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Frequently Asked Questions About Indian The Brethren Assemblies In India

# Is The Brethren Movement In India The Daughter Of The Plymouth Brethren Assemblies<br />5. # Then What Was The Origin Of Brethren Assemblies In India<br />6. # Who Were The People Who Came Out And From Where<br />7. # Exactly What Kinds Of Hardships Did They Have To Suffer<br />7b. Can You Be More Specific About The Hardships<br />8# . What Happened After The Beginning<br />9. # What About The Growth<br />10. # What Is The Estimated Brethren Population<br />11. # What Kind Of Church Government Do They Practice<br />12. # What Is The Strength Of Evangelists<br />13. # How Are The Brethren Evangelists Supported<br />14. # How Do Evangelists Report About Their Work<br />15. # Have The Indian Brethren Produced Any Writers Of Substance<br />16. # What Is Their Doctrinal Position<br />17. # Are Indian Assemblies Open Or Closed<br />18. # What Were The Major Schisms In The Indian Assemblies<br />19. # What Were The Major Doctrinal Controversies<br />20. # Why Are The Indian Brethren So Anti Intellectual<br />21. # Why Are Brethren Churches So Boring<br />22. # What Was The Role Of Foreign Missionaries In The Founding Of Indian Brethren Movement<br />23. # What Was The Role Of Foreign Missionaries In Nurturing The Early Brethren Movement<br />24. # What Has Been The Role Of Foreign Missionaries In The Mature Brethren Movement<br />25. # What Role Is Played By Foreign Itinerant Preachers Among Indian Assemblies<br />26. # What Is The Contribution Of Non Indian Brethren Missionary Agencies<br />27. # What Are The Burning Issues Among The Indian Assemblies<br />28. # In What Direction Will The Indian Assemblies Go<br />

2''1. Why Do You Call Yourself Who Are The Indian Brethren, Aren:'t All Of Us Brothers: The ' Indian Brethren emphasize are a group of New Testament Pattern separatists whom the Lord raised indigenously through the brotherhood ministries of all believers in Christ, certain non-brethren Indian revival preachers. In doctrine and this name does not exclude others. Actually practice they are quite similar to the group today known as the commonly called Plymouth Brethren NEVER took this name upon themselves. On Thus the contrary, this name was imposed upon this group the same way the name Christians was imposed in Antioch. Others gave this name to this group when they saw the unusual brotherhood, and the name has stuck so nobody can undo it. At the same time most people belonging to these Indian Brethren churches do are not like averse to use this as a denominational name, and therefore a large number of their churches go by names like Gospel Hall, Bible Chapel, Prayer Hall, etc. This is sufficient to show that the title Plymouth Brethren do no generally use this name when it is applied to exclude others or as a denominational identitythem symbolically. (Back To Top Of Page)

3''2. What Is The Need For A FAQWhy Do You Call Yourself Brethren, Aren't All Of Us Brothers: '' The Brethren movement emphasize the brotherhood of all believers in India has been a vigorous, fast-growingChrist, and evangelism-centered movement that has found theological and practical bonds with this name does not exclude others. Actually the group today known as the Plymouth Brethren movementNEVER took this name upon themselves. Today there are On the contrary, this name was imposed upon this group the same way the name Christians was imposed in excess of 2200 assemblies in IndiaAntioch. Others gave this name to this group when they saw the unusual brotherhood, and more than 100 assemblies overseas of Indian originthe name has stuck so nobody can undo it. The total number of Indian evangelists is greater than At the combined same time most people belonging to these Brethren churches do not like to use this as a denominational name, and therefore a large number of evangelists sent overseas their churches go by the assemblies in UK, USAnames like Gospel Hall, CanadaBible Chapel, AustraliaPrayer Hall, and New Zealandetc. Yet these things are known This is sufficient to only few Indian Brethren, let alone show that the non Indian Brethren. Ignorance enslaves while knowledge liberates, and that is why publishing do no generally use this FAQ has become necessaryname to exclude others or as a denominational identity. (Back To Top Of Page)

