sanctuaries, while others hold services in fellowship halls or store fronts. Some have a printed order of service, others don’t. Some stick to the hymns and use hymnbooks, others use brand new songs with lyrics projected on a screen. Some ministers preach in suits, others in bluejeans. We just don’t get worked up about these things. We give churches the freedom to worship in a way which best fits their situation.”[49]

On alcohol, the church says that Scripture admonishes us to avoid abusive indulgence of alcoholic beverages,[50] and urges all members to avoid using them.[51] Members are also urged to abstain from tobacco,[52] and any narcotic, hallucinogenic, mind altering and mood altering drugs, outside of proper prescription use.[53]

The church’s membership standards says that Sunday is the Lord’s Day, and tells members if possible to attend all church services, and to not buy or sell needlessly on that day.[54] Giving of tithes and offerings should also be done on the Lord’s Day.[55] Members are urged to abstain from gambling in any form.[56] Churches are required to send 3 and a half percent of their income to support denominational ministries.[57]

Members are told to go to arbitration before entering a lawsuit with another believer, and may be expelled for noncompliance.[58] Members are not to be members in “Lodges and Other Heretical Groups” and the Masonic Lodge and Order of Oddfellows are listed as examples.[59] Those who join such a group and will not sever the relationship will be considered withdrawn from the church.[60]

The church says in their Social Standards on Equality and Justice the following:

“We advocate through due process of law and within the framework of the democratic system—

(1) The elimination of poverty.

(2) The abolishment of unemployment.

(3) A fair wage in [every] vocation.

(4) Fair practices between employer and employees.

(5) Adequate provisions for the aged and for those who are u[n]employable.

(6) The opportunity for decent housing for all.

(7) A proper concern for total human need in our contemporary world.”[61]

On the subject of war, the church says that they disapprove of voluntary, national, aggressive warfare, but that civil government is responsible to preserve and defend their nation.[62] Members have the right to serve in the armed forces, or be conscientious objectors.[63]

On church polity, Life in the Center Lane says

“We give churches the freedom to organize in whatever way they feel is best for them.

At one time, our Discipline spelled out countless details about how a church should operate—what committees they must have, who can serve on them, how often they meet, whether members are elected or appointed, etc. But we removed nearly all such requirements. Why micro-manage stuff like that?

Recognizing that every church is different, we let churches adopt whatever structure best fits their needs. We state a few basic requirements which enable us to work together—an administrative board, a personnel committee to deal with pastoral assignments, and a lay delegate to represent the church at the national conference. Beyond that, we let churches do what they want. ”[64]

The National Conference contains Licensed Ministers and some laypersons selected by each congregation[65], and it meets every two years.[66] There is a U.S. Bishop, elected for four years, who must have been an elder for at least six years.[67] Churches may withdraw from the denomination by a two-thirds vote.[68]

The church says “We are mostly Episcopal at the denominational level, and more Congregational at the local level. Authority is held by ministers and laypersons together. We could call it a “modified Episcopal” system.”[69]

Ministers in the church may be Lay ministers, Provisional Ministers, Specialized ministers, National conference Ministers, or Ordained elders.[70] On selection of pastors, they say “We don’t use the “call system,” under which churches are responsible for finding a new pastor. Instead, pastors are assigned to churches by what we call a “stationing committee.” Churches have full authority to hire and release most employees. But when it comes to finding a new senior pastor, the denomination gets involved.”[71]

The church says “The United Brethren church does not discriminate in granting ministerial credentials on the basis of gender or race.”[72]

Huntington University in Huntington, Indiana is a four-year liberal arts university associated with the United Brethren in Christ. According to the church’s discipline, the president of the university is the denomination’s director of higher education.[73] Church of the United Brethren in Christ is a member of the National Association of Evangelicals.

