A Joint Statement of Concern

A number of members of the Church of the Brethren from a variety of backgrounds met an April 3-4, 1990 to explore ways to express their commonly held deep biblical convictions related to trends in theology, missions, morality, and lifestyles. All who participated in the two days of deliberation, came With a deep sense of urgency, concerned about the fact that there are multitudes of “broken people” in the world and in our churches, many of whom are not hearing the answers given in the Bible. The participants included lay persons, Church of the Brethren pastors and “free” ministers, an associate district executive, and representatives from the Brethren Peace Fellowship, the Brethren Renewal Services, and the Brethren Revival Fellowship. Each person who shared in the meeting holds an evangelical faith, espouses the Bible as the trustworthy Word of God, accepts the core doctrines of historic Christianity, advocates soul-saving evangelism, and supports renewal within the Church of the Brethren.

The JOINT STATEMENT OF CONCERN FOR THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN calls upon Brethren leaders and all Church of the Brethren members to reaffirm belief in the glory and power of the triune God, to repent of tendencies to conform to the pagan world, and to take a clear biblical stand an moral issues such as divorce and remarriage, homosexual practice, materialism and affluence, etc. The STATEMENT is not intended to be a complete commentary on every issue facing the Church, but it highlights some matters that thousands of Brethren should be able to affirm with much enthusiasm.

A Joint Statement of Concern

For the Church of the Brethren

It is out of obedience to Christ and the gentle but persistent promptings of the Holy Spirit that we raise our voices to the church and its leadership. We speak in love and with deep concern for the church we serve. There is pain, brokenness, decline, decay, and a gospel barrenness that is eroding the very foundation of our church.

Christ is the head of the Church (Colossians 1: 18), the Cornerstone (Matthew 22:42; Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:67), the Foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11). Yet submission to Christ’s Lordship is too little called for or embraced as dear and necessary to the life of the church. Widely in the church Jesus is no longer seen as eternal Son of God the Father, as the Word become flesh, nor is his death seen as sacrifice and atonement for the sins of all human beings.

The Holy Spirit is given as promise and power to the church (Acts 1:4,8), a gift to believers (Acts 2:38). Yet a reliance on the Holy Spirit is often replaced by a knowledge of and reliance on the promise and power of political action, proper social structures, better counseling techniques, and improved communication skills. Therefore, we harvest with the tools of the world rather than multiply through the promise of, by the gift of, and with the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Word of God, the Scriptures, are the inspired rule and standard for our faith (Luke 24:27,44; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). Yet a lack of authority for the Scriptures has betrayed our heritage as a people of the Book and made us dangerously vulnerable to the subtle influence and power of the “prince of this world.”

God is holy (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8); God is righteous (Psalm 145:17); Revelation 16:5,7). God’s people are called to live in the uniqueness of that holiness. The church is called to be the light in the world (Matthew 5:14), a chosen race, God’s own people (1 Peter 2:9), not conformed to the pagan world (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 6:17). Yet in our time the church as never before is subjected to the molding sway of the mass media, and apart from God’s shielding and transforming grace, the church inevitably becomes more and more like the fallen world. Morality is gauged by whatever is germane to the cultural climate. Brokenness through divorce and remarriage has riddled the once strong Brethren family ethic and mocks our peace witness. Pressure for personal rights has seen the church take a weakened stand on abortion. An unwillingness to lovingly confront homosexual practice as sin has left the church not only “in dialogue” over this issue, but “in confusion.” Attitudes about lifestyles and affluence, about the nation and military “defense,” and about the marginalized in this country and around the planet are so widely shaped, not by the word of Christ, but by the dominant thinking promoted in the larger society. The salt has lost so much of its savor.

We are troubled by these observations and trends in the church. We address these issues with a spirit of humility and repentance, knowing that we too have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We do not claim to possess the whole truth. However, we believe that if the church is to regain the fervor, growth, and power of her youth, she must return to her first love, her relationship with and submission to Jesus Christ, her Bridegroom and Master.

If this is to be done:

  • Christ must be again revered as Head of His Church. A personal relationship to Christ as Savior and Lord, and sharing the salvation message with others, are the basic elements of our life together and witness. Our sins when repented of are taken away by the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:19).

