Frequently Asked Questions

Find clear answers to common questions about the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, our beliefs, and how church life works.

We follow Christian values and beliefs in our daily lives. We maintain a lifestyle that is aligned with the teachings of the Holy Bible.

We live by our belief in Separation – that is, only sharing food or meals with those we are in fellowship with.

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church believes marriage is incredibly important and at the cornerstone of a successful family life.

The Church does not practice arranged marriages and members are free to marry the partner of their choosing within the faith.

While there are instances of marriage break-ups within our church, they are very rare and well below normal societal levels.

At church meetings, women and men play different but equally important roles, as per our traditions.

Women begin church meetings by announcing the hymns. They also play a lead role in hosting the Lord’s Supper, which is held every Sunday.

Find out more about the lived experience of women in our church here.

Plymouth Brethren women are encouraged to study hard at school and pursue a career just like women in the wider community. In the workplace, women are provided with the same opportunities as men, and contribute actively to the workforce.

Some women work in a variety of roles within family businesses while others operate their own businesses. Brethren women are free to choose if they wish to work full-time, part-time or stay at home. The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church values the role of the mother in the family.

Families would always be encouraged to work together to make the best choice for their lives.

Sharing a meal with someone is an act of fellowship for us.

We eat and drink with those with whom we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. This is a belief that is based in Scripture, and we abide by it. It is a commitment we make.

However, this does not mean we isolate ourselves from the broader community, we work and live harmoniously with mainstream society.

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has a long history of being strong believers in quality education.

We believe learning is a lifelong journey, and Plymouth Brethren children are encouraged to learn good life skills.

School leavers often choose to do tertiary studies through correspondence, and many choose to work while studying so they can “earn while they learn”.

University campus life does not generally align with our way of life or the practice of separation – but that does not mean members cannot further their education.

What rules do the Plymouth Brethren follow?

We follow Christian values and beliefs in our daily lives. We maintain a lifestyle that is aligned with the teachings of the Holy Bible.

We live by our belief in Separation – that is, only sharing food or meals with those we are in fellowship with.

How does the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church approach marriage?

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church believes marriage is incredibly important and at the cornerstone of a successful family life.

The Church does not practice arranged marriages and members are free to marry the partner of their choosing within the faith.

While there are instances of marriage break-ups within our church, they are very rare and well below normal societal levels.

What is the role of women in the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church?

At church meetings, women and men play different but equally important roles, as per our traditions.

Women begin church meetings by announcing the hymns. They also play a lead role in hosting the Lord’s Supper, which is held every Sunday.

Find out more about the lived experience of women in our church here.

Are Brethren women allowed to work?

Plymouth Brethren women are encouraged to study hard at school and pursue a career just like women in the wider community. In the workplace, women are provided with the same opportunities as men, and contribute actively to the workforce.

Some women work in a variety of roles within family businesses while others operate their own businesses. Brethren women are free to choose if they wish to work full-time, part-time or stay at home. The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church values the role of the mother in the family.

Families would always be encouraged to work together to make the best choice for their lives.

Do church members dine with those from outside the church?

Sharing a meal with someone is an act of fellowship for us.

We eat and drink with those with whom we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. This is a belief that is based in Scripture, and we abide by it. It is a commitment we make.

However, this does not mean we isolate ourselves from the broader community, we work and live harmoniously with mainstream society.

Do church members attend tertiary education?

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has a long history of being strong believers in quality education.

We believe learning is a lifelong journey, and Plymouth Brethren children are encouraged to learn good life skills.

School leavers often choose to do tertiary studies through correspondence, and many choose to work while studying so they can “earn while they learn”.

University campus life does not generally align with our way of life or the practice of separation – but that does not mean members cannot further their education.

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