Authors: Donald B. Kraybill,Steven M. Nolt,David L. Weaver-Zercher
The Amish Way (11 page)
Like all spoken but unread parts of the service, the opening sermon is delivered in the Pennsylvania German dialect (except in a few districts that use a Swiss dialect). The message reminds the congregation why it has gathered and calls all members to humble themselves before God. “My uncle Jonas often mentions the story of Simeon in the Temple, when Simeon blessed [baby] Jesus,” Reuben, a minister, told us. The Bible says that “the Holy Spirit brought Simeon to the temple that day, and we should be coming to our church the same way: brought by the Holy Spirit, not just by habit.” Attuned to the rhythms of the seasons, the opening sermon often mentions the weather or the beauty of creation and God’s role as creator and provider. As the sermon concludes, everyone kneels for a silent prayer.
Following the prayer, everyone rises and stands for the reading of scripture, usually one full chapter, read from Martin Luther’s German translation. The particular Bible passage that is read is determined by the lectionary, the yearlong calendar of biblical texts used in worship (see Appendix II). “If this pattern were not followed, then the temptation would be to just preach on the pet doctrines of the ministers,” Deacon Kline explains.
7
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Many Christian communities use lectionaries, though the texts vary somewhat from one tradition to another. The Amish lectionary readings are
entirely
from the New Testament. About two-thirds of them are from the Gospels—the books of the Bible that recount the life, teaching, miracles, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—and most are from the Gospel of Matthew.
entirely
from the New Testament. About two-thirds of them are from the Gospels—the books of the Bible that recount the life, teaching, miracles, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—and most are from the Gospel of Matthew.
“We are very much focused on Jesus Christ as the son of God, and so the words and teaching and works of Jesus are very important,” noted Reuben. Another minister underscores the significance of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5-7. “In it, Jesus gave His listeners that masterpiece on the ‘how’ of living a Christian life,” the minister emphasized. The sermon covers “almost any situation that could come up in anybody’s life” and “is just as much for us today as it was for His listeners nearly two thousand years ago.”
8
Although some Christians regard Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount as an impractical ideal, the Amish think it should be followed literally.
8
Although some Christians regard Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount as an impractical ideal, the Amish think it should be followed literally.
Non-Amish Christians who are used to lively sermons enhanced with video clips or PowerPoint slides might be surprised at—or put to sleep by—the quiet cadence of an Amish sermon. The hour-long main sermon, which follows the Bible reading, embodies the values of humility and submission. Preachers typically begin with a biblical blessing, such as “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:3), and then confess their unworthiness to preach.
“One of the basic ideas you try to get across,” Reuben told us, “is ‘Here I am, I don’t know where I’m going [with the sermon], please pray for me.’ . . . One thing I also say is, ‘I don’t need to tell you my weaknesses because you can easily see them.’ ” Even seasoned preachers privately express their continuing need for humility and
uffgevva
as they give themselves up to God, without any sermon notes, for an hour.
uffgevva
as they give themselves up to God, without any sermon notes, for an hour.
Although bishops and ministers have no seminary training, they are prepared in other ways. Most sermons are patterned on a style of preaching that they have heard since they were children. Given the system of choosing ministers by drawing lots, every man knows he is a potential candidate. And that prospect prods men and boys to pay attention in church. “You never know if you might be the next preacher!” Reuben explained. “So you watch and listen and get ideas.”
In addition, bishops and ministers know the lectionary calendar, and they read the scheduled texts several times before each Sunday service. The main sermon always uses the week’s scripture reading as a starting point, but then often draws on Old Testament stories, the Psalms, and illustrations from contemporary life.
Some of the preparations Reuben makes as he anticipates preaching include reading the scripture text in German, looking in
Büchner’s German Concordance
for other biblical passages related to the theme, and getting outside ideas from the
Life Application Study Bible
or other books, such as
Happenings of the Bible
and
The Day Christ Died
. Despite such preparation, “You never know what will come forth [when preaching],” Reuben confessed. “You make mental notes as you study the text. . . . But when you sit down later [after the sermon], sometimes you are surprised by what you said, and you credit that to the work of the Holy Spirit.”
Büchner’s German Concordance
for other biblical passages related to the theme, and getting outside ideas from the
Life Application Study Bible
or other books, such as
Happenings of the Bible
and
The Day Christ Died
. Despite such preparation, “You never know what will come forth [when preaching],” Reuben confessed. “You make mental notes as you study the text. . . . But when you sit down later [after the sermon], sometimes you are surprised by what you said, and you credit that to the work of the Holy Spirit.”
Following the main sermon, several of the ordained men offer
Zeugniss
(testimony). They comment on the sermon and correct any errors the preacher may have made. “Sermons are subject to
Zeugniss
in order to ensure that . . . one man cannot run away with his pet theories,” Deacon Kline explains.
9
This rite underscores a remarkable fact: no one, not even the bishop, has the final word within the
Gmay
. Everyone must submit to someone and, in a way, to everyone.