The UB website has two maps showing where UB churches are in the US. In this map, only the counties colored in have a church. Red means just 1 or 2 churches. This second map shows the geographical area the churches are focused in.[74]

UB Global is the international arm of the United Brethren and there are nine national conferences in many other countries, such as Sierra Leone, Canada, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Honduras, and Mexico. Worldwide, there are over 500 churches in around 20 countries, with 40% of congregations in the United States.[75] Many churches don’t mention their affiliation in their name – for example, Banner Church[76] Mainstreet church[77] and The heights Church.[78]

Watch this article as a video on the Ready to Harvest YouTube channel here.

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[1] https://pennblog.typepad.com/lititz_mennonites/isaac-long-farm-1001-jake-landis-road/ (Accessed 1/30/2024)

[2] https://ub.org/wp-content/uploads/store/booklets/ubbooklet.pdf (Accessed 1/30/2024)

[3] https://ub.org/wp-content/uploads/store/booklets/ubbooklet.pdf (Accessed 1/30/2024), p.3/4

[4] “The Triune God: In the name of God, we declare and confess before men that we believe in the only true God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; that these three are one—the Father in the Son, the Son in the Father, and the Holy Ghost equal in essence or being with both;” Confession of Faith Paragraph 1

[5] “We believe in Jesus Christ; that He is very God and man; that He became incarnate by the power of the Holy Ghost in the Virgin Mary and was born of her; that He is the Savior and Mediator of the whole human race, if they with full faith in Him accept the grace proffered in Jesus; that this Jesus suffered and died on the cross for us, was buried, arose again on the third day, ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God to intercede for us; and that He shall come again at the last day to judge the quick and the dead.”, Confession of Faith Paragraph 2

[6] “The Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA affirms that God’s knowledge of all past, present and future events is exhaustive and infallible. God’s knowledge includes all future decisions and actions of free moral agents. The openness view denies that God’s knowledge is this comprehensive. Thus, the “openness” view of God’s foreknowledge is contrary to our denomination’s historic understanding.”, https://ub.org/doctrinal-statements/ (Accessed 1/31/2024)

[7] “Every member shall: a. Attend to the ordinances of the church—namely, baptism (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38) and the Lord’s Supper”, Membership Standards, Paragraph 111

[8] “Also, the example of washing feet is left to the judgment of every one to practice or not;”, Confession of Faith Paragraph 7

[9] “We believe that the ordinances, viz. baptism and the remembrance of the sufferings and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, are to be in use and practiced by all Christian societies; and that it is incumbent on all the children of God particularly to practice them; but the manner in which ought always to be left to the judgment and understanding of every individual.”, Confession of Faith Paragraph 7

[10] “We observe two biblical sacraments rooted in the actions and teachings of Jesus Christ: Baptism and Communion. These sacraments represent both the individual, inward commitment to a personal relationship with Jesus and the corporate, outward sign of being connected to a local community of Christ followers.”, https://fowlervilleub.org/what-we-believe (Accessed 1/31/2024)

[11] https://ub.org/about/center-lane/ (Accessed 1/25/2024)

[12] https://ub.org/about/becoming-a-member/ (Accessed 1/26/2024)

[13] “We follow Zwingli’s view, remembering Christ’s suffering and death through the symbols of bread and wine (or grapejuice, which is commonly used in our churches).”, https://ub.org/wp-content/uploads/store/booklets/ubbooklet.pdf (Accessed 1/29/2024), p.5

[14] Ibid

[15] “The Scripture in its entirety is composed of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments”, https://fowlervilleub.org/what-we-believe (Accessed 1/31/2024)

[16] “The Church of the United Brethren in Christ reaffirms unequivocally the Word of God, the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be sole authority for the believer and the church and the only infallible rule of faith and practice;”, https://ub.org/doctrinal-statements/ (Accessed 1/31/2024)

[17] “that this triune God created the heavens and the earth and all that in them is, visible as well as invisible, and furthermore sustains, governs, protects, and supports the same.”, Confession of Faith Paragraph 1

