Light Shining Old & New Order, & Beachy
Friday, March 11, 2022
Today I think it would be good for us to revisit evangelism among the Amish. And by Amish, I want us to consider the ways of the Old Order, New Order, and the Beachy Amish. I talked about this topic last summer here on this blog (Do the Amish Recruit? Why or Why Not?), but I want to dive a little bit deeper into it this time, and focus on the specific groups to a somewhat separate degree. Let's revisit this whole area of discussion and look at it. Particularly, today, let’s compare the practices of these three groups of Amish, and see how they go about recruiting others. We will also, in between all this discussion, consider how the lifestyles conceivably gear each group toward those ways, from upbringing to the living out of daily life.
The Amish in general, a popular group of folks they are. There is no doubt about the fact that people are interested in Amish culture. As a matter of point, a quick visit to Holmes County, Ohio, or Lancaster County. Pennsylvania, show that outsiders (to the Amish) have a great interest in the Amish ways, including their products whatever they may be (i.e. food or furniture). This is also been seen to a notable degree among television shows or programs which try to look at Amish culture to some level, whatever aspect that may be (not always a positive one. So it often finds itself to be a wilder picture than typically what is representative of the norm.)
Presumably, while Americans in general are interested in Amish culture, that, then kind of gives the plain or plainer people as a whole an opportunity to evangelize toward outsiders as they come to visit. It should be noted however, that there seems to be an overall standing back among people when it comes to viewing the Amish. It's as if folks want to admire them from afar, but do not want to really embrace the culture or system of which the Amish subscribe. It’s as if they are viewing a people to admire but not a people to follow. I believe that can make letting their lights shine a bit more difficult because others don't really want to be part of the group.
One reason why people might not like Amish ways is obviously because of their prohibition against certain technologies. General society wants to be able to use technology freely in any way they see fit. And the prohibition against cars, can patently have an effect on the way people perceive living their lifestyle. Electricity is the other obvious particular point in the case of discussing the prohibition of technology. And as I mentioned, this clearly becomes a hard sell for the Amish because if one wants to become Amish, then one would have to give up both their automobile and electricity.
A second reason could be the mere exclusivity of the group, and the fact that outsiders possibly see them as cut off from the rest of the world, or cut off from reality even. Since the Amish don’t have a whole lot of interaction with the outside world (for them) of the media, people might be afraid of their whole way of doing things. Perhaps there is a pride of life issue where people want to feel like they are thriving and succeeding in the modern ways of the world—in career, in ownership of various kinds of things, in hobbies, etc. The Amish way may be just too outdated for some to even desire or fathom it in their minds.
But there actually is an Amish people-group who do allow a more modern approach to living life. They are known as the Beachy Amish, or Amish-Mennonites. For instance, both cars and electricity are permitted in their mode of going about things. Certain folks could immediately assume then their way of living is no different from the normal American way, but actually their way involves a cross between typical Old Order ways of doing things and perhaps the typical American way. They are a bit more driven as it pertains to proselytizing, whether that be through one-on-one interactions or whether that be through organizations such as Christian Aid Ministries in Berlin, Ohio.
As a matter of fact, the Amish-Mennonite organization of Christian Aid Ministries exists, at least in part, to evangelize in different parts of the world. But the Amish, whether Old Order or Beachy Amish, find themselves in settings like factories and other modes of secular workplaces. While some Old Orders possibly view this as detrimental to an Amish person’s character, the Beachys overall might view this as an opportunity for evangelism. Undoubtedly relationships will be built in these types of settings. So it could be possible for the Old Order person, or the Beachy person to use their speech as a way to demonstrate that their church is something that is to be desired to people.
One fundamental aspect to this, and one of which I personally think is pivotal, is the fact that the Beachys, as well as New Order Amish people (at varying times), will use English in their public church services. The Old Orders, on the other hand, still use Pennsylvania Dutch, the native tongue of conceivably most or all Amish. While the Beachys and Old Order folks usually know Pennsylvania Dutch, it is understood that for the Beachys, they will use it in their homes only and perhaps their workplaces. The New Orders seems to use it all the time except when speaking to a person who only knows English.
