5 Things You See at Amish Church Service

I first explain basics of Amish church and worship customs, and some things that make it different from most other Christian churches. Then we take a look at 5 things (some surprises) you can expect to see at an Amish church service.
00:00 Intro
00:43 Amish Church Basics (5 points)
03:15 Five Things You See at Amish Church
My name is Erik Wesner and I'm not Amish. Back in 2004, I met the Amish while selling books door-to-door. Since then, I've visited 5,000+ Amish homes & dozens of Amish communities. I run the Amish America website. More: amishamerica.com/
Image credits: S.I., Don Burke (www.flickr.com/photos/ozarkin..., Ed C., Mike Sparks, Elam Stoltzfus (individual Ausbund)
Amish singing "Lebt Friedsam" audio via Ed Yoder: • Lebt Friedsam

[@saraschlabach3832]

As an Amish person, I watched this to see an outsiders perspective and how accurate it is. I am pleased to say, this is all true.

[@shazzorama]

I’m glad Amish can now use the internet.

[@patrickgiambrone5840]

Hi Sara , where are you from ?

[@minkymott]

I respect you and your way of life. The Amish should be very proud that they hold to their values no matter what's going on in the world. My Mom used to say "If you don't stand for something, you will stand for anything." I'm sorry to say that's the path America has chosen.Not the Amish though.

[@neta565]

Hello, greetings from the UK!😁

[@pygmygiant]

Wonderful to hear this! How do you feel about the extent of interest in your cultures from non-Amish people? I can’t imagine how it must feel to be such a curiosity, I hope it isn’t a burden.

[@rev.ruthe.gallot9103]

I have been to a service only once, when a friend of mine in Lancaster Co was hosting it once when I was visiting the area ... I really like the schmierkase and I learned how to make the snitz pies.. The one thing I noticed that I found so heart warming was young parents with infants who would get up during the service and meet in the middle to hand the child from one parent to another if the child got fussy or little toddlers walking back and forth between parents. And how sweetly loving everyone was toward the children if they got antsy ... wish people were that tolerant and welcoming of children in every church.

[@AmishAmerica]

Great observation there! I think the Amish do an effective job of teaching children that they must behave in church. So above a certain age you don't really see kids getting loud and rambunctious as unfortunately I see sometimes in non-Amish church

[@Carol-sy3rf]

I saw the same thing at an Amish wedding. The young husbands would getup , walk over and pickup the fussy infant and return to the men’s side with the infant. Amazingly, the infants would quiet right down!

[@sandralane1923]

It’s good to hear about another community and customs/ lifestyles. Understanding of one another, is important for acceptance, hopefully.

[@AmishAmerica]

Good thought there.

[@chuckmenosky5106]

I always enjoy these videos as I'm in the process of buying an old farm in Livingston County, NY and not very far from the Amish. I appreciate you taking the time to explain so many different aspects of their culture!

[@AmishAmerica]

Glad to hear it Chuck, my pleasure. Congrats on getting the old farm, and funny enough the county name caught my eye. There was a story last year on Amish in the area, along with an Amish business map that might come in handy if you haven't seen it yet: democratandchronicle.com/story/money/business/2020/06/05/where-buy-amish-goods-livingston-county-quilts-food/3142560001/

[@angelaball4087]

Hi Eric, thanks for the videos, they are great! Any chance you could do a video on Amish humor? What makes them laugh? With my limited knowledge, I tend to think Amish are very serious about most matters.

[@AmishAmerica]

An Amish jokes vid? Hmm maybe I could share a few. My friends certainly like to rib on me from time to time :)

[@angelaball4087]

@@AmishAmerica I’d love to hear all the jokes! Some levity during these unsettled times is welcome…and really interested in this social function within their cultural context. Thanks Eric! 🙂

[@c.m.cordero1772]

Pretty sure some tourists’ questions make for great entertainment for them.

[@minkymott]

I've had so many questions about the Amish and you're answering them as I watch your videos. Thank you for an insightful and respectful way of doing that.

[@grahamhayden8969]

You and Peter Santenello have been putting up some good content about the Amish lately. Peter’s videos in Holmes county right now are pretty interesting as well.

