How do we live our lives?

What is the role of women in the church?

Women are essential to our gatherings and meetings and hold a significant position within the Church. They participate in all areas of Plymouth Brethren Christian Church life, from leading hymn announcements to hosting the Lord’s Supper and much more. We follow the principles found in the Holy Bible, so any limitations are based on the word of God.

What are the Plymouth Brethren rules for marriage?

Members of our Church are free to make their own choice when it comes their partner for marriage.

Arranged or forced marriages do not align with Plymouth Brethren values and beliefs.

Marriage is a cornerstone of our community, and the number of marriage break-ups amongst church members is low, particularly compared with broader society.

Do female church members have the same opportunities as men in the workplace?

Yes. Female church members have the same opportunities in the workplace as their men do. Women play a vital role in professional settings, and many manage and run their own family businesses. Others hold diverse positions in enterprises such as our advisory firm, Universal Business Team (UBT), our charitable arm, Rapid Relief Team (RRT), and the independent school network, OneSchool Global (OSG).

Of course, if women wish to stay at home, or to work part-time, that is entirely up to them.

To hear from Brethren business leaders Eloise Holder and Melissa Biggs, please click here and here.

Could a woman in the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church be in a more senior position than men in the workplace?

Women within the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church are able to build a career, run a business, dedicate their time to volunteering, or focus on family life.

There are no restrictions on women pursuing leadership roles in the workplace, including positions of seniority over male colleagues.

To hear from Janet Wallace about balancing family life and a growing business, please click here.

Are church members allowed to dress as they please?

Members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church take a neat and modest approach to personal presentation.

Men typically wear trousers and keep a clean-shaven appearance, while women often have long hair.

Does the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church hold a natural political allegiance?

Political parties do not receive support or donations from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.
That does not happen.

Historically, members have chosen not to vote and exercised their right to not vote based on religious grounds.

Some people have chosen to participate in elections and that is a choice for them to make.

In more recent times, a growing number of members appear to have engaged in the democratic political process, whether by voting or by supporting parties as volunteers. These paths are valid and the right to participate or abstain on grounds of faith both deserve equal protection.

If individual members take an interest in politics, they do so as private citizens acting on their own judgment. Their involvement and political leanings do not reflect the position of the Church.

Do members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church exclude themselves from the general population, is that where the term Exclusive Brethren came from?

During our history, the label “Exclusive Brethren” has been used by others to describe our community. This was never a name we chose or one that accurately reflects who we are. We are the

Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, not the Exclusive Brethren.

Why don’t members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church attend university?

Members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church can complete their tertiary qualifications through universities and registered training providers via online study.

On-campus attendance is not something we encourage as a community as it is incompatible with our beliefs.

Popular fields of tertiary or technical study for church members include areas such as accounting and business management, among others.

We value combining study and gaining formal qualifications alongside practical, on-the-job experience as the best approach.

Do members have their businesses controlled by the church?

No. The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church does not operate any businesses. It does not employ staff in any capacity.

Many members and their families independently own and run their own enterprises, in which the Church holds no legal, financial or other interest whatsoever.

Are members of the church allowed to use technology?

Yes. We use technology as part of our personal and professional lives, including mobile devices, laptops, and the internet.

There was a time when our community was more cautious towards emerging technologies, this was guided by a desire to safeguard family life. In the modern world, however, technology is simply part of how we live and work.

This is also reflected in the education our children receive with OneSchool Global, the independent school network attended by Plymouth Brethren families, places digital learning at its core.

What is the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) and why was it established?

Care and compassion are key values and beliefs within the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.

The establishment of the Rapid Relief Team in 2013 was a natural extension of those principles.

RRT is a charitable organisation dedicated to bringing practical support and renewed hope to people facing difficult circumstances including natural disasters such as floods, fires and droughts.

It draws on a volunteer base of more than 16,500 members who provide high-quality catering services and hands-on assistance to charities, government agencies, and emergency services tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

It is very flexible and responsive and tailors its support to whatever the situation demands.

Where do Plymouth Brethren Christian children receive their education?

Education holds a central place in the values of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.

Children from our community attend OneSchool Global, an independent school network. OneSchool Global is not owned or operated by the Church but is strongly supported by volunteers from the Church community.

OneSchool Global (OSG) has grown into a truly international education community, with 8,000 students, 1,800 staff, and 120 campuses spread across 20 countries.

This expansive network creates an environment where students are given the education and the conditions they need to flourish.

Does One School Global employ people from outside the Church?

Yes. OneSchool Global (OSG) employs professionals from outside the Church community to deliver education to its students.

They bring independent expertise and a genuine enthusiasm for delivering high-quality education.

The officially recognised curriculum of the relevant jurisdiction is delivered at OSG schools.

Religious instruction is not part of the classroom program beyond what is required under local curriculum guidelines. We believe religion is best taught in the church and home.

Can Plymouth Brethren children attend the same schools as non-Plymouth Brethren children?

Yes.

For the first three years of their education, Plymouth Brethren children attend local government schools. This is a deliberate and valued part of our approach. We believe that early interaction and socialisation with children from the broader community contributes strongly to healthy childhood development. From there, students transition to OneSchool Global (OSG) to continue their education.

OneSchool Global is staffed by qualified, experienced educators and leading professionals in the field.

The school operates in much the same way as any other non-religious independent school, with religious studies forming no part of the curriculum beyond what local requirements mandate.