 Today, most congregations have paid pastors, but their function is still somewhat limited, with the laity still taking a very active role in ministerial work.Brethren have been urged (and in earlier times compelled) to live a relatively simple lifestyle.At various points in their history, Brethren have been discouraged from attending fairs and carnivals, swearing oaths, driving motorized vehicles, attending secular colleges, joining secret societies, filing lawsuits, gambling, and using tobacco or alcoholic beverages.