[@AmishAmerica]

Thanks, Graham. Peter's got a great series going right now. Really enjoyed the one today

[@kimfleury]

Snoozing while kneeling to pray = Resting in the Lord 🙏🏻😇😁

[@southernoregoncatmom6519]

Good way of saying it.😁

[@ginj5375]

Some of the most beautiful singing and harmonizing I've ever heard came from one Mennonite service we were invited to. Love all your videos.

[@AmishAmerica]

Thank you!

[@joshwillguthrie1826]

I like these videos. I grew up in Holmes country and had friends who are Amish. I knew a lot about their way of life since I literally grew up with them, but I’m still learning a lot more

[@AmishAmerica]

Glad to hear that Joshua - and you know what, it's been 17 years and I'm still learning things too :)

[@joshwillguthrie1826]

@@NotOnDrugs not usually. There is a point in time when the old order Amish kids leave the church for a few years and usually find their partners. But usually those partners are other Amish. Some Amish kids do leave the church and they date whomever they want to

[@joshwillguthrie1826]

@@NotOnDrugs I guess. It’s a range just like any other people

[@rubyhammock696]

I am from Tennessee, and we go to Kentucky for homegrown vegetables during the summer months. I was invited to the Mennonite Church. I haven’t got to go yet, but I want too.

[@crestonhardcastle7631]

I love reading Amish fiction as crestons wife Beverly Lewis and Wanda brunstetter I love many things about them them and the menonites I love learning about when they leave and never look back while going the struggles of leaving their Amish way of life through shows and books and interviews of those who leave as well as learning those who stay and don't leave

[@isaweesaw]

Amish peanut butter sounds divine. Amazing how it has become a staple of their culture too

[@AmishAmerica]

It is great but I like it paired with the spread cheese (schmierkase) to offset the sweetness a bit. Turns out my sweet tooth has shrunk since I was younger:D

[@isaweesaw]

@@AmishAmerica it seems strange that such a plain culture has some well-developed cuisine. I'd love Amish PB on toast every morning I reckon

[@melissavancl_2090]

I'm so glad I found your channel. Thank you.

[@AmishAmerica]

Glad you found it too!

[@larrykoz4009]

I was told by an Amish man that some Amish churches will do the service in English if they know in advance that a non Amish will be in attendance.

[@AmishAmerica]

Do you know which church/area the man was talking about? New Order church possibly? I don't recall hearing of anyone doing the *full* service in English, but of course it's possible

[@larrykoz4009]

@@AmishAmerica no he didn’t mention the community, but he and several other families left Washington country Ky for a community in Virginia over just this issue. He felt they should use English in order to evangelize the English.

[@deborahhalcomb4562]

Falling asleep during church service is not uncommon in any denomination. LOL Another reason the Amish may fall asleep is the morning chores that have to be done every morning like cow milking. We had a dairy farmer who used a portable listening device connected to the sound system during church so he could walk around the church property and buildings and listen to the sermon. It was a strange thing to see him when you didn't know why he wandered during service.

[@sonyafox3271]

Yes, especially in small country churches, we knew a guy every time shortly after the preacher started his sermon, there was that guy sitting next to his wife sonked out for everyone to see. It was like we were waiting for a deep snore to come out. It was funny cause his mouth would be opened like he was waiting for bees to drop in. Lol

[@tdmccoy1211]

We are livestock farmers and 9-10 is the perfect napping time after early morning chores and a big country breakfast!

[@laurafranich4807]

I think we fall asleep in church because it's the one place where we can feel perfectly safe and comfortable

[@lorisarchet7732]

Snoozing in church.....they are truly resting in the Lord.

[@Milk427]

Just found your channel and am really enjoying them. Ever since visiting relatives in Lancaster PA when I was 10 in 1983 I’ve been obsessed with the Amish. My relatives are River Brethren (apparently my great-grandfather was that and left it when he was young. We still have distant relatives that are). I’d love to see a video about Amish Schools and their education. I’m rather familiar with some aspects of it, but it’s a topic I think is very interesting and I could learn something more. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve seen so far and I’ve learned a lot. I thought I knew a lot but have learned even more. Keep it up.