4''3. What Is The Need For A FAQ:'' The Brethren Movement In movement in India The Daughter Of The Plymouth Brethren Assemblies: Because Indian Brethren often used has been a vigorous, fast-growing, and evangelism-centered movement that has found theological and practical bonds with the title Plymouth Brethren they movement. Today there are often erroneously identified as the fruits in excess of people from Plymouth who laboured 2200 assemblies in India, and more than 100 assemblies overseas of Indian origin. This The total number of Indian evangelists is a false identification. The Brethren movement in India came up quite independently greater than the combined number of evangelists sent overseas by the movement assemblies in PlymouthUK, USA, Canada, Australia, and both movements recognized each other as a counterpart mainly because of identical doctrines and practices and not because one gave birth New Zealand. Yet these things are known to only few Indian Brethren, let alone the othernon Indian Brethren. Ignorance enslaves while knowledge liberates, and that is why publishing this FAQ has become necessary. (Back To Top Of Page)

5''4. Then What Was Is The Origin Brethren Movement In India The Daughter Of The Plymouth Brethren Assemblies In India: A substantial Christian witness existed in '' Because Indian Brethren often used the southernmost state of Kerala for 2000 years (since title Plymouth Brethren they are often erroneously identified as the arrival fruits of St. Thomas)people from Plymouth who laboured in India. This group experienced is a number of revivals and reformations over these millenniafalse identification. The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries were a period Brethren movement in India came up quite independently of great reformation among these people. At this time the Lord raised many from the nominal churches here to study the wordmovement in Plymouth, discover biblical truths and preach it to their people. Some German missionaries, such both movements recognized each other as V. Nagal, also helped in this discovery. Finally the forthright preaching a counterpart mainly because of repentance identical doctrines and salvation by Tamil David, practices and Indian, resulted in a large number of conversions. A few of these converts were baptized by a priest who had abandoned his ecclesiastical position. And that was not because one gave birth to the beginning of the Indian Brethren Assemblies in 1897other. (Back To Top Of Page)

6''5. Who Were Then What Was The People Who Came Out And From WhereOrigin Of Brethren Assemblies In India: At that time '' A substantial Christian witness existed in the southernmost state of Kerala had three main Christian groups: Eastern Orthodox Church for 2000 years (now split up into at least three groupssince the arrival of St. Thomas), Mar Thoma Church, . This group experienced a number of revivals and Roman Catholics, in addition to the smaller Chaldean Syrian Church. Together they had close to 2000 churches in Keralareformations over these millennia. The first batch eighteenth and nineteenth centuries were a period of Brethren Believers came out great reformation among these people. At this time the Lord raised many from them. Most of them had the nominal churches here to study the word, discover biblical truths and preach it to pay a heavy cost for their faith people. Some German missionaries, such as they were excommunicated from churchV. Nagal, societyalso helped in this discovery. Finally the forthright preaching of repentance and salvation by Tamil David, and their familiesIndian, resulted in a large number of conversions. Many A few of them were mercilessly beaten and humiliated throughout their life. Others these converts were thrown out of their houses when too young to take up baptized by a job, but they all perseveredpriest who had abandoned his ecclesiastical position. There are no known cases at And that time was the beginning of people going back to what they abandoned -- though many of them were invited back to positions of comfort the Indian Brethren Assemblies in their ancestral families and churches1897. (Back To Top Of Page)

7''6. Exactly What Kinds Of Hardships Did They Have To SufferWho Were The People Who Came Out And From Where:'' At that time Kerala had three main Christian groups: Today we live Eastern Orthodox Church (now split up into at least three groups), Mar Thoma Church, and Roman Catholics, in a society so vastly different addition to the smaller Chaldean Syrian Church. Together they had close to 2000 churches in Kerala. The first batch of Brethren Believers came out from the society them. Most of them had to pay a century ago that heavy cost for most of us it is difficult to understand their agonies. They lived in a close-knit community-based faith as they were excommunicated from church, society where one's family , and society was one's identitytheir families. Without it one was socially deadMany of them were mercilessly beaten and humiliated throughout their life. Thus excommunication meant virtual deathOthers were thrown out of their houses when too young to take up a job, with but they all persevered. There are no food, no prospect for jobs, marriages, plots known cases at that time of lands, or even respectability. It was common for people in the mainstream going back to spit upon them, strip them what they abandoned -- though many of clothes, or throw animal excreta upon them -- all in public. Nobody would come were invited back to the rescue positions of these "heretics" comfort in their ancestral families and "prodigals" who had abandoned the ways of their forefatherschurches. (Back To Top Of Page)

