The Brethren (means "brothers," used to refer to early Christians) movement grew out of a desire by some Christians in the early 19th century in Britain to return to what they believed to be a form of worship similar to that of the early church. They rejected a clergy or a church hierarchy. In their worship, they sought a freer form. Prompted by these, Christians in several British towns left the established churches to meet in small, independent groups, and considered themselves as non-denominational. But, in the course of time, however, they were seen as another denomination by other Christians and the term "Brethren" was used to refer to them.

The Brethren movement actually started in Dublin in 1820s, but the formal congregation to be organized began in Plymouth in England; hence the name Plymouth Brethren.

 
Early Brethren: John Nelson Darby and George Muller

The Bethesda Bristol Assembly was one of the early centers of the Brethren movement, associated with people such as A. N. Groves, J. N. Darby, J. Parnell and G. Muller. From Bristol, early Brethren members went out on mission work. The Brethren was started in Singapore by Philip Robinson (founder of Robinson and Company) and a few others in 1864, the earliest denomination beside the Anglican.

Some of the distinctives of the Brethren are: fellowship of all believers regardless of denomination, no clear division between clergy and laity, on the basis of "priesthood of all believers" the service is unstructured and open (though woman's participation is restricted), autonomy of each assembly, and the leadership rests on, instead of a pastor, plurality of elders. The Brethren also believes that the church exists not only for the administration of the sacraments and the edification of believers, but also as a lively witness to the power of the gospel. These principles have characterized the Brethren churches in Singapore and elsewhere.