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

I lived in a community in S Ohio. Mostly Mennonites and I often went to the church, but some older order Amish. Good neighbors. I was a jack-leg vet and a hippie but accepted. I found foot-washing very moving.

[@blueicequeen19]

I've attend a Reformed Baptist Church my whole life and our services are 2 hours long. The pastor also preaches for 45min to an hour, we go through a book of the Bible at a time. Right now we are studying Nehemiah in the Old Testament.

[@21stcenturyozman20]

Sarah N. - When I trained for the ministry 50+ years ago, one of the golden rules taught us was that 20 minutes was the maximum length of a sermon. "If you can't say what you have to say in 20 minutes you don't know your subject."

[@blueicequeen19]

@@21stcenturyozman20 It's not just about presenting the topic or passage at hand, anyone can do that in 20 minutes. My pastors have all been diligent to not only provide the historical and Biblical context but provide an application to our lives now and give a clear explanation of the Gospel in each sermon. When we are studying Old Testament books, they explain how Christ is seen in all of scripture which is typology. I have listened to 20-minute sermons and they are anemic.

[@emmib1388]

@@blueicequeen19 sounds like you are describing a Bible Study -- if the preacher talks for more than 20 minutes -- everything after that is pretty much lost. Attention spans don't last longer than about 20 minutes/

[@813infinityfilms123]

Always interesting videos,! Thanks!

[@michellelogreco3351]

Thank you, love the insights🙏🏻💕

[@stephenhoughton632]

The remark about people sleeping reminds me of the time I had arrived in Vienna after a long and not restful flight I went to look at St Stephen's cathedral and knelt down and took a good hour's nap.

[@nancyl3843]

I so enjoy these videos. Thank you and God bless you.

[@AmishAmerica]

Thanks Nancy my pleasure! God bless you too

[@bostonrailfan2427]

the back wall might seem nice, until you feel the cold coming through the stone or brick 😉 re: the meals. the food is tasty but it’s also packed with energy. it’s easy to argue that you’ll revitalize your body after the tiring holiness of the service allowing you to go about the next two weeks before needing the holiness recharge

[@patriciagray4085]

Plus the animals and certain chores have to be taken care of before Church

[@deewagoner3133]

Eric, Thanks for sharing. I enjoy your Video's! I also agree Some humor would be Great! 😊

[@debbimeyersbrant5752]

Very enjoyable video thank you

[@AmishAmerica]

Glad you liked it Debbi!

[@debbimeyersbrant5752]

@@AmishAmerica I really did enjoy it thank you

[@jennifery5353]

I would say, to add to the experience of Amish church is about the singing. One song that is sung at every church service (I can’t remember if it’s always the second song) is called Das Loblied song (the praise song) it’s all in German and they do a call and response thing where a man (one) dose the first word of every line and then the whole church responds with the rest of the line given. No instruments, just voices. It’s beautiful. And it’s unique. It sends chills down your spine (at least mine) They sing it syllable by syllable vs word by word. So a song can take 20 or so minutes to get through. The last time I visited them, we asked them if they would please sing it for us and they did.

[@stephengriffin4612]

Lovely!

[@golddustwoman4993]

Primitive Baptists have a similar church schedule

[@emsdiy6857]

I would love to see a video on amish biblical doctorain .thank you for the videos.

[@georgiafrye2524]

I have had many three hour face to face Graduate classes years ago that met once a week before on line classes. We did get a 10 min. break.

[@carlthornton3076]

Very Good!.

[@buckspa]

A suggestion for a potential video is Amish headwear, types, significance of color, etc. I don't think you have done a video about that topic and I couldn't find much about it on Amish America.

[@williambarr2698]

The first service I attended was one of the very long service little did I know. The service lasted till about 3 my thought was how do they this every two weeks. I realized the first minister started with Adam & Eve end after a hour and a half he was up to Moses, he sat down and the next minister jumped up and preached from there. At noon they started to allow a pew at a time got to go to the table. It was a lower group and they ate the milly bona soup from a common pot. Everyone just stuck their spoon in this common pot. Ahh I passed, I've never been even able to take something from another's plate even if the item was untouched. I guess I'm a germ a pobe. So I had bread and butter.