7b''7. Can You Be More Specific About The Exactly What Kinds Of HardshipsDid They Have To Suffer: Yes, I can tell '' Today we live in a society so vastly different from the society of a century ago that for most of many specific instances. The first us it is the case of my own great grandfather Koshy Mathunnidifficult to understand their agonies. His Eastern Orthodox They lived in a close-knit community-based society where one's family kicked him and his young wife out because of his faithsociety was one's identity. When his wife died in her thirties, there Without it one was NO place to bury hersocially dead. The Brethren did not have graveyardsThus excommunication meant virtual death, and they were not welcome to use graveyards that were strictly under the control with no food, no prospect for jobs, marriages, plots of nominal churches. There were no common lands, or government-controlled graveyards -- and even today these do not exist in Indiarespectability. Thus finally he had to bury her It was common for people in his own compound at the back mainstream to spit upon them, strip them of the houseclothes, adjacent to his bedroom. This was a sensation because nobody had ever done that or throw animal excreta upon them -- all in that regionpublic. Another example is that of Lonappan Upadeshi in Angamally (Kerala). Amidst all kinds of tortures he had Nobody would come to face the untimely death rescue of his daughter who was barely 12. She was buried, but then next morning the family was traumatized when they discovered the coffin placed back by enemies in their courtyard. Anyone could have asked why God (apparently) failed to protect these children "heretics" and "prodigals" who had abandoned all what they had to follow Jesus. Of course Lonappan Upadeshi did not ask that question, and he went on to become one of the greatest leaders among the Brethren, but we should try to understand the trauma ways of this young man who did not have the benefit of hindsight that we have today when we study Brethren History of Indiatheir forefathers. (Back To Top Of Page)

8''7b. What Happened After Can You Be More Specific About The BeginningHardships: As it happens in any new movement'' Yes, it took some time for the new believers to understand what all I can tell of many specific instances. The first is involved in the New Testament Patterncase of my own great grandfather Koshy Mathunni. In about 3 to 5 years time they firmly understood His Eastern Orthodox family kicked him and declared the autonomy his young wife out because of local assemblieshis faith. When his wife died in her thirties, the need for believers there was NO place to observe the Lord's Tablebury her. The Brethren did not have graveyards, and they were not welcome to use graveyards that were strictly under the need control of nominal churches. There were no common or government-controlled graveyards -- and even today these do not exist in India. Thus finally he had to emphasize bury her in his own compound at the priesthood back of all believersthe house, adjacent to his bedroom. There This was also a maturing sensation because nobody had ever done that in their understanding that region. Another example is that of many fundamental and practical issuesLonappan Upadeshi in Angamally (Kerala). Interestingly Amidst all kinds of tortures he had to face the oral and written ministry untimely death of several non Brethren Indian and European writers also helped his daughter who was barely 12. She was buried, but then next morning the family was traumatized when they discovered the coffin placed back by enemies in some areastheir courtyard. Anyone could have asked why God (Back To Top apparently) failed to protect these children who had abandoned all what they had to follow Jesus. Of Page)course Lonappan Upadeshi did not ask that question, and he went on to become one of the greatest leaders among the Brethren, but we should try to understand the trauma of this young man who did not have the benefit of hindsight that we have today when we study Brethren History of India.

