THEIR IMPACT
There was compelling power in the "minimalism" espoused by the Brethren and it had huge impact. The intense fellowship of this small group of zealous people startled and shocked others so much so that they became regarded as a radical scourge in the midst of the evangelical world of the day. (A little like the reaction to the Charismatic movement.) The Evangelical Alliance was formed in 1846 in opposition to "Popism, Puseyism and Plymouthism" to defend a more limited basis of unity which accepted the value of denominations. Yet the Brethren made an enormous contribution to evangelical life because they weren't wasting their time on denominational organisation and because they saw the value of working together. They became deeply involved in interdenominational work.
In the public eye on the other hand they were little known, since their buildings were just like any plain mission hall, without any standard label. Yet those who knew were struck by their huge energy in the gospel if everyone was a priest, a Bible student, and a minister, then the local church was the centre of committed activity, and many believers were inspired to works of charity and compassion (Müller's orphanage, Dr Barnardo's homes) and extraordinary and evangelistic displays of Bible texts and evangelistic appeals. They had the highest level of missionary service of any denomination. All over the world - Russia, Africa etc., the Brethren became the backbone to Christian mission.
The New Zealand Brethren made a tremendous impact in a country where the church generally made a slow start. They scoured the back blocks with gospel vans and tract distributors, and their little assemblies made a marked impact, particularly in the Manawatu, the Waikato and South Otago dairy farming districts.
The commitment to overseas mission is a key reason for the remarkably high levels of Brethren missionaries who went out from New Zealand, including great men like J.H. Clapham and John Olley and remarkable women like Miss Gresham and Miss Rout.
There was also a pattern of wealthy people who gave very generously to the Lord's service, and got involved in simple preaching and tract distribution as well. R.A. Laidlaw, the founder of the Farmers Trading Company was one. He had a massive and dominating influence in the North Island of this country but was a blessing to many as the result of his generosity of spirit. There were others, too including L.B. Miller of Christchurch.