Zeugniss
(testimony). They comment on the sermon and correct any errors the preacher may have made. “Sermons are subject to
Zeugniss
in order to ensure that . . . one man cannot run away with his pet theories,” Deacon Kline explains.
9
This rite underscores a remarkable fact: no one, not even the bishop, has the final word within the
Gmay
. Everyone must submit to someone and, in a way, to everyone.
After
Zeugniss
the congregation again kneels while one of the ministers reads a prayer from
Christenpflicht
, which ends with the Lord’s Prayer. The service concludes with a benediction and a final
Ausbund
hymn sung in a slow cadence.
Zeugniss
the congregation again kneels while one of the ministers reads a prayer from
Christenpflicht
, which ends with the Lord’s Prayer. The service concludes with a benediction and a final
Ausbund
hymn sung in a slow cadence.
It is not surprising that patience is a common theme in the worship service. In fact, one mother pointed out that seven of the lectionary readings emphasize patience and related ideas such as endurance or steadfastness, which “mean the same thing as patience,” in her words. And Jesse noted that, although it’s not in the lectionary, Colossians 3:12-13 is frequently mentioned by ministers. He quoted the passage from the New International Version: “Therefore as God’s chosen people holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” For Jesse, these verses are a key to understanding Amish spirituality.
Following the service, the men transform the worship space once again, rearranging the benches and setting up tables for the noon meal prepared by the women of the host household. Although everyone shares in the meal, there is not space for everyone to sit at once, so people eat in shifts with others of their age and gender. The simple meal (soup or sandwiches; pickles, beets, cheese, or other side dishes; pie; coffee) follows a traditional menu determined by the community. Having a set menu reduces the host family’s work and eliminates any competitive impulse to outdo another’s meal. Everyone lingers into the afternoon, visiting with one other. Relatives may stay longer to help with cleanup. In many communities, the young people return to the host home in the evening for socializing and singing German and English hymns and gospel songs.
The Amish style of worship may seem strange to people accustomed to more spontaneity. The somber faces, serious sermons, and slow singing may lead some people to conclude that Amish worship is a dry, tradition-bound ritual. Of course, all religious communities have traditions, even those with a less restrained and more lively style of worship. Amish or not, spontaneous or not, religious practices create patterns that, week in and week out, year after year, shape religious affections in certain ways. For the Amish, worship is a reminder that God is best adored by patient waiting and yielding to one another in time-tested ways. These ways may puzzle those unable to sit patiently through a three-hour service, but for the Amish they offer quiet peace in a perilous world.
The Amish do not observe Advent, Lent, or other historic seasons of the church year, but they do have a distinct ritual calendar that underscores the value of submission and the importance of unity in the
Gmay
. The highest and holiest moment of the Amish church calendar is the communion service, which is held twice a year, once near Easter and again in October.
k
Patterned after Jesus’ last meal with his disciples, communion commemorates his death through the sharing of bread and wine.
Gmay
. The highest and holiest moment of the Amish church calendar is the communion service, which is held twice a year, once near Easter and again in October.
k
Patterned after Jesus’ last meal with his disciples, communion commemorates his death through the sharing of bread and wine.
It is hard to exaggerate the importance of communion in Amish life. Unlike most Protestant and Catholic observances of communion, which focus on an individual’s standing before God, the Amish observance includes a communal dimension. For them, communion celebrates the unity of the
Gmay
as the people of God. For this reason, communion requires a time of preparation stretching over five Sundays, a prelude that stresses forgiveness and harmony within the church. And unlike communion in the larger Protestant and Catholic world, among the Amish, if discord prevails, the Lord’s Supper may be postponed for weeks or even months.
Gmay
as the people of God. For this reason, communion requires a time of preparation stretching over five Sundays, a prelude that stresses forgiveness and harmony within the church. And unlike communion in the larger Protestant and Catholic world, among the Amish, if discord prevails, the Lord’s Supper may be postponed for weeks or even months.
The five-Sunday sequence begins with the so-called New Birth Sunday, followed by an off-Sunday, Council Meeting, another off-Sunday, and finally Holy Communion. On New Birth Sunday the lectionary texts include John 3, and the main sermon focuses on the story of Jesus and Nicodemus and the necessity of the new birth. Baptisms are scheduled for this Sunday if there are candidates.
Two weeks after New Birth Sunday, the
Gmay
gathers for Council Meeting. This Sunday-morning service accents mutual submission and an affirmation of the
Ordnung
. In the first part of the service, a minister recounts the creation story in Genesis, the flood, the patriarchs, Old Testament prophecies of a promised savior, and then the birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus.
Gmay
gathers for Council Meeting. This Sunday-morning service accents mutual submission and an affirmation of the
Ordnung
. In the first part of the service, a minister recounts the creation story in Genesis, the flood, the patriarchs, Old Testament prophecies of a promised savior, and then the birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus.