9''8. What About Happened After The GrowthBeginning: The Indian Brethren '' As it happens in any new movement was a missionary-minded movement right from , it took some time for the new believers to understand what all is involved in the beginningNew Testament Pattern. Men committed themselves In about 3 to 5 years time they firmly understood and declared the autonomy of local assemblies, the need for believers to share observe the gospel everywhereLord's Table, and women and children joined in it at great personal inconvenience and even starvation. Consequently there was an explosive increase in the number need to emphasize the priesthood of new all believers and new churches. Today (2001) there are There was also a maturing in excess their understanding of 2200 churches in India many fundamental and 100 abroad of Indian originpractical issues. This is more assemblies that Interestingly the total number oral and written ministry of assemblies several non Brethren Indian and European writers also helped in UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand put togethersome areas.<br />(Back To Top Of Page)

10''9. What Is About The Growth:'' The Estimated Indian Brethren Population: Since movement was a missionary-minded movement right from the beginning. Men committed themselves to share the Brethren do not have a central hierarchygospel everywhere, all numbers are only reasonable estimates and not concrete statementswomen and children joined in it at great personal inconvenience and even starvation. Consequently there was an explosive increase in the number of new believers and new churches. Surveys have been conducted by Gospel Literature Service, Stewards Association, Insight India Today (insight_India@yahoo.com2001) and others and a compilation of the data shows there are in excess of 2200 churches, 50,000 baptized members in India and 120,000 total members. There are over 100 Brethren assemblies abroad of Indian origin . This is more assemblies that the total number of assemblies in the GulfUK, USA, Canada, Australia, and some other countries with an estimated 5000 baptized believersNew Zealand put together. (Back To Top Of Page)

11''10. What Kind Of Church Government Do They PracticeIs The Estimated Indian Brethren Population: except for a minority, '' Since the Indian Brethren emphasize the autonomy of local churchesdo not have a central hierarchy, all numbers are only reasonable estimates and practice it rigorouslynot concrete statements. Each church is overseen Surveys have been conducted by a plurality of mostly self-appointed Gospel Literature Service, Stewards Association, Insight India (insight_India@yahoo.com) and others and in some cases, elected) elders. A few churches have deacons too. There is a strong aversion to the perceived one-man ministry compilation of other churches including the Pentecostals. The setup is mostly democratic with Christ as the head, but at the same time they are substantially different from the setup seen data shows in democratic countries. A minority excess of churches (Less than 100 among the 2200) are controlled by people who are "outsiders" to the churches, 50,000 baptized members and 120,000 total members. The unbiblical control has developed There are over 100 Brethren assemblies of Indian origin in the years through Gulf, USA, Canada, and some individuals who have preferred to run these churches as they pleased so as to be able to "report" them as "their" workother countries with an estimated 5000 baptized believers.(Back To Top Of Page)

12''11. What Is The Strength Kind Of Evangelists: It is difficult to give an exact number because there are at least three kinds of evangelists in IndiaChurch Government Do They Practice: '' except for a minority, the commended ones, Indian Brethren emphasize the non commended onesautonomy of local churches, and the tentmakerspractice it rigorously. Of these the first two together will have in excess Each church is overseen by a plurality of 1500 evangelists. mostly self-appointed (This is more than the combined number of foreign missionaries sent by the assemblies and in UKsome cases, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealandelected) elders. A few churches have deacons too. There is no record of Tentmakers and their number might exceed a strong aversion to the number of those who are in fullperceived one-time man ministryof other churches including the Pentecostals. The setup is mostly democratic with Christ as the head, though but at the same time they are often not identified as Tentmakerssubstantially different from the setup seen in democratic countries. A minority of churches (Less than 100 among the 2200) are controlled by people who are "outsiders" to the churches. Also, there is no systematic emphasis as yet on The unbiblical control has developed over the role and importance of Tentmakers in modern India, though years through some individuals who have begun preferred to run these churches as they pleased so as to speak outbe able to "report" them as "their" work.(Back To Top Of Page)