  • The Holy Spirit must be free to convict, teach, lead, and empower for ministry.

  • We must embrace once more the authority of Scripture and become a people of the Book.

  • God’s holiness and righteousness demands our break with embracing cultural ethics and adopting popular perspectives, which confuse the body of Christ concerning God’s revealed standard. We must again become God’s own people.

In sharing these observations and trends in the church, we are not suggesting an abandonment of our unique Anabaptist/ Pietist heritage and perspective-our witness as a called-out people. Social justice and lifestyle concerns must not be abandoned, tabled, or lost. However, these concerns must freely flow from the Headship of Christ, the power of the Spirit, the authority of God’s Word, and the heartfelt response to a holy and just God. Anything less than this free flow of obedience, removes what is most essential from any attempt to do good and makes of the attempt a mere human effort rather than a submission to the gentle and persistent persuasion (and in many cases unwavering insistence) of the Holy Spirit.

As followers of Christ we are not our own; we are members of one body, the church, accountable to one another and dependent on one another. May we repent together, returning not simply to our heritage but to the righteous and holy God, to Christ the Head, to the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, and to the Scriptures.

The STATEMENT was formulated and signed by Dale Aukerman, Jim & Sue Eikenberry, Don & Shirley Fike, Paul & Dorothy Grout, Bob Kettering, Bob Krouse, Harold & Priscilla Martin, Gene & Sarah Miller, Jim & Faye Myer, Lucretia Ritchey, David & Laura Jean Rittenhouse, and Craig & Vicki Smith.

In 2023, Brethren Maine Missions (BMM) purchased the Building Materials Exchange.  The Last Sheaf Building Materials Exchange provides exposure and connection with the community of Lisbon while offering a variety of new, used, and salvaged building materials, tools, and supplies at greatly reduced prices.

Why “The Last Sheaf?”

The Last Sheaf is a reference from the Bible where God says:

When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

Deuteronomy 24:19 (NKJV)

Links:

  • https://lastsheafbme.org/

Highlights:

   GOD is faithful! The sun shines and GOD is with us, the rain comes down and GOD is with us.

 

   Since we’ve taken ownership of the Last Sheaf BME, we’ve made roof repairs, insulated the ceiling, repaired walls, etc. There were times it felt like every step we took there was another thing to fix. 

 

   We have two people on staff (Craig Keeney and Peter Bucher) assisted by a tremendous team of volunteers. We work together to make repairs, do pricing and inventory work, assist customers and more.  Interacting with and helping customers is the highlight of our day. People come with material needs; they need product to build or repair their home. People come with spiritual and emotional needs, as well. We purpose to get to know the individuals who come through our doors in order to share hope, truth, and love.

 

   One individual who had visited the Last Sheaf a couple of times was loud, large, and in charge. He had a “Goliath” personality. He made me quake in my boots a little (maybe a lot). His language was at times not appropriate anywhere, but especially not in a public place. One day he was standing right beside me and was about to speak that which I did not want to hear.  In a very quiet voice, I called him by name and before I could say any more, he apologized and said, “You are right. I shouldn’t be talking like that.”  Then he launched into a spiritual conversation with me. I was totally taken off guard by the change. He has been a different person ever since. Now he is more like a “David” personality. I now look forward to opportunities to speak with him.

 

   Donations of products/materials as well as finances are always appreciated, but the prayers of the saints are as vital a need to the work at the Last Sheaf, as anything.

Just as in biblical times the last sheaves of grain from a harvest were to be left behind to benefit the needy, we are taking leftover building materials, tools, and supplies and making them available at greatly reduced prices to those in need.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to benefit low-income homeowners, and to reduce waste in the environment by repurposing surplus building materials, enabling low income homeowners to better maintain their homes.

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INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGY

Every Christian thinks about God, so every Christian is a theologian. Theology is the study of God. This course will encourage us to think about God in a biblical manner, from the information provided in the Scriptures. We will seek to further understand some major theological ideas from the Anabaptist-Pietist viewpoint and explain those ideas.