[@fr.gregblevins9825]

Hey Eric: Just discovered your channel and I am enjoying learning about the Amish. I have an interest in all such groups whose faith impels them to live as distinctive communities, whether Amish, Mennonite, Bruderhof, monastics within larger Catholic and Orthodox Churches, or others, Christian or non-Christian. I don't know if you've ever been able to attend an Amish Communion service, but I'm wondering if you could do a video on that as well as about Amish baptismal practice. Thanks, Fr. Greg

[@AmishAmerica]

Glad you found it Fr. Greg! I haven't attended those two types of services, Communion and the Council service that happens two weeks before it are for members only. I'm not sure how they would be about a non-Amish guest at a Baptism, come to think of it. Anyway, I will likely do a video as best I can, on those topics at some point in future, thanks for the suggestion 👍

[@elnoradarby2209]

Very interesting

[@brianwinters5434]

The long time pastor of the church I attended wrote hid doctoral dissrtation called living stones. The church I now attend is located in an office complex.

[@sophiemorrison9820]

I have vacationed in and about Lancaster county, pa many times. Is this where you are based? I thought I knew so much about Amish life but I always learn a new thing or two. Thank you.

[@patrickgiambrone5840]

It’s a time in my life as I am retiring , to take a step back and live a more plain life , this world as it is is not for me. Time to get back to church and live a life closer to God. Tose pies and jams and peanut butter look great. I would love to get my hands on some.

[@mattm8120]

The Apostolic Christian Church of America practices the holy kiss as well. We also have a meal in between the morning and afternoon services.

[@nathanbrompton453]

I've been looking at a few of your videos. I find the Amish fascinating. I would describe myself as an English Christian traditional conservative (not Tory). It is my part religious and part political belief that a Christian founded society makes for a stronger healthier society. I look at the Amish with envy.

[@megangreene3955]

I think it would be helpful to understand standard modern German. Pennsylvania Dutch is similar enough that you would be able to pick out a lot more of the sermon.

[@Dobj319]

Thank you for this. It satisfies a lot of curiosity. What do the do on the “off” Sundays? How often do they observe communion and do they use wine or juice?

[@AmishAmerica]

Sure thing. On the off Sunday there may be prayer/Bible reading at home, or you can visit another church service (for instance, your brother or sister or another close relative in another district may be holding church at their home). Off Sunday is also for rest, spending time with family, and visiting. They mostly use wine for communion (though some use grape juice, like the New Order). Communion is observed twice yearly (spring and autumn).

[@sonyafox3271]

All churches are only allowed to use grape juice, the church, I was raised in they went to red grape juice. When, I was a kid in the 70s growing up it was put into federal law that, whine could no longer use wine. The reason this law, because, young children were partaking in communion, but, not only did they make it a federal law but, it’s also supposed to be a state law as well. That’s so, these under age children are protected. Even the churches that still do the wine, there not supposed to. If there giving out wine to children and these churches get caught there’s a steep fine and, those churches can be shutdown. The churches that use wine are sneaking it in. I am pretty sure this law never got changed or reversed.

[@DarDarBinks1986]

@@sonyafox3271 The church my grandparents went to when I was younger was interdenominational and they used grape juice and matzo for communion. This was in the '90s and early 2000s.

[@AmishAmerica]

Amish communion wine is for baptized members and baptism typically happens from age 18-22. Not sure what "young children" and "all churches" is referring to here

[@kimfleury]

@@sonyafox3271 Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, and all the Catholic Churches (Eastern and Western) use _only_ wine made from grapes. I'm not sure about Oriental Orthodox, but the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics begin giving infants Holy Communion on the day of their baptism or the first Sunday following baptism. The way they share Communion is with leavened bread made only from wheat, broken into small pieces, and dipped into the wine. Infants are given the smallest particle. Western Catholic children receive First Holy Communion at the age of 7 or older. The tradition has varied, from receiving only the wafer of unleavened bread, to receiving the bread and a sip from the communal cup that everyone drinks from. It was allowed in the 1970s until the bishops changed it in 2020 because of that rotten disease that plagues us til this day. I think the old way prior to 1969 was for only the priest to drink the wine. They believe the bread and wine are the entire body and blood of Christ, so they say the members of the Church may receive either the bread or the wine, or both, except during a bad flu season when they would rather not spread the disease on a common drinking chalice.

