Business & Entrepreneurship

Like many Americans, Plymouth Brethren Christian Church members have a reputation for hard work, strong ethics, and entrepreneurial drive.

Many Plymouth Brethren members own and operate businesses across a wide range of industries, just like other Christians and those who practice other religions or no religion.

It is estimated that independent businesses run by Plymouth Brethren members globally employ around 70,000 people from outside the church community, providing a significant contribution to local economies. Brethren businesses pay the federal and state taxes they are responsible for.

However, the church itself does not run or own any businesses and has no financial interest in members’ enterprises. Each business is independently owned and operated by individual families.

What binds many of these enterprises together is a shared culture of hard work, enterprise, and growth, which regularly leads to the creation of jobs that benefit the wider community.

Individual members and their businesses pay all applicable federal, state, and local taxes, just like any other American business owner or employee.

While the church itself holds tax-exempt status as a religious institution, as is standard practice for religious institutions of all faiths within the US, that exemption does not extend to the private businesses of our members.

Many younger Brethren are encouraged to earn while they learn, entering the workforce or joining a family business while pursuing qualifications through online study.

It’s a practical approach to building a solid life, and reflects the broader Plymouth Brethren values of personal responsibility, industriousness, and contributing meaningfully to the community.