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Passion for God – seen in Otterbein’s & Boehm’s conversions, filling church pews and following religious motions wasn’t enough for pioneering United Brethren in the 18th century. As they formed the first denomination born in “the new world”, they sought a vital and personal connection with God.

Today . . . Our first priority is to know God through Jesus Christ and to love God with our whole life.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” – Romans 12:11

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” – Psalm 42:1-2

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” – Deuteronomy 6:5

Love for Neighbours – seen in stands on slavery and women in ministry, the denomination opposed slavery from the start. Early United Brethren never found popularity in pro-slavery regions. They understood Jesus’ teaching to “love your neighbour” involved sacrifice.

In a world where many are disadvantaged, we intentionally come alongside the hurt and marginalized locally and internationally, sharing help and hope.

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

Unity in Diversity – seen in our eclectic beginning. The first United Brethren women and men came from a variety of religious backgrounds. Setting aside traditions peculiar to their experiences, they embraced central beliefs the majority of Christ-followers held over centuries.

Today . . . The United Brethren Church in Canada continues to seek the middle ground on issues where equally devout Christians have understood God’s Word differently. We reach out to partner with all who are centred upon Jesus Christ.

“I in them and you in me, so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” – John 17:22-24

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:11-13

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3

God’s Word for Direction – seen in our stand on lodges, class meetings & emphasis on discipleship. Early on, even before they built churches, thousands of United Brethren met in homes to study the Bible and pray together. They knew the Bible contains God’s timeless truth.

Today . . . The Bible continues to be the world’s best-seller because, like no other book, it reveals God’s thoughts.
Prayerfully exploring its pages, we learn how to think and live in the 21st century.

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” – Joshua 1:8

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15

Transformation for All – seen in Newcomer’s 200,000 miles & Geeting’s expulsion. A circuit-rider preacher, one United Brethren forbearer traveled over 200,000 miles on horseback, joining many others joyfully bringing the Christian message to frontier settlements.

Today . . . We are eager to share the Good News of Christ because it opens the door for all to experience the transforming love and power of God. Jesus’ invitation is for everyone.

“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.'” – Matthew 9:37-38

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20