In Matthew 18, the cornerstone scripture for the day, Jesus tells his disciples that, to enter the kingdom of heaven, they must humble themselves and become like small children. He also instructs them to reconcile disagreements and forgive one another, dozens of times if needed. Hence ministers admonish members to forgive those who have wronged them, so that the
Gmay
can celebrate the Lord’s Supper in unity two weeks later. “Forgiveness is always the theme of Council Meeting,” a bishop explained. “If anyone has an unforgiving attitude, they can’t partake in communion.” The message is clear: purge any grudges and repair broken relationships so that all can participate with clean hearts.
Gmay
can celebrate the Lord’s Supper in unity two weeks later. “Forgiveness is always the theme of Council Meeting,” a bishop explained. “If anyone has an unforgiving attitude, they can’t partake in communion.” The message is clear: purge any grudges and repair broken relationships so that all can participate with clean hearts.
The second part of Council Meeting (for members only) is the
Abstellung
, which means to “put away” or place off-limits. The bishop cites 1 Corinthians 14:33 and 40, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” and “Let all things be done decently and in order.” Then he outlines the
Ordnung
, reminding everyone of the
Gmay
’s commitment to simplicity and humility. Typically, the bishop begins by reviewing expectations for men’s clothing, hairstyles, and so on. Expectations for women come next, including an emphasis on mothers’ responsibility to nurture moral values in their children. Then he recounts prohibitions on such things as certain technologies and playing competitive sports in organized public leagues.The
Abstellung
concludes with admonitions against sexual immorality, alcohol abuse, drug use, and greed. “These should not have to be mentioned with God’s people,” one elderly bishop said, “but it seems warnings about these are necessary, given human nature.”
Abstellung
, which means to “put away” or place off-limits. The bishop cites 1 Corinthians 14:33 and 40, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” and “Let all things be done decently and in order.” Then he outlines the
Ordnung
, reminding everyone of the
Gmay
’s commitment to simplicity and humility. Typically, the bishop begins by reviewing expectations for men’s clothing, hairstyles, and so on. Expectations for women come next, including an emphasis on mothers’ responsibility to nurture moral values in their children. Then he recounts prohibitions on such things as certain technologies and playing competitive sports in organized public leagues.The
Abstellung
concludes with admonitions against sexual immorality, alcohol abuse, drug use, and greed. “These should not have to be mentioned with God’s people,” one elderly bishop said, “but it seems warnings about these are necessary, given human nature.”
At the conclusion of the service, the ministers ask each member if he or she is ready for communion. “This is a time of proving ourselves, and asking whether the vows made at baptism are still being kept,” said Reuben. “Only when we are in unity with the
Ordnung
and with one another can [communion] be observed.” First each ordained leader says, from his seat, “If communion can be held, I wish to participate, in my weakness. If I could be accepted, it would bring me deep joy. If I have offended anyone with words or deeds, I wish to be admonished about it in love, and would also hope to receive it in the same way, and make things right, with the Lord’s help.”
10
Then each member responds with similar words.
Ordnung
and with one another can [communion] be observed.” First each ordained leader says, from his seat, “If communion can be held, I wish to participate, in my weakness. If I could be accepted, it would bring me deep joy. If I have offended anyone with words or deeds, I wish to be admonished about it in love, and would also hope to receive it in the same way, and make things right, with the Lord’s help.”
10
Then each member responds with similar words.
Council Meeting is not a mere formality. If a cluster of members is not ready, not in harmony with each other or the
Ordnung
, communion may stall for weeks or months until the disagreement or dispute is resolved. Communion might be postponed, for example, if the congregation is at an impasse over the best way to deal with a member with an addiction, to change a technological practice, or to discipline a wayward minister. If only one or two members are quarreling or disgruntled with the church, communion will proceed without them, but the goal is full harmony. Council Meetings encourage deep soul-searching as members ponder their duty to forgive and to purge their hearts of bitterness. They are urged to confess their sins and to give themselves up completely to God and the
Gmay
so that all can celebrate unity in the upcoming communion service.
Ordnung
, communion may stall for weeks or months until the disagreement or dispute is resolved. Communion might be postponed, for example, if the congregation is at an impasse over the best way to deal with a member with an addiction, to change a technological practice, or to discipline a wayward minister. If only one or two members are quarreling or disgruntled with the church, communion will proceed without them, but the goal is full harmony. Council Meetings encourage deep soul-searching as members ponder their duty to forgive and to purge their hearts of bitterness. They are urged to confess their sins and to give themselves up completely to God and the
Gmay
so that all can celebrate unity in the upcoming communion service.
On the off-Sunday that follows Council Meeting, members in some communities fast in the morning and spend time in introspection and prayer. A prayer for this day in the
Lust Gärtlein
devotional book includes a lengthy series of confessions and asks God’s help to “put off all envy, hate, and vengefulness of heart, and love and forgive everyone, as Thou also have loved me and forgiven me in Christ.”
11
Lust Gärtlein
devotional book includes a lengthy series of confessions and asks God’s help to “put off all envy, hate, and vengefulness of heart, and love and forgive everyone, as Thou also have loved me and forgiven me in Christ.”
11
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