Brethren Love Feasts

Love Feast is one of the most special parts of being Brethren, but for majority of Christianity, the most unusual and unknown. Having not been raised Brethren, the idea behind it was so foreign from anything heard before. However, having been Brethren, there is no way this amazing and humble service should be skipped. For those who may not know what Love Feast (LF) is, this will be an explanation.

Like many other denominations and Christian circles, the Brethren do hold to two ordinances. Ordinances are what the modern church follows as God commands directly. They are, Baptism (Matthew 28:18-20), and Communion (1 Corinthians 11:25-26; Luke 22:19-20). But, where Brethren differ is in our third ordinance. That is where the LF comes in and contains foot washing.

Instituted by Jesus in John 13:14-15, majority of Christianity gives lip service of following Jesus' example; very few follow by washing feet. LF is the vehicle by which Brethren practice this.

LF starts with self examination (for we also have communion during LF). We check ourselves, confess sins, make things right with each other and God, then move to the feast. In the feast, it starts with washing each others feet. No one is at a head of the table, no one is excluded IF they are true Christians (non Christians are invited to watch, but not participate).

Afterward we have the Agape or Love meal (where we get the name LF), and it is very simple. Some cheese, fruit, crackers, two pieces of bread, some roast beef cut into slices, and water. The time of fellowship is sweet, and special. Then communion. That is the LF.

But there is something that happens here that does not happen elsewhere. There is a bond that forms, a love that shows, and a unity that goes deeper than just regular church attendance. We serve the other. No one is better or higher. LF draws each of us to the upper room where Jesus celebrated His last meal with the disciples, and we relive that moment. It is simple, humble, quiet.

It is sad that much of Christianity has abandoned or ignore this. They are missing out on a very powerful experience and opportunity to minister and serve. I would encourage them to see and study this out further. If we claim to follow Jesus, why do we follow in the common, but ignore the parts that are "awkward"?

The last aspect that comes from the LF is a sign of our obedience to following the Master. We obey because we desire, like Peter, to walk with our Lord wherever He goes, even if that is walking on the water.

My challenge, if you are a Christian, look and see what the Scripture says. Follow that. If you wish to experience this, find one of the Brethren I recommend (Brethren Revival Fellowship, Old Order, New Chapter [but they may not allow anyone outside the community to join], Covenant Brethren Church, and finally Charis fellowship).

If you are not saved, Christianity is not just a belief. It is a life shared in a community. But it is built on the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus and our faith and trust in Him. We would invite you to watch but you, as an unbeliever may not participate as the Lord's table is reserved only for those who have confessed and accepted Jesus as their Saviour.