13''12. How Are What Is The Brethren Strength Of Evangelists Supported: right from the start '' It is difficult to give an exact number because there are at least three kinds of evangelists in India: the movement commended ones, the Brethren have emphasized the need for evangelists non commended ones, and people in full-time Christian ministry to depend upon the Lord for their financial support, which is often called "living by faith"tentmakers. They are supported by Of these the freewill gifts first two together will have in excess of people, which usually has no predictable frequency1500 evangelists. (This a system difficult for non-Brethren to comprehendis more than the combined number of foreign missionaries sent by the assemblies in UK, USA, Canada, but it has worked well in the last one centuryAustralia, and even today in excess New Zealand) There is no record of 1500 men Tentmakers and their families continue to live and labour under this system, which is number might exceed the largest indigenous missionary force number of those who are in India. There are some indigenous missionaryfull-funds run by assembly believerstime ministry, and though they render a valuable service to the evangelists, the total quantum of support received through them usually does are often not exceed 20% of the yearly financial needsidentified as Tentmakers. These missionary funds have no supervisory role over the evangelistsAlso, and the evangelists have there is no official obligation to these funds. The handbooks released by these funds, often at an yearly basis, are used by many churches to pray systematically for systematic emphasis as yet on the evangelists. Some assemblies role and many individuals use these lists to pray for and support evangelists. Not all funds support all evangelistsimportance of Tentmakers in modern India, and there are many who because of one reason or other are supported only by one or even by none of the missionary funds. The uncertainty about financial support (humanly speaking) has been exploited by though some Indian and many foreign believers into manipulating about ten percent of evangelists and churches to do as these believers dictate from outside. They have been able begun to exercise this control by providing a steady financial support, but with strings attachedspeak out. This has caused not a small amount of damage to the assemblies in India.(Back To Top Of Page)

14''13. How Do Are The Brethren Evangelists Report About Their WorkSupported: there '' right from the start of the movement the Brethren have emphasized the need for evangelists and people in full-time Christian ministry to depend upon the Lord for their financial support, which is often called "living by faith". They are supported by the freewill gifts of people, which usually has always been an opposition among Indian no predictable frequency. This a system difficult for non-Brethren to ministry-reports through private media such as personal newsletterscomprehend, but it has worked well in the last one century, and even today in excess of 1500 men and their families continue to live and labour under this system, which is the<br />feeling became deep-seated due to many historical reasonslargest indigenous missionary force in India. So there There are only a handfuls of evangelists who produce some kind or other of private prayerindigenous missionary-letters for their prayer partners. The rest publish an occasional report in funds run by assembly periodicals that carry news items. Howeverbelievers, such news tends and they render a valuable service to be too brief and stereotyped and the evangelists, the total quantum of support received through them usually does not give deep insight into exceed 20% of the yearly financial needs . These missionary funds have no supervisory role over the evangelists, and challenges of the evangelists have no official obligation to these funds. The handbooks released by these funds, often at an yearly basis, are used by many churches to pray systematically for the evangelists. Some assemblies and many individuals ministryuse these lists to pray for and support evangelists. There Not all funds support all evangelists, and there are many who have either no access to such publications because of one reason or who simply other are not in supported only by one or even by none of the habit missionary funds. The uncertainty about financial support (humanly speaking) has been exploited by some Indian and many foreign believers into manipulating about ten percent of sending such newsevangelists and churches to do as these believers dictate from outside. They have been able to exercise this control by providing a steady financial support, but with strings attached. Thus This has caused not a small amount of damage to the church at large is deprived of news about their spiritual contributionassemblies in India. (Back To Top Of Page)

15''14. Have The Indian Brethren Produced Any Writers Of SubstanceHow Do Evangelists Report About Their Work: the '' there has always been an opposition among Indian Brethren were committed bibliophiles right from the beginningto ministry-reports through private media such as personal newsletters, and has produced hundreds of outstanding writers over the last one centuryfeeling became deep-seated due to many historical reasons. So much so that in the Malayalam language (over 50% there are only a handfuls of Indian Christians speak this language) books written by Brethren writers are accepted authoritative by all the evangelists who produce some kind or other Protestant groupsof private prayer-letters for their prayer partners. The rest publish an occasional report in assembly periodicals that carry news items. However, and the majority of buyers tend such news tends to be non Brethren. A majority of too brief and stereotyped and does not give deep insight into the best bible teachers, apologists, needs and theologians in India have their roots in challenges of the Brethren Assembliesindividuals ministry. What is more, most of them had their training only within India, and thus There are able many who have either no access to communicate effectively such publications or who simply are not in the contemporary Indian idiomhabit of sending such news. (An exhaustive list Thus the church at large is deprived of Indian Brethren writers can be found elsewhere on http://www.brethrenassemblynews about their spiritual contribution.com)(Back To Top Of Page)