[18] “We also believe that what is contained in the Holy Scriptures, to wit: the fall in Adam and redemption through Jesus Christ, shall be preached throughout the world.”, Confession of Faith Paragraph 6

[19] “All persons are born, because of the fall of the race in Adam, with an inherent tendency toward evil. This depravity has negatively affected and is operative in every faculty of one’s being. Each person, because of the inherited depravity, when confronted by the world, the flesh and the devil, will follow the sinful nature, deliberately choosing to ratify sin, and thus assumes the guilt and condemnation belonging to a sinner.”, https://ub.org/doctrinal-statements/ (Accessed 1/31/2024)

[20] Confession of Faith Paragraph 5

[21] “The following must be determined to be true before persons can be accepted into membership: …They have experienced the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ.”, Discipline, Joining the Church, paragraph 414

[22] https://ub.org/wp-content/uploads/store/booklets/ubbooklet.pdf (Accessed 1/30/2024), p.8/14

[23] https://ub.org/doctrinal-statements/ (Accessed 1/31/2024)

[24] “We are (Mostly) Arminian

Evangelical churches can be divided into three theological strains, each named after a person: Lutheran, Arminian, and Calvinist. While we are a predominantly Arminian denomination, a number of ministers would consider themselves mostly Calvinist in theology, and a few who have Lutheran leanings. As our Discipline states, “The church’s historic position has been to stand firm on biblical absolutes, allow freedom where the Bible allows freedom, and maintain unity when disagreements arise.””, https://ub.org/about/where-we-fit/ (Accessed 1/29/2024)

[25] “The United Brethren church has predominantly taught the Arminian view that sanctification is progressive—that we gradually become more like Christ through a life-long process of growth which begins at conversion. We become perfect and complete only after we die and see Christ.”, https://ub.org/wp-content/uploads/store/booklets/ubbooklet.pdf (Accessed 1/29/2024), p.5

[26] “Pentecostalism is often associated with speaking in tongues. Some church groups regard speaking in tongues as proof of the Holy Spirit’s fullness. We don’t. We believe that all spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible are available today, but that people who never speak in tongues may still have the Spirit’s fullness and power.”, https://ub.org/wp-content/uploads/store/booklets/ubbooklet.pdf (Accessed 1/29/2024)

[27] https://ub.org/about/center-lane/ (Accessed 1/25/2024)

[28] “God ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a man, a woman, and himself”, Family Standards paragraph 123

[29] “United Brethren licensed ministers classified with the authority to conduct weddings shall only participate in weddings and solemnize marriages between one genetic, biological man and one genetic, biological woman.”, Family Standards paragraph 123

[30] “124 Cohabitation 1. We believe that simulating the marriage relationship by living together without the covenantal commitments associated with marriage circumvents God’s plan for family life (Genesis 2:18).

2. Even when the couple’s intention is to remain sexually pure, cohabitation increases the temptation for sexual sin and fails to avoid the appearance of evil (1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:22). 3. Members must avoid cohabitation prior to marriage.”, Family Standards Paragraph 124

[31] “The biblical view of sex firmly establishes it within the framework of marriage and family life. Therefore, the church cannot condone premarital sex, adultery, or any form of homosexual behavior (I Corinthians 6:9-10).”, Family Standards Paragraph 125

[32] “1. Pornography is a sin that is deeply damaging to individuals, relationships, and society. All members are to abstain from using pornography. 2. We oppose the use of pornography for these reasons: a. Sex is a unique and wonderful gift from God that is to be experienced, expressed, and enjoyed within the context of a lifelong marriage covenant (Genesis 2:22-24, Matthew 19:4-6).
b. Sexual nakedness was never meant to be observed except within the context of marriage (Genesis 9:22-23,Exodus 28:42, Leviticus 18:6-18, Habakkuk 2:15).

c. Pornography removes sex from its proper context by creating arousal apart from marriage.
d. Pornography fuels the sin of lust (Matthew 5:27-28, Job 31:1).” ….

