Northern Indiana District Church of the Brethren
The Northern Indiana District consists of 6,000+ members in 47 congregations and fellowships from LaPorte in the northwest corner to Fort Wayne in the southeast corner, from the Florence congregation in southern Michigan to congregations just to the south of US 30 along the southern boundary.
We include small congregations with less than 40 in attendance on Sunday morning to larger congregations with over 300 in attendance on Sunday. Our congregations may be served by a part-time pastor, a full-time pastor, or by a multiple staff ministry team. We are rural, urban and a mix of both.
What are the factors that bind us together? Our congregations were formed as "Church of the Brethren" congregations, some more than 150 years ago and others within our own lifetime. Our congregations are geographically located in an area that has been known as the Northern Indiana District since at least 1863.
We are bound together by our common beliefs in Jesus as Lord and Savior; the New Testament as our only creed; believers baptism by trine immersion; the Love Feast which includes not only communion, but feet washing and a fellowship meal patterned after John 13; the use of anointing for healing; the ideals of peace, service, and temperance; and common ministries in this country and globally.
As a District we have continued the practice of holding annual meetings for worship, fellowship, and business. The third weekend in September finds us coming together for District Conference, in 2008 we will meet at Camp Mack on September 19-20. Each congregation sends delegates to elect leadership to carry out district ministries. Delegates also approve a district budget, brought and administered by the District Board, as a funding guide for our common ministry.
The District is served by staff members who are called to resource and assist our congregations and District Board. Our ministry is guided by our mission statement: "To equip our family of churches for service to build up the Body of Christ."
Among the district ministries carried out by the staff, District Board, sub-committees, task teams, and volunteers are:
guidance in the search for a new pastor or additional staff persons
workshops and seminars on topics requested by congregations
a variety of youth and junior high retreats and activities
fellowship and retreat activities for men and women
a bi-monthly newsletter for church leaders, available to all members by email or the district web site: www.nidcob.org
use of the District Resource Center with books, magazines, and videos on a wide variety of topics
credentialing of licensed and ordained ministers and lay speakers
scholarship assistance for ministerial training
pastoral and congregational evaluations by request
a Shalom Team for consultation and guidance in times of conflict
consultation and guidance to pastors and other congregational leaders who need assistance or have questions related to congregational ministries or Church of the Brethren polity and practice
an Assessment and Coaching Team (ACT) designed to work with and coach congregational leaders and members in many areas as they plan for the future
Northern Indiana District Church of the Brethren
162 East Market Street, 
Nappanee, Indiana 46550
Phone: (574) 773-3149 / Fax: (574) 773-2815