16''15. What Is Their Doctrinal PositionHave The Indian Brethren Produced Any Writers Of Substance: there is some diversity in minor subjects, but there is overall agreement in almost all '' the Indian Brethren were committed bibliophiles right from the major subjects. They are conservativesbeginning, dedicated to inerrancy and infallibility has produced hundreds of outstanding writers over the Biblelast one century. All So much so that in the Malayalam language (over 50% of Indian Christians speak this language) books written by Brethren accept writers are accepted authoritative by all the four cardinal doctrines of reformation: Bible Alone (Sola Scriptura), Faith Alone (Sola Fide), Grace Alone (Sola Gratia)other Protestant groups, and Christ Alone (Solus Chistus). None questioning these can be considered a Brethren in any sense. The Brethren in India also the majority of buyers tend to be premillennial and pretribulationist dispensationalistsnon Brethren. A microscopic minority that advocated post tribulationism are now losing strength and becoming practically extinct. At majority of the practical level they strongly emphasize the priesthood of all believersbest bible teachers, apologists, and the need for active involvement theologians in India have their roots in evangelizing the lostBrethren Assemblies. These emphases have produced a large number What is more, most of men them had their training only within India, and women who thus are outstanding Bible teachers and evangelistsable to communicate effectively in the contemporary Indian idiom. (Women minister only among women and children). (Back To Top Of Page)

17''16. Are Indian Assemblies Open Or ClosedWhat Is Their Doctrinal Position: the open/closed '' there is a distinction born outside Indiasome diversity in minor subjects, but it has definitely left deep mark over there is overall agreement in almost all the major subjects. They are conservatives, dedicated to inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible. All the Indian Brethrenaccept the four cardinal doctrines of reformation: Bible Alone (Sola Scriptura), Faith Alone (Sola Fide), Grace Alone (Sola Gratia), and Christ Alone (Solus Chistus). None questioning these can be considered a Brethren in any sense. In principle the assemblies The Brethren in India also tend to be premillennial and pretribulationist dispensationalists. A microscopic minority that advocated post tribulationism are opennow losing strength and becoming practically extinct. At the practical level they strongly emphasize the priesthood of all believers, and each assembly is autonomous, but the need for active involvement in practice they have adopted some restrictions practiced by evangelizing the closed Brethrenlost. For example, many of them do not allow These emphases have produced a non Brethren visitor to partake large number of the Lord's Table even if he/she happens to be a born-again men and women who are outstanding Bible teachers and baptized believer in good standingevangelists. (Back To Top Of PageWomen minister only among women and children).

18''17. What Were The Major Schisms In The Are Indian AssembliesOpen Or Closed: there were several major schisms. The first was about '' the open/closed is a distinction born outside India, but it has definitely left deep mark over the role of foreign missionaries in controlling Indian trustsBrethren. The second was about In principle the funds brought byassemblies in India are open, what was called asand each assembly is autonomous, India Gospel Mission for distribution among Indian evangelists. The third related to the active cooperation of but in practice they have adopted some prominent brethren with Baptists, some of whom were avowed anti-brethren. After much heartache a few moved to the Baptist fold, while the majority cut off their relation with restrictions practiced by the Baptists. The fourth schism was related to an association formed by certain evangelists predominantly in North India and called closed Brethren Assembly Workers Fellowship (BAWF). The organizers soon discovered that many in the committee were only opportunists, and thus the fellowship was soon dismantledFor example, and along with that many of them do not allow a non Brethren who were only fence-sitters left the fold visitor to partake of the assemblies Lord's Table even if he/she happens to be a born-- mostly into Baptist fellowshipsagain and baptized believer in good standing.<br />(Back To Top Of Page)

