The Brethren also maintain that there is no actual sacrament of the Eucharist, and that the bread and wine should be understood only as a metaphor for fellowship. Members are divided into pairs (or occasionally three) and sent off to preach. The teams regather periodically for fellowship and to be assigned new companions and their next destination. The hierarchy is minimal. After the death of Roberts, four Elders were ordained as leaders. Some members are designated as "Older brothers" or "Middle brothers" according to time served in the group.
