It was not until 1937 that Annual Conference asked congregations to be more understanding. Today, few congregations would reject a divorced person, but many more would not accept a divorced pastor. While this is not an unusual position among Christian churches, it does point to the fact that, for Brethren, the family is important and alterations to the standard model come very slowly. The congregation, indeed the denomination, is a family. We call each other Brother and Sister to accentuate that point.
Genealogy is critical.
When at Annual Conference we meet someone for the first time, we don't ask how he or she likes the conference or what we believe about the latest business item. Often we won't go on until the family connection has been settled. Brethren as family had and still has incredible implications. For someone born Brethren it is clearly not by conversion. Baptism does not alter the life of the new member.