[@2loonscalling437]

So with all those people packed into one spot for so long, are there bathrooms??? Seems like the local outhouse would get filled up fairly quickly. Cool video. Still disturbed by the kiss on the lips...

[@VomBethel]

Snitz pie is also called Schnitz pie if anyone is looking for it.

[@rayfridley6649]

@13:55: Have you had shoo fly pie? Very rich with molasses.

[@AmishAmerica]

Yes though it is not my favorite. I don't mind it once in awhile though, doused in milk.

[@mixe]

I've been raised Catholic and the church I go to has mass that is about an hour and a half long. That seems long to me because it used to be an hour but a new father came in and he talks more, though sometimes it can be fun! One time someone near the front said, "Imagine the dad didn't let his son back home [after he used up all his early inheritance money.]" And the priest said, "Yeah, he just.." *kicks the air* "...and said I don't want you back." (I forgot what the names of the people in the story were)

[@crestonhardcastle7631]

As crestons wife thank you for showing this I've been interested in knowing how they do things and how they worship in their churches I do know a little bit about congregational singing and hymns and I'm almost positive that the women sit with the women and the men with the men only if they are single I believe the married couples can sit together if they choose to that's really I knew about how they worship in churches

[@MrMockingbird1313]

This is an excellent video. So Eric, is there any practical way to learn this Pennsylvania Dutch language they use? Are there books written in the language?

[@AmishAmerica]

Thanks! There are a couple of resources I can suggest - Douglas Madenford is a non-Amish PA Dutch native speaker who has a passion for teaching and preserving the language. He's got a neat YT channel here: kzbin.info He also wrote a book called Schwetz mol Deitsch! An Introductory Pennsylvania Dutch Course. So he is non-Amish in SE PA and approaches it from that standpoint (at one time PA Dutch was widely spoken by non-Amish/Mennonite in the region), so it might not be identical to the PA Dutch Amish speak there or other places (accent/words can vary), but he seems to be very good. Another option is the book Speaking Amish by Lillian Stoltzfus, who sadly passed away last year. This is a simpler beginner's guide, but with a more Amish orientation (she has photos of I believe her Amish family members in the book, and I am pretty sure she was raised Amish). www.amazon.com/Speaking-Amish-Lillian-Daniel-Stoltzfus/dp/1601263724 PA Dutch is generally not considered a written language (Amish write primarily in English) but it obviously has been written in different formats and there are at least a couple PA Dutch dictionaries as well. Hope that helps

[@MrMockingbird1313]

@@AmishAmericaThank you for this very good information. Years ago when driving a big rig, an Amish customer needed an interpreter to understand what I was delivering. I almost needed an interpreter to understand the interpreter. I had a number of meetings with Amish and Mennonites over the years and it was always memorable.

[@isaweesaw]

Video idea, maybe you've covered it I'm not sure. Amish music? I'm aware they mostly do gospel, but they often get associated with country of some kind. Is there a musical tradition among any Amish sects? I often compare the Amish to the Hasidic Jews, who are similar in a lot of ways to the Amish, but have music as front and centre in their worship and celebrations

[@AmishAmerica]

This was a good suggestion by you and at least one other person Cal. So I just finished this new one on Amish & Music. Covers Amish singing, use of musical instruments, and whether they like popular music: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGbEm6CtntCMjdk

[@crestonhardcastle7631]

As crestons wife wow that's how they worshipped when my grandma was alive very long worship time and black people in their churches many of them still have long service times and most churches used to have men and women who were single sit the men with the men women with the women not just teenagers but adults too

[@SantaFe19484]

Do you have a video about what Amish baptisms are like?

[@jamiemassey8953]

I’ve often wondered if having church at each families home is a way to make sure rules are being followed Also if church is at your house do others in the church come to your home and help clean and prepare for church?

