From that pivotal moment in Isaac Long's barn that Otterbein embraced Boehm and declared, "We are brethren," the value of respecting unity amidst diversity has been baked into the United Brethren Church. In this episode Todd and Brian discuss the roots of this core value as well as its significance for the Church today that's surrounded by such a divisive culture.

0:00 Intro

3:31 Historical context

7:12 Challenges

15:34 Unity in a world of extremes

19:24 Necessity of Union

30:14 Wrapping up

Core Value: We Respect Unity Amidst Diversity

The United Brethren church began with two very different men, Martin Boehm and William Otterbein, who realized that on the essentials of the faith, they were alike–that they were brothers in Christ. They differed in church background, in temperament, in stature, and in the finer points of theology. But when it came to the core of what it meant to be a Christian, they found unity.

This spirit has characterized the United Brethren church over the years. We prefer to allow diversity when it comes to worship style, Bible versions, military service, social and political action, church programs, method of baptism, end times scenarios, and other issues, as long as the positions taken do not clearly conflict with God’s Word or our Confession of Faith.

In the same way, we let churches and national conferences organize in the way they think will best fit their vision, needs, and culture. We don’t want our mission to be hindered by man-made structures. We also realize that a persecuted, underground United Brethren church will look much different from a United Brethren church in a free society, and that various cultural issues will cause further diversity. Our mission must take precedence over methods.

Yet amidst this diversity, we expect unity. We stand firm on biblical absolutes, allow freedom where the Bible allows freedom, and seek to maintain unity when disagreements arise.

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For the Neighborhoods and the Nations is a new podcast of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. In this first season we're diving into a series of conversations on the 8 core values that define and unite United Brethren churches around the world. Discover a bit of the history of how they came to exist as well as their significance in shaping our churches, ministries and mission today.

Follow For the Neighborhoods and the Nations on your favorite podcast directory and share it with friends in your church.

Discover more about the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.

Read up on the Core Values we'll discuss this season.

Hosted by: Brian Biedenbach and Todd Fetters

Produced by: Summit City Studios

Music from #Uppbeat:

Paul Yudin, Quiet Flight

License code: N90JWVZJEVCRVAEF