19''18. What Were The Major Doctrinal ControversiesSchisms In The Indian Assemblies: in the initial years '' there were many discussions but no major controversies. However, the last one third of the twentieth century saw several major controversies in which almost the entire community got involvedschisms. The first one was about the uprise role of Post Tribulationalistsforeign missionaries in controlling Indian trusts. The second one was rise of Occult healers about the funds brought by, what was called as, India Gospel Mission for distribution among the assembliesIndian evangelists. And The third one was related to the uprise active cooperation of paganizers some prominent brethren with Baptists, some of gospel in whom were avowed anti-brethren. After much heartache a few moved to the Baptist fold, while the majority cut off their relation with the assemblies who claimed special revelation in holy books of all religionsBaptists. In between there The fourth schism was a small controversy over whether Christ could sin or not, motivated related to an association formed by Zac Poonen, who eventually moved away certain evangelists predominantly in North India and formed his own heretical cultcalled Brethren Assembly Workers Fellowship (BAWF). The situation always resembled a battle with organizers soon discovered that many in the radicals on the minority side committee were only opportunists, and conservatives on thus the majority side. Howeverfellowship was soon dismantled, initially the radicals were able to win the upper hand in every debate because they used all the worldly propaganda tactics and along with that many Brethren who were available. However, in only fence-sitters left the end fold of the conservative side was always able to silence the dissenters and hereticsassemblies -- mostly into Baptist fellowships.<br />(Back To Top Of Page)

20''19. Why Are What Were The Indian Brethren So Anti IntellectualMajor Doctrinal Controversies: this question has been raised from time to time by '' in the initial years there were many non Brethren as well by some Brethrendiscussions but no major controversies. However, only a person totally ignorant the last one third of the Brethren movement twentieth century saw several major controversies in India and its great leaders can make such a statementwhich almost the entire community got involved. The first one was the uprise of Post Tribulationalists. The Brethren have produced men second one was rise of Occult healers among the assemblies. And third one was the uprise of paganizers of learning gospel in the assemblies who claimed special revelation in holy books of all secular and spiritual fields, and religions. In between there was a small controversy over whether Christ could sin or not an area that has been left untouched. Scientists, scholars, writers, businessmenmotivated by Zac Poonen, journalists, pioneer missionaries, missionary-statesmen, medical doctors, you name it who eventually moved away and you will find them hereformed his own heretical cult. And that also, of The situation always resembled a battle with the radicals on the minority side and conservatives on the highest ranksmajority side. Only thingHowever, initially the radicals were able to win the upper hand in keeping with their New Testament creed every debate because they do not make much noise about it used all, but it does not mean the worldly propaganda tactics that they are not therewere available. AlsoHowever, the Brethren assemblies in India happens to be the group that has proportionately end the most qualified and trained evangelists. While a mere school education is deemed sufficient conservative side was always able to become an evangelist in most groups, these days silence the Brethren encourage evangelists to have at least a college education. And it is their commitment to intellectual pursuits that today the Brethren dominate the fields of theology, publishing, writing, teaching, dissenters and othersheretics.<br />(Back To Top Of Page)

