The following terms reflect the culture of the Church of the Brethren, a denomination grounded on the principles of Anabaptism and founded through the Pietist efforts of Alexander Mack, in the summer of 1708 near the small German village of Schwarzenau. This resource is not an exhaustive compilation of all denominational terminology, which might also be garnered from other Brethren works, such as the Brethren Encyclopedia, Brethren Bibliography, European Origins, Brethren in America, Ephrata Cloister, 19th Century Acculturation, Brethren Timeline, Brethren Groups, and Brethren Genealogy. You are encouraged to share your comments, suggestions, or corrections with the Web Administrator.

Tag Line (Church of the Brethren)

“Doing the Work of Jesus: Simply, Peacefully, Together.”? Adopted by Annual Conference in 1995.

See also Identity Line.

Training In Ministry (TRIM)

A specialized training program for individuals who do not have the ability to attend college or seminary in a full-time capacity. TRIM began in 1987 with four Districts, but is now available to all Twenty-three. Eligible applicants train for ministry by attending classes at a local educational institution, meeting regularly with a District TRIM coordinator, securing advice from a Brethren College Academic Advisor, and participating in various training exercises. TRIM differs from EFSM in that it focuses on the educational needs for ministry of a single individual, rather than the pastoral needs of a congregation.

See also TRIM Brochure, Education For a Shared Ministry, Reading Program