A STUDY OF ABRAHAM

Father of the faithful and a friend of God. His life serves as a profound study in covenant theology, testing the boundaries of faith, sacrifice, trust, and ultimate devotion to the One Creator. In this session we will study the character of Abraham, identify pictures of Jesus Christ, and apply truths and insights into our lives.

THE BOOK OF PSALMS

Within this collection of songs and prayers lie expressions of the deep passions of humanity. The psalmists cry out in despair, pour out his soul in confession, and express exuberant praise for his God. Through the peaks and valleys of human experience, the Psalms guide us to praise our loving Creator.

THE CULTS AND FALSE RELIGIONS

This study will look at the beliefs of a variety of cults and false religions that are prevalent in America today. These false beliefs will be contrasted with Biblical truth along with ways to respond when confronted by followers of these cults.

WOMEN IN THE EARLY CHURCH

You’ve heard about Paul and Silas, Peter and John. But, what about Priscillas? Chloe? Phoebe? and Lydia (a strong woman who “prevailed” on Paul, Silas and Luke in Philippi)? Because of its focus on the ones that others rejected, tax collectors, Samaritans and women, Jesus and later the early church attracted the outcasts into their followers. This class will focus on the women who influenced the early church and the role of women in the church today.

NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY

A general survey of the entire New Testament, which includes a panoramic view of all 27 books. Note will be made of leading characteristics, main ideas of thought, and summary outlines of each book. Each book will be related to the total message of the New Testament.

STUDIES IN JOHN’S LETTERS

A detailed look at epistles that emphasize the relationship of the Christian to the father through the Lord Jesus Christ. The themes of assurance, obedience, love and truth in the Christian life will be drawn from our study.

STATEMENT OF CONDUCT

The Brethren Bible Institute believes in the discipline of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body). We will aim to train students not only about how to study the Bible in a systematic way (2 Timothy 2:15), but also how to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). God calls Christians to the highest of character when He commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15), and holiness requires discipline.

Indulgence in the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, profanity, and gambling are forbidden at BBI. Objectionable literature will be prohibited. Students are asked not to use the college pool during the Institute. Each student must be thoughtful, and respect the rights of others at all times, especially during study and rest periods.

A friendly social group intermingling of students between class periods, and at general school activities is encouraged. Each student should enjoy the friendship of the entire group. At all times, highest standards of social conduct between men and women must be maintained. This means that all forms of unbecoming behavior and unseemly familiarities will be forbidden.

Personal appearance and grooming tell much about one's character. Students are expected to be dressed in good taste. In an attempt to maintain Scriptural expressions of simplicity, modesty, and nonconformity, the following regulations shall be observed while attending BBI.

MEN should be neatly attired and groomed at all times. Fashion extremes and the wearing of jewelry should be avoided on campus. The hair should not fall over the shirt-collar when standing, nor should it cover the ears.

WOMEN should wear skirts cut full enough and of sufficient length to at least come to the knees when standing and sitting. Form-fitting, transparent, low-neckline, or sleeveless clothing will not be acceptable. Slacks and culottes are permitted only for recreation and then only when worn under a skirt of sufficient length. Wearing jewelry should be avoided on campus. Long hair for women is encouraged and all Church of the Brethren girls (and others with like convictions) shall be veiled on campus.

The Institute reserves the right to dismiss any student whose attitude and behavior is not in harmony with the ideals of the School, or whose presence undermines the general welfare of the School, even if there is no specific breach of conduct.

The Brethren Bible Institute is intended to provide sound Bible teaching and wholesome Christian fellowship for all who desire it. The Bible School Committee worked hard and long at the task of arriving at standards, which will be pleasing to the Lord. It is not always easy to know just where the line should be drawn and we do not claim perfection. No doubt certain standards seem too strict for some and too loose for others. If you are one who does not share all these convictions, we hope you will agree to adjust to them for the School period, for the sake of those who do. We are confident that the blessings received will far outweigh any sacrifice you may have to make. If you have a special problem or question, please write to us about it. To be accepted as a student at BBI, you will need to sign a statement indicating that you will cooperate with the standards of the School.

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