21''20. Why Are The Indian Brethren Churches So BoringAnti Intellectual: '' this question has been raised from time to time by many non Brethren as wellby some Brethren. However, if anyone expects the church to be only a place person totally ignorant of fleshly entertainment the Brethren movement in India and drama, he will be sorely disappointed and bored in most Assembliesits great leaders can make such a statement. Also if he expects the Assemblies to move with the spirit The Brethren have produced men of times learning in all secular and introduce one way or other of emotional manipulation or ecstasy- inducementspiritual fields, he will be disappointed by most Assemblies. Many denominations and churches have in the recent decades transformed them with the secular current to resemble the best there not an area that the world can offer in terms of titillationhas been left untouched. Scientists, scholars, writers, businessmen, emotional stimulationjournalists, and ecstasy. The Assemblies have not tried this gimmickpioneer missionaries, and therefore they might look boring to people who are looking only for entertainment. On the other hand if a person is looking for a place where he can use his both body and intellect to worship the Lord without any kind of manmissionary-made restraintstatesmen, a Brethren Assembly is the place for himmedical doctors, you name it and you will find them here. This is not to say And that today also, of the Assemblies in India are perfecthighest ranks. On the contraryOnly thing, many assemblies have surely lost fervor in keeping with their meetings, and there is New Testament creed they do not make much room for improvement. All fervor has emotions attached to noise about itall, but those desiring a change in the Assemblies should it does not mean that they are not confuse fervor with mere emotionalismthere. Bringing empty emotionalism might give an outer appearance of fervorAlso, but it will only do further damage. Assemblies will the Brethren assemblies in India happens to be revived only when people who want change in the Assemblies abandon their fascination with worldly gimmicks group that has proportionately the most qualified and trained evangelists. While a mere school education is deemed sufficient to create become an emotional sense of well-beingevangelist in most groups, and resort these days the Brethren encourage evangelists to biblical methodshave at least a college education. And biblical methods begin with self examinationit is their commitment to intellectual pursuits that today the Brethren dominate the fields of theology, confessionpublishing, repentancewriting, and consecration -- by those who want a change. People in many Assemblies have begun doing thisteaching, and the changes are very much visibleothers.<br />(Back To Top Of Page)

22''21. What Was The Role Of Foreign Missionaries In The Founding Of Indian Why Are Brethren MovementChurches So Boring: God definitely used certain non Brethren missionaries '' well, if anyone expects the church to be a place of fleshly entertainment and drama, he will be sorely disappointed and bored in most Assemblies. Also if he expects the Assemblies to open move with the eyes spirit of times and introduce one way or other of Indians emotional manipulation or ecstasy- inducement, he will be disappointed by most Assemblies. Many denominations and churches have in the recent decades transformed them with the secular current to biblical truthsresemble the best that the world can offer in terms of titillation, emotional stimulation, and ecstasy. The Assemblies have not tried this gimmick, and many of these Indians became part of therefore they might look boring to people who are looking only for entertainment. On the other hand if a person is looking for a place where he can use his both body and intellect to worship the first batch Lord without any kind of man-made restraint, a Brethren believersAssembly is the place for him. These missionaries came from BaptistThis is not to say that today the Assemblies in India are perfect. On the contrary, Presbyterianmany assemblies have surely lost fervor in their meetings, and Basel Mission backgroundsthere is much room for improvement. All fervor has emotions attached to it, but those desiring a change in the Assemblies should not confuse fervor with mere emotionalism. None Bringing empty emotionalism might give an outer appearance of them had fervor, but it will only do further damage. Assemblies will be revived only when people who want change in the Assemblies abandon their fascination with worldly gimmicks to create an Assembly backgroundemotional sense of well-being, and resort to biblical methods. Missionaries from Assembly background became associated And biblical methods begin with Indian Brethren only after self examination, confession, repentance, and consecration -- by those who want a change. People in many Assemblies have begun doing this, and the indigenous assembly movement started attracting a large number of new convertschanges are very much visible.<br />(Back To Top Of Page)

''22. What Was The Role Of Foreign Missionaries In The Founding Of Indian Brethren Movement:'' God definitely used certain non Brethren missionaries to open the eyes of Indians to biblical truths, and many of these Indians became part of the first batch of Brethren believers. These missionaries came from Baptist, Presbyterian, and Basel Mission backgrounds. None of them had an Assembly background. Missionaries from Assembly background became associated with Indian Brethren only AFTER the indigenous assembly movement started attracting a large number of new converts. ''23. What Was The Role Of Foreign Missionaries In Nurturing The Early Brethren Movement: '' Once the indigenous Brethren movement began to grow explosively, many foreign missionaries from the Assemblies outside came to India and began working in supportive ministries. The majority of rendered great assistance to the infant church, helping this movement to grow, consolidate, and become self-sustaining in everything. A minority of them, however, sowed seeds of discord, indulged in politicking, and imposed their imperial attitude on the local population. This resulted in some notable problems and damages, but can be written off as human frailty in the light of the quantity and quality of the great service they rendered to the Indian church. Names like V. Nagal, E. H. Noel, and Handly Bird are household names among Indian Brethren even today. (Back To Top Of Page)