[33] “As the head of the Christian home (1 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:25), the husband and father should exercise his delegated authority without being authoritarian, and should fulfill his responsibility under Christ by providing for the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of each family member (1 Timothy 5:8).”, Family Standards paragraph 128

[34] “The wife should follow the Bible’s admonition to be submissive, though not subservient, to the headship of her husband (Ephesians 5:22-24) by cooperating with his efforts to provide the home with authority and stability under Christ.”, ibid

[35] “Communication with the heavenly Father through spontaneous prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), especially at mealtimes, whether in seeking his aid or giving thanks.”, Family Standards paragraph 128

[36] “Daily, directed worship as a way for the family to express love and trust in God, and to sense his presence in the home (Matthew 18:20).”

[37] “The purpose of marriage is companionship between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:18) in a permanent relationship which ends when one of the partners dies.”, Family Standards, paragraph 123

[38] “Continual and deliberate sexual sin by a marriage partner is a justifiable cause for divorce”, Family Standards paragraph 131

[39] “If an unbelieving partner chooses to dissolve the marriage, the believing partner may yield to the divorce”, Family Standards paragraph 131

[40] Ibid

[41] “We believe the Christian has biblical grounds for remarriage in the following situations: 1. When the spouse dies. In this case, the partner may remarry a believer (1 Corinthians 7:39).”, Family Standards, paragraph 132

[42] “When the marriage and divorce occurred prior to salvation (2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:1-7).”, ibid

[43] “When the spouse is guilty of marital unfaithfulness and will not repent and live faithfully with the partner, and the offended partner is innocent of such conduct. Marital unfaithfulness includes adultery, prostitution,

sodomy, incest, bestiality, homosexuality, and lesbianism”, ibid

[44] “When an unbelieving partner has willfully deserted a believing partner (1 Corinthians 7:12-15).’

[45] “When the spouse has assumed the position of an unbeliever by choosing to divorce the believing partner. In this case, the believing partner may remarry another believer (1 Corinthians 7:12-15)”, ibid

[46] Family Standards paragraph 138

[47] Ibid

[48] Ҧ140 Euthanasia

1. Because of the commandment, “Thou shalt not murder” (Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17), the church cannot condone the taking of life for the purposes of escaping the suffering and difficulties caused by sickness, disease, injury, old age, infirmity, or for any other such reasons”, Family Standards paragraph 140

[49] https://ub.org/about/center-lane/ (Accessed 1/25/2024)

[50] “Scripture also admonishes us to avoid abusive indulgence of alcoholic beverages”, Social Standards paragraph 153.1

[51] “Therefore, we urge all of our members to avoid using alcoholic beverages.”, Ibid

[52] “The church believes, and experience demonstrates, that the use of tobacco is injurious to the physical body and is a detriment to the best stewardship and witness of our lives. Therefore, all members are urged to abstain from its use in any form.”, Social Standards paragraph 153.2

[53] “The scientific, medical, law enforcement, and welfare segments of our society have given witness to the corrupting and devastating results of narcotic, hallucinogenic, mind-altering, and mood-altering drugs.

b. Members of the church are to exercise abstinence from using these drugs in any form or for any purpose, except under the most strict prescription and observation of skilled members of the medical profession.”, Social Standards paragraph 153.3

[54] “Following the example of the early disciples and New Testament church, everyone should make provision for exercises of devotion on Sunday, the Lord’s Day, and inasmuch as possible shall attend all services for hearing read the Word of God, singing spiritual songs and hymns, Christian fellowship, and giving of tithes and offerings (John 20:19, 1 Corinthians 16:2, Hebrews 10:25). 2. Members are admonished to neither buy nor sell needlessly on the Lord’s Day.”, Membership Standards, paragraph 113