Regardless, the point of lingo use is important because the use of English within church services without a doubt means that the message they proclaim can be heard to whoever happens to attend. New members can yet be created whereas this might not be possible in other settings (where there is the primary use of Dutch for instance). While the advantage then is increased still more so for the Beachys, people still have to enter the meetinghouse to partake. And for someone who knows nothing as pertains to the church in mind, that might be a rather difficult choice. Nonetheless, the advantage is also present in that the Beachy person can invite whosoever to their church service and work to evangelize by that method.
Obviously the degree of change from going to secular American society to a more plain way of living, namely the Old Order way, would be almost a shockingly dramatic change. There would be a lot of things that would have to be altered in one's lifestyle all the way down to what one wears as far as clothing and the language that one speaks in the household and with their fellow family and friends. It is a tall order for sure. However, the Beachy path provides a way for those who would perhaps wish to retain their use of automobiles, electricity, and the English language and yet live in a life that is sort of an in between of some Amish ways and even some typical American ways.
The whole stance of the Old Order practice seems like it would make it difficult for Old Orders to engage in missions and outreaches. We know that they have done that to particular degrees in the past. For example, I made mention of the Honduras adventure, that Jerry Eicher talks about in his autobiographical book (My Amish Childhood: A True Story of Faith, Family, and the Simple Life). But again due to the difference in lifestyle, the difference in language and the mere fact that the Amish don't really have any church occupations in and of themselves that would be solely geared toward evangelism, it might be rather difficult for Old Order outreach without some type of organizational structure geared toward that means. That being said, the Old Orders in and of themselves would probably wonder if such a feat was actually possible.
So then we have noted in the past that the Old Order’s population grows by the sheer amount of children they have within their families. In visiting Lancaster County at the end of summer last year, it was learned that the average family size was seven children. And it was seen that some families had upwards of 11 or 12 children. Of course, joining the church for them comes usually as a young adult when baptism is chosen. And one goes through that process and is baptized. It follows, or rather precedes, that the children are then evangelized, just by the mere fact that they attend church on a bi-weekly basis and obviously, they attend their parochial Amish schools which educate them in the ways of the Bible. I suppose to a certain degree, right? These schools naturally teach the literal creation account and the need to depend on Jesus Christ for the atonement of one sins. Prayer occurs every day and fellow classmates would be of the same mind in their beliefs.
We’ve all stood there on the side of the street watching an Amish buggy approach carrying a large family to who knows where. We’ve seen the Amish in their fields gathering this or that, often working with family members, usually their children, and hard at work picking that fruit so everyone can enjoy it. So it can be sold at market. So money can be made. Indeed, it is picturesque. It is quite the sight. Like looking back in time 150 years perhaps. Not something that is seen everyday. Refreshing against the backdrop of a life that is lived in the big city far away, or the hustle and bustle which can get the best of people.
Anyhow, the Old Order Amish believe they evangelize in the style described above by the way they live out their lives, by being the sojourners on the earth that shine their light toward others. And with the amount of tourists that get to see glimpses of them, I think they accomplish this form of light-shining pretty effectively. Again, people note the lifestyle. They survey how they live—plainly, simply, in giving things up, in a very family oriented manner, etc. They discern how they work, with their hands. They observe their dedication to whatever they are doing. Farming, craftsmanship—it’s all there. It’s all there to be seen by the tourists. Folks buy their products, and maybe also get a chance to talk with them for a short time. They see their ways. So, this form of witnessing is accomplished, and I believe the Amish are happy with that.
The Beachy’s undoubtedly also believe in witnessing without the use of the internet, but they will take a more evangelical approach in the case opportunity presents itself. Take, for example, the Beachy man named Josh who appeared last summer on Peter Santenello’s YouTube channel and spoke with him regarding the Beachy Amish way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MClv6aL7TEw). Since Beachys allow internet usage, this form of evangelism was allowed. And it ended up that millions of people were exposed to a Beachy Amish witness, and learned about some of their ways. Opportunities such as this are only possible with the use of technology. The Old Order’s wouldn’t likely use YouTube for outreach. Though, however, they could use the printing of publications to get their message out, and I suppose they do do this at some length. Old Order publishers exist like Pathway Publishers in Canada for such an endeavor.
