Brothers Of St. Joseph The Carpenter

FAQ:

• Why this? Why now?
  The Brotherhood is being formed in a time of need: cultural decay and chaos, ecclesiastical decline and fragmentation, a dearth of masculine spaces, and an unclear American future. We promote deeper roots in the Christian faith and tradition as a healthful foundation for forward action, rejecting both progressivism and paralysis.

• What is the plan for developing this religious order?
  Initially, we will begin by gathering men together through a discussion list, and once there is a consensus on the way forward (principles, governance, common practices, boundaries to mission and actions, hopes for future, etc.) we will announce an inaugural convocation to officially launch the order.

• Why “St. Joseph The Carpenter?”
  St. Joseph is a model of exemplary manhood. A common man in his trade, with uncommon virtues and faith, Joseph provides a model of faithful Christian manhood for all generations. His marriage to Mary, the mother of God, is emblematic of his whole life of proven devotion to God himself, the Church, and to her calling to serve the Lord Jesus. His relative anonymity after the incarnation narratives reminds us to spend our lives for the glory of God and to his praise alone.

• Why are the Brothers only made up of those from the various Reformed branches of the Church?
  This limit is not meant to limit our love or service more broadly, or to imply that this tradition contains all truth, but is intended to focus our order in a closer fellowship of thinking and life. We encourage others to found similar societies of Christians and await the day of complete unity in the visible church.

• May women join the Brothers?
  No, but members of a Brother’s household (or a single woman, with her church elders’ or minister’s approval) may become an affiliated sister and receive support and encouragement from the order.

• How often do the Brothers meet?
  Plans: Remote convocations are held monthly by videoconference as well as a yearly in-person convocation. Other more-or-less formal activities are organized by various Brothers. Our aim is to have local convocations throughout the nation.

The Brothers of St. Joseph the Carpenter is a Protestant men’s religious order of American Christians, laity and ordained, dedicated to biblical, Reformed, catholic (universal Christian) piety. We are a cross‑denominational expression of the universal fellowship of Christians in our one Lord, Jesus Christ. We are a fellowship of men committed to the following:

• The universal Christian faith: as authoritatively enshrined in the Bible and faithfully taught in the Church. We hold that this faith is helpfully expounded in the Westminster Confession and Catechisms, the Three Forms of Unity, and the 39 Articles.

• The spiritual life of the Christian: nurturing personal piety, service, and holiness unto God.

• The worship of God in His Church: churchmanship and faithfulness within a local congregation of Christians.

• Generational, household Christianity: faithful marriage and procreation, infant baptism, and covenant nurture and fidelity.

• Household economies and stewardship of creation: productive and creation‑honoring patterns of life in our bodies, households, institutions, and communities.

• Christian influence and productivity in all of life: prayerful labor in all spheres of life for God’s glory in Jesus Christ, the Lord of all.

• Christian freedom to obey God in all of life: the freedom and responsibility of the Christian to believe and serve the one Lord, Jesus Christ.

• Christian witness in word and works: the duty of public proclamation and action.

Additionally, our religious order will provide certification of the sincere religious belief of its members in matters of Christian conscience: parents’ rights, Christian education, health‑related mandates, military drafts, Sabbath observance, participation in abortion or euthanasia, participation in affirming sinful activities (sexual or otherwise), etc.

If you are interested in becoming a Brother, please complete this form: