Difference between revisions of "Open"

Revision as of 10:54, 4 April 2020

Types of Open Assemblies

In the United States, there are three basic circles of open assemblies (or churches with assembly background or influence), with various subgroupings.  With exceptions to this rule, they typically bear many similarities with one another with practical differences respective of biblical autonomy of individual assemblies.   

There are also many Chapels that have renamed or rebranded themselves without using "Chapel" in the name, but retain all the same characteristics, not to mention more than a few Halls who resemble more of a Chapel-like structure.  Further, there are many "Bible Churches" that are essentially Halls or Chapels, minus the title.

Needed Truth is a division from the Open Brethren on account of a periodical by the same name that circulated among the Open Brethren starting in 1888, which evolved from discussions starting in 1883. They exist presently in the primary form as Needed Truth Brethren, also known as Churches of God.

Open Brethren 1826-present

• Gospel Halls (Tight)
• Bible Chapels (Tight and Loose)
• Bible Churches (Evangelical with Brethren roots)

Exclusive Groups with Open Brethren Roots

• George Geftakys Assembly Network (GGAN) 1971-2003
  • Ex Geftakys Assemblies Network (PGAN) 2003-2016+

• Last Drop Group aka Stan Engle
  • The Lifehouse

Needed Truth 1883-present

Former Groups

• Rice Thomas Hopkins Brethren 1883-1961
• Vernalite Assemblies aka "Green Pastures" 1904-1939

Current Groups

• Highway Brethren Group 1904-?
• Dr. C.M. Luxmoore Group 1904-?
• McCracken Group 1939-?
• Montgomerie Group 1939-?
• A.B. Robertson Group 1981-?