It is also true that many Beachy churches use particular modern technologies on a regular basis to get their messages out. By messages, I mean the very sermons in audio or even video. For the audio, some Beachy churches post them every week. Some not every week but perhaps once a month. As a matter of fact, it was this very method of getting their message out that first brought me into the Beachy church in Holmes County. Surprisingly when I visited the church in Lancaster County, they posted their sermons via video online. They can be watched or listened to by anyone in the world.
Anyway, let’s consider the New Order Amish and evangelism as it pertains to technology. Interestingly enough, one might assume that the New Order is a high church versus the Old Order when it comes to tech. But, it depends on what manner of tech we are discussing. Recently with two in-person accounts, one first hand, and the other second-hand, have disconfirmed this. No, on the contrary. The New Order Amish reject the use of internet and the like more so than the Old Order Amish. Very interesting. The mind was very surprised in first learning about this. Indeed, recently a New Order man invited me to attend his New Order Amish service. Said it would be English for me on that day. That would be the only means by which I could understand it. There would be no posting anywhere (not that I didn’t wish to attend—it’s just in another state altogether).
Again, it is my belief that the Old Orders may want to devise a way to evangelize to the masses, even if that is just sharing messages from the Bible (or the message). Needless to say, that could be accomplished through the use of English. It’s not that people would necessarily have to join their group, but the message could be shared in such a way that they are just sharing what they believe about Jesus, rather than what they believe about the use of buggies versus automobiles for instance, or the use of electricity. Why couldn’t it be an effective methodology for them? It’s not about numbers anyway or converts, at least to some degree. I think a healthy group will thrive no matter what the conditions. The path is a light in and of itself for the people who are already part of the group.
But whatever group you consider, whether it be the Old Orders, New Orders, or the Beachy Amish, all of them have their own way of evangelizing. While the Old Orders might do it mostly and traditionally by mode of actions, the New Orders and Beachys do it by a mix of actions and speech. It is certainly true, as stated above, the watching of an Old Order family work the field is a witness in and of itself. And the church services of the New Order and Beachy way can be said to demonstrate the same kind of witness. Though the latter light-shining uses words with it, and I believe obviously there is a more likelihood of having a dramatic effect on people’s lives. At least all three groups evangelize, and for that I am thankful.
- Daniel Litton
To comment on this post, tap here to go to the comments page.
The Amish in general, a popular group of folks they are. There is no doubt about the fact that people are interested in Amish culture. As a matter of point, a quick visit to Holmes County, Ohio, or Lancaster County. Pennsylvania, show that outsiders (to the Amish) have a great interest in the Amish ways, including their products whatever they may be (i.e. food or furniture). This is also been seen to a notable degree among television shows or programs which try to look at Amish culture to some level, whatever aspect that may be (not always a positive one. So it often finds itself to be a wilder picture than typically what is representative of the norm.)
Presumably, while Americans in general are interested in Amish culture, that, then kind of gives the plain or plainer people as a whole an opportunity to evangelize toward outsiders as they come to visit. It should be noted however, that there seems to be an overall standing back among people when it comes to viewing the Amish. It's as if folks want to admire them from afar, but do not want to really embrace the culture or system of which the Amish subscribe. It’s as if they are viewing a people to admire but not a people to follow. I believe that can make letting their lights shine a bit more difficult because others don't really want to be part of the group.
One reason why people might not like Amish ways is obviously because of their prohibition against certain technologies. General society wants to be able to use technology freely in any way they see fit. And the prohibition against cars, can patently have an effect on the way people perceive living their lifestyle. Electricity is the other obvious particular point in the case of discussing the prohibition of technology. And as I mentioned, this clearly becomes a hard sell for the Amish because if one wants to become Amish, then one would have to give up both their automobile and electricity.
A second reason could be the mere exclusivity of the group, and the fact that outsiders possibly see them as cut off from the rest of the world, or cut off from reality even. Since the Amish don’t have a whole lot of interaction with the outside world (for them) of the media, people might be afraid of their whole way of doing things. Perhaps there is a pride of life issue where people want to feel like they are thriving and succeeding in the modern ways of the world—in career, in ownership of various kinds of things, in hobbies, etc. The Amish way may be just too outdated for some to even desire or fathom it in their minds.