[55] Ibid

[56] “Because gambling is a menace to personal character, social morality, and biblical stewardship, we therefore urge all members to abstain from participating in gambling in any form, including lotteries, and to raise a

proper protest against the spread of illegal and legalized gambling. (Proverbs 28:19-20; I Timothy 6:7-11; Luke 16:10-13; I Corinthians 4:2)”, Social standards, paragraph 154

[57] “Churches are required to give 3.5% of their income (excluding giving to missions and building funds) to support denominational ministries.”, https://ub.org/wp-content/uploads/store/booklets/ubbooklet.pdf (Accessed 1/30/2024), p.16/31

[58] “Any member refusing, in case of debt or dispute, to refer the matter to arbitration, or who shall enter into a lawsuit with another member before these measures are taken, may be expelled, except in criminal and other

cases which require and justify a process at law. (1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Proverbs 25:8-10; Matthew 5:25-26)”, Membership Standards paragraph 118

[59] “Lodges and Other Heretical Group… United Brethren members must not be members of any other church, group, or organization which teaches a way of salvation incompatible with the United Brethren Confession of Faith, such as a Masonic lodge or the Order of Oddfellows.”, Membership standards, paragraph 119

[60] “Members who do, and who refuse to sever the relationship after having been confronted by the pastor and at least one other board member, shall be regarded as having withdrawn their membership from the church. (John 14:6, 2 Corinthians 6:14-15)”, Membership Standards, paragraph 119

[61] Social Standards, Paragraph 151.2

[62] “We positively record our disapproval of engaging in voluntary, national, aggressive warfare; yet we recognize the rightful authority of the civil government and hold it responsible for the preservation and defense of our national compact against treason or invasion by any belligerent force.”, Social Standards paragraph 152

[63] “2. We affirm the right of our members to serve and bear arms in the national armed forces. 3. We also support the right of the honest conscientious objector to refuse to bear arms in military service, and to instead choose humanitarian service to his/her nation.”, Social Standards paragraph 152

[64] https://ub.org/about/center-lane/ (Accessed 1/25/2024)

[65] “1. All ecclesiastical power herein granted to make or repeal any rule of discipline is vested in a national conference, which shall consist of: a. Licensed ministers in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA, who meet the criteria set forth in the Discipline. b. Laypersons chosen by the congregations in which they are member”, Constitution Paragraph 11

[66] “The national conference is to be held every two years. All officials elected by the national conference shall be members ex officio of the national conference, the bishops to be considered presiding officers”, Constitution Paragraph 11

[67] “The US National Conference shall elect an ordained minister to serve as US bishop for a four-year term. This person must have served as a United Brethren elder for at least six years.”, Discipline Paragraph 510

[68] “If the bishop or his designated representative determines that two-thirds of the members present vote to withdraw from the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA, the congregation will be considered withdrawn as of a date agreed upon with the local board.”, Discipline Chapter 14, paragraph 451

[69] https://ub.org/wp-content/uploads/store/booklets/ubbooklet.pdf (Accessed 1/29/2024), p.6

[70] “Ministers in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA, can be classified as follows:

a. Lay ministers.

b. Provisional ministers.

c. Specialized ministers.

d. National conference ministers.

e. Ordained elders.”

[71] https://ub.org/wp-content/uploads/store/booklets/ubbooklet.pdf (Accessed 1/29/2024), p.7

[72] Discipline, The Ministry, paragraph 201

[73] “The President of Huntington University shall be the Director of Higher Education.”, Discipline, chapter 20 paragraph 611

[74] https://ub.org/about/where-we-are-located/ (Accessed 1/3/2024)

[75] “Today, the denomination consists of over 500 churches in nearly 20 countries. Only about 40% of our churches are located in the United States”, https://ub.org/wp-content/uploads/store/booklets/ubbooklet.pdf (Accessed 1/30/2024), p.4/7

[76] https://bannerchurch.org/

[77] https://mainstreetlife.org/

[78] https://the-heights.org/