Who We Are
Big things can happen in a small church, and the Dranesville Church of the Brethren is proof of that. Our church family has plenty of room for members and newcomers alike to grow -- in Christ, in service, and in community.
Our Brethren heritage teaches that we must come together prayerfully around the Word of God. So Sunday worship at Dranesville centers on understanding the Scriptures. Sunday school, which is available for all ages, is focused on the Bible, especially the New Testament. Each week, home groups meet to share and apply the truths of the Bible. We offer a weekly prayer group to pray for our congregation and for others. And our pastor is always available for counseling and prayers.
At Dranesville, everyone has a ministry. Some of us carry administrative responsibilities. Others participate by leading worship, teaching, or visiting. Some help the needy. But we all do our best to use the gifts and talents God has given us.
As a small congregation, we are like a family. We meet over meals simply to chat and enjoy each other's company. During Sunday worship we share our joys and concerns. The name Brethren was chosen because it included men and women. It still does. Men and women are pastors, deacons, teachers, leaders -- and followers of Jesus Christ. Our life together is summarized in eight words: Continuing the work of Jesus, peacefully, simply, together.
Come join us. Our church family can be your family, too.
What We Believe
Like all Christians, Brethren believe Jesus is the Son of God, our Lord and Savior. We also:- Make the New Testament our rule of faith and practice.
- Observe the Christian rites of believer's baptism, Communion, Love Feast, and anointing for healing.
- Participate with all Christians who witness to the salvation of Christ.
- Emphasize simple living.
- Believe in peace and pacifism.
Worship at Dranesville
Our worship is a mix of contemporary and traditional elements with opportunities to actively participate and be engaged through scripture, music, prayer, and the spoken word.
Where We Come From
The Church of the Brethren started in Germany in 1708, part of the Reformation tradition that believed in adult baptism. Because Brethren immersed believers three times in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, they were given the name "Dunkers."
Brethren in the U.S. first arrived in Pennsylvania, then migrated south and west. At the Civil War battle of Antietam, the heaviest fighting swirled around the Dunker Church. The Brethren farmers nursed soldiers on both sides.
Brethren moved to Northern Virginia from the Shenandoah Valley in 1883, opening a church at Midland. Dranesville traces its roots to Midland by way of Brethren churches at Nokesville, Manassas, and Oakton, Dranesville's parent church. The Dranesville congregation -- one of five started in 1905 by Oakton -- first met in private houses and, occasionally, in the Dranesville United Methodist Church, formerly Free Union. In 1912, the congregation built its church beside Route 7.