But there actually is an Amish people-group who do allow a more modern approach to living life. They are known as the Beachy Amish, or Amish-Mennonites. For instance, both cars and electricity are permitted in their mode of going about things. Certain folks could immediately assume then their way of living is no different from the normal American way, but actually their way involves a cross between typical Old Order ways of doing things and perhaps the typical American way. They are a bit more driven as it pertains to proselytizing, whether that be through one-on-one interactions or whether that be through organizations such as Christian Aid Ministries in Berlin, Ohio.
As a matter of fact, the Amish-Mennonite organization of Christian Aid Ministries exists, at least in part, to evangelize in different parts of the world. But the Amish, whether Old Order or Beachy Amish, find themselves in settings like factories and other modes of secular workplaces. While some Old Orders possibly view this as detrimental to an Amish person’s character, the Beachys overall might view this as an opportunity for evangelism. Undoubtedly relationships will be built in these types of settings. So it could be possible for the Old Order person, or the Beachy person to use their speech as a way to demonstrate that their church is something that is to be desired to people.
One fundamental aspect to this, and one of which I personally think is pivotal, is the fact that the Beachys, as well as New Order Amish people (at varying times), will use English in their public church services. The Old Orders, on the other hand, still use Pennsylvania Dutch, the native tongue of conceivably most or all Amish. While the Beachys and Old Order folks usually know Pennsylvania Dutch, it is understood that for the Beachys, they will use it in their homes only and perhaps their workplaces. The New Orders seems to use it all the time except when speaking to a person who only knows English.
Regardless, the point of lingo use is important because the use of English within church services without a doubt means that the message they proclaim can be heard to whoever happens to attend. New members can yet be created whereas this might not be possible in other settings (where there is the primary use of Dutch for instance). While the advantage then is increased still more so for the Beachys, people still have to enter the meetinghouse to partake. And for someone who knows nothing as pertains to the church in mind, that might be a rather difficult choice. Nonetheless, the advantage is also present in that the Beachy person can invite whosoever to their church service and work to evangelize by that method.
Obviously the degree of change from going to secular American society to a more plain way of living, namely the Old Order way, would be almost a shockingly dramatic change. There would be a lot of things that would have to be altered in one's lifestyle all the way down to what one wears as far as clothing and the language that one speaks in the household and with their fellow family and friends. It is a tall order for sure. However, the Beachy path provides a way for those who would perhaps wish to retain their use of automobiles, electricity, and the English language and yet live in a life that is sort of an in between of some Amish ways and even some typical American ways.
The whole stance of the Old Order practice seems like it would make it difficult for Old Orders to engage in missions and outreaches. We know that they have done that to particular degrees in the past. For example, I made mention of the Honduras adventure, that Jerry Eicher talks about in his autobiographical book (My Amish Childhood: A True Story of Faith, Family, and the Simple Life). But again due to the difference in lifestyle, the difference in language and the mere fact that the Amish don't really have any church occupations in and of themselves that would be solely geared toward evangelism, it might be rather difficult for Old Order outreach without some type of organizational structure geared toward that means. That being said, the Old Orders in and of themselves would probably wonder if such a feat was actually possible.
So then we have noted in the past that the Old Order’s population grows by the sheer amount of children they have within their families. In visiting Lancaster County at the end of summer last year, it was learned that the average family size was seven children. And it was seen that some families had upwards of 11 or 12 children. Of course, joining the church for them comes usually as a young adult when baptism is chosen. And one goes through that process and is baptized. It follows, or rather precedes, that the children are then evangelized, just by the mere fact that they attend church on a bi-weekly basis and obviously, they attend their parochial Amish schools which educate them in the ways of the Bible. I suppose to a certain degree, right? These schools naturally teach the literal creation account and the need to depend on Jesus Christ for the atonement of one sins. Prayer occurs every day and fellow classmates would be of the same mind in their beliefs.
