The Worldview of the Ashland Brethren and its Missiological lmplications

Abstract

"The worldview of the Ashland Brethren has been greatly impacted in its 300-year history by one predominant determinant: dialectical tension. Dealing with this tension has led to the positive of a strong commitment to theological purity; however, three concurrent negatives (denominational division, reduction of resources, and limited leadership) have resulted in a profound restriction for the denomination. The missiological implications that have arisen from these hindrances are the development of a "thermostatic" nature with regard to programming quality and polar extreme perspectives as explanations for diminishing church size among the Brethren"