My impression is that among Southern Baptists there is relatively little knowledge of the Plymouth Brethren movement. In the country of Spain, where my wife and I are missionaries, though, they are one of the main evangelical groups. I would say "denominations," except for the fact that many "brethren" profess to be opposed to denominations, and do not recognize the denominational character of the movement with which they identify.
For the most part, Plymouth Brethren are conservative evangelicals, even more conservative on several points than most Southern Baptists. I have had the privilege of sharing some wonderful, warm fellowship in the Lord with various individuals and congregations associated with the Plymouth Brethren movement.
Like various other Christian groups, the Plymouth Brethren started by and large as an attempt by sincerely motivated believers to work towards Christian unity, and overcome the barriers of denominationalism. Sadly, though, in many cases, the practical outworking of the application of the principles behind the movement has led to increased sectarianism, similar, in some aspects, to the Campbellite/Church of Christ movement, and the Witness Lee "local church" movement.
In any case, I think there are many things we can learn from the Brethren, including both lessons from their achievements and shortcomings as a movement, as well as some excellent biblical reflection and spiritual exhortation. Several names associated with the Plymouth Brethren who have made an impact on evangelicalism at large include George Müller, J. N. Darby, Harry Ironside, Jim Elliot, F. F. Bruce, and Luis Palau.
This past Christmas, Dec. 25, 2007, William MacDonald, one of the most beloved and respected Bible teachers associated with the Brethren movement, went to be with the Lord at the age of 90. Like so many other godly leaders down through history, MacDonald wrestled with the practical implications of biblical teaching on Christian unity. Although, in the context of what he writes, MacDonald specifically addresses some of the quirks and idiosyncrasies within the Brethren movement, I think the following article contains some very rich food for thought all of us as Bible-believing Christians, and specifically, as Southern Baptists.
Read To What Should We Be Loyal, by William MacDonald
Bro. David,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the posting of the article by MacDonald. I am a SBC pastor in rural Alabama (the "Heart of Dixie"). I had the privilege to attend the New Baptist Covenant Convention in Atlanta. What a blessing! I wrote to President Frank Page and shared my concern that the SBC was conspicously absent from this great gathering of Baptists. We must guard against "isolationism" that runs against the heart of the Gospel, Baptists values, and, worst of all, grieves the heart of Jesus, who prayed for our unity. We are losing so much when we refuse to listen to and learn from each other.
We need reasonable voices like yours in the Convention to save us from debilitating fundamentalism.
The link to the article is broken. This one works:
ReplyDeletehttp://plymouthbrethren.org/article/153
As someone who knew William MacDonald (Brother Bill as he liked to be called) I can attest that he earnestly endeavored to put into practice all that he preached. In connection with loyalty, he fairly often preached (by invitation) in churches that did not fully subscribe to all of his own scriptural convictions. He was a gracious and humble brother. He certainly had strongly held convictions, based on decades of Bible study, but he sought to love all those who loved his Savior.
Another link, noteworthy in light of the topic of loyalty and grace, in as much as it is "interdenominational". It contains 22 pages of audio sermons by William MacDonald:
https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/viewcat.php?cid=419&min=420&orderby=titleA&show=20