We’ve all stood there on the side of the street watching an Amish buggy approach carrying a large family to who knows where. We’ve seen the Amish in their fields gathering this or that, often working with family members, usually their children, and hard at work picking that fruit so everyone can enjoy it. So it can be sold at market. So money can be made. Indeed, it is picturesque. It is quite the sight. Like looking back in time 150 years perhaps. Not something that is seen everyday. Refreshing against the backdrop of a life that is lived in the big city far away, or the hustle and bustle which can get the best of people.
Anyhow, the Old Order Amish believe they evangelize in the style described above by the way they live out their lives, by being the sojourners on the earth that shine their light toward others. And with the amount of tourists that get to see glimpses of them, I think they accomplish this form of light-shining pretty effectively. Again, people note the lifestyle. They survey how they live—plainly, simply, in giving things up, in a very family oriented manner, etc. They discern how they work, with their hands. They observe their dedication to whatever they are doing. Farming, craftsmanship—it’s all there. It’s all there to be seen by the tourists. Folks buy their products, and maybe also get a chance to talk with them for a short time. They see their ways. So, this form of witnessing is accomplished, and I believe the Amish are happy with that.
The Beachy’s undoubtedly also believe in witnessing without the use of the internet, but they will take a more evangelical approach in the case opportunity presents itself. Take, for example, the Beachy man named Josh who appeared last summer on Peter Santenello’s YouTube channel and spoke with him regarding the Beachy Amish way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MClv6aL7TEw). Since Beachys allow internet usage, this form of evangelism was allowed. And it ended up that millions of people were exposed to a Beachy Amish witness, and learned about some of their ways. Opportunities such as this are only possible with the use of technology. The Old Order’s wouldn’t likely use YouTube for outreach. Though, however, they could use the printing of publications to get their message out, and I suppose they do do this at some length. Old Order publishers exist like Pathway Publishers in Canada for such an endeavor.
It is also true that many Beachy churches use particular modern technologies on a regular basis to get their messages out. By messages, I mean the very sermons in audio or even video. For the audio, some Beachy churches post them every week. Some not every week but perhaps once a month. As a matter of fact, it was this very method of getting their message out that first brought me into the Beachy church in Holmes County. Surprisingly when I visited the church in Lancaster County, they posted their sermons via video online. They can be watched or listened to by anyone in the world.
Anyway, let’s consider the New Order Amish and evangelism as it pertains to technology. Interestingly enough, one might assume that the New Order is a high church versus the Old Order when it comes to tech. But, it depends on what manner of tech we are discussing. Recently with two in-person accounts, one first hand, and the other second-hand, have disconfirmed this. No, on the contrary. The New Order Amish reject the use of internet and the like more so than the Old Order Amish. Very interesting. The mind was very surprised in first learning about this. Indeed, recently a New Order man invited me to attend his New Order Amish service. Said it would be English for me on that day. That would be the only means by which I could understand it. There would be no posting anywhere (not that I didn’t wish to attend—it’s just in another state altogether).
Again, it is my belief that the Old Orders may want to devise a way to evangelize to the masses, even if that is just sharing messages from the Bible (or the message). Needless to say, that could be accomplished through the use of English. It’s not that people would necessarily have to join their group, but the message could be shared in such a way that they are just sharing what they believe about Jesus, rather than what they believe about the use of buggies versus automobiles for instance, or the use of electricity. Why couldn’t it be an effective methodology for them? It’s not about numbers anyway or converts, at least to some degree. I think a healthy group will thrive no matter what the conditions. The path is a light in and of itself for the people who are already part of the group.
But whatever group you consider, whether it be the Old Orders, New Orders, or the Beachy Amish, all of them have their own way of evangelizing. While the Old Orders might do it mostly and traditionally by mode of actions, the New Orders and Beachys do it by a mix of actions and speech. It is certainly true, as stated above, the watching of an Old Order family work the field is a witness in and of itself. And the church services of the New Order and Beachy way can be said to demonstrate the same kind of witness. Though the latter light-shining uses words with it, and I believe obviously there is a more likelihood of having a dramatic effect on people’s lives. At least all three groups evangelize, and for that I am thankful.
- Daniel Litton
To comment on this post, tap here to go to the comments page.