[@pygmygiant]

How long are American church services normally? I’m Jewish so don’t have much context but a 3+ hour sabbath service followed by a community meal is exactly what to expect at most synagogues on Shabbat morning (other services through the week at only like 20-40 mins) so it didn’t sound unusual.

[@emmib1388]

in general, three hours -- some could be longer if there was any church business to discuss (only church members would participate in this -- usually after the service is over and while the meal is being set up)

[@felixguerrero6062]

Evangelical services are about 60-90 minutes and Catholic Mass is 90 minutes in the US.

[@yarnprepper]

Can you buy that peanut butter in Amish stores? We shop at one in Wisconsin.

[@AmishAmerica]

It would depend on the store, some of the simpler and more Amish-geared ones wouldn't have it as they make it homemade, but those that are more tourist oriented are more likely to.

[@crestonhardcastle7631]

As crestons wife I really enjoy your channel there are many things I love as well as dislike about the Amish mainly what I do not like about them is that they are cult judgemental critical and shun their kids and they will have nothing more to do with them and within their communities if they have already joined the church through baptism yet they encourage them to leave to leave to see if they want that life they do some things that there are putting them in temptations way like when they are engaged letting them sleep in the bed with each other they encourage and tell them they can't have sex or get to close when it comes to kissing or fondling they encourage what could happen or encourage things that they are against I don't understand why they encourage things that are very tempting and they say but you can't do that it's like dangling a carrot in front them yet you are never get the carrot or are allowed it's putting them in temptations and they blame them or shame when they are part of why their kids did what they did by putting them in temptations way

[@marvthedog1972]

30 families, with a rough guess of 5 to 8 people per family.. hardly a 'small church' by my count. 150 to 240 people..

[@b.powell3480]

Great video ! I pray that the Amish churches are teaching about the coming tribulation of the world, in light of what's happening right now with our country, I know the Amish communities are mostly disconnected from the outside world, no electricity, cell phones, etc, but as a Christian, I hope their ministers are preaching on the book of Revelation from the Bible ! God tells us that we need to prepared for the rapture and be vigilant !

[@debrajahnke5904]

People fall asleep in church in about any service lol

[@emmib1388]

and for the same reasons -- we are all human!

[@MarySanchez-qk3hp]

When he calls these people "Pennsylvania Dutch," know that the name "Dutch" was a modification of the name "Deutsch," which means "German" and is what people in Germany call themselves. Language changes over time.

[@marybillups8901]

One of my younger sisters would be saying that’s not true, even though she doesn’t do research nor asks questions….because she likes to argue that she’s right. She then has to be told otherwise, then she says oh, sh didn’t know that. I literally can’t stand to be around her long, because of her character.

[@joeanderson9431]

Just a point of fact Amish speak a mix of 3 or 4 languages mixed together and because of being in Pennsylvania and the general populace of America not being familiar with Germanys actual name duetzland started calling them Pennsylvania Dutch now pure German isn't so simple either there's 6 variations of high German and 6 variations of low German

[@deannajunkin3696]

Do the Amish celebrate Holy Communion in any way? Does their church recognize any sacraments?

[@emmib1388]

a general statement -- communion is celebrated twice a year - in the spring and the fall. And before someone becomes a member, they are baptized.

[@myragroenewegen5426]

So Amish churches are house churches, held in a home. But is it more common than not to alternate homes, carrying needful items between, as you describe? Purely for convenience sake, I can understand the impulse to pick someone with a big and/or central house and let them always hold church there. But perhaps that's viewed as undue work or status for the household chosen, and thus usually avoided. Which is most common, or is it hard to say?

[@emmib1388]

each family hosts the church service -- usually once or twice a year -- remember they only go every other week. There is a bench wagon that will transport the benches from home to home and other family members will help with the cleaning up of the home and yard the week prior. It may be held in the home (sometimes built so that the walls can be removed) or in a barn or outbuilding.

[@myragroenewegen5426]

@@emmib1388 Ahh. Now I see how it works.

[@aandg3479]

Our conservative baptist church chooses pastors and deacons the same way the Amish do. Our leaders don't go through seminaries. We also practice the holy kiss as well.

[@thistlemoon1]

A lot of the English