About Our Church

Nampa Church of the Brethren is a dynamic, growing, 105-year-old congregation. Over the past thirteen years, the church has experienced significant growth (from an average attendance of 82 in 1992 to nearly 250 in 2005).   Pastor Jim Hardenbrook attributes the church's growth to three factors: the rising population of Nampa, the welcoming attitude of longtime members, and a deep spiritual hunger in the community.   Longtime member Marilyn Blickenstaff says the children's ministry helps attract young families. A dedicated volunteer staff provides children's church and nursury during worship services as well as Sunday school classes for K-12. Parents appreciate the opportunity to focus on worship without distractions.   About Pastor Hardenbrook, Marilyn adds, "He's really why the church has grown in the past few years." She says Jim's dynamic preaching and powerful speaking voice, coupled with his ability to genuinely connect with people in one-on-one conversations have helped turn many casual visitors into regulars. His messages have enough of everyday life woven into them to make them easy for his audience to listen and relate to. But it's not uncommon for him to punctuate points with deeply researched theology or travel experiences from the other side of the world.   Jim sometimes ends services with gentle altar calls to those who would like to recommit their lives or to simply know Jesus better.   Many members that are new to the denomination came seeking a church that illustrates Christ's love and acceptance. Skyler Cobb was looking for just such a church when he came eight years ago. He placed a high priority on "loving and accepting people where they are." He says he was drawn in by the openness of the congregation.   A religion major from a Nazarene background, Skyler had a lot of questions about the Church of the Brethren. He says Jim has been very good about explaining the details of the faith and "bringing everybody to a comfort level." Pastor Jim makes a fitting mentor for such attendees because he can identify with people who "find something wonderful" in the Church of the Brethren. "Being a disciple of Christ is the greatest privilege," he says. "The Church of the Brethren has a wonderful contribution to make to that."   - From "The church on the edge of town" by Steve Janzen, published in the Messenger, May 2003

Statement of Beliefs

For guidance, Brethren look to the scriptures rather than to doctrine. Our faith emphasizes compassion, peacemaking, and simplicity. We seek to interpret eternal teachings of the Bible in fresh ways for our day.   Brethren belief: Brethren hold "no creed but the New Testament," seeking to live in harmony with the Scriptures and respect each person's search for truth.   How we live out our faith: For many Brethren, how we live is as important as what we believe. Jesus is not only the Savior who redeems us but also the Lord who leads us in daily life.   Brethren practice: We try to follow Jesus' example. We baptize those who seek to follow Jesus; we anoint for healing; and in our love feast we re-enact the Last Supper, at which Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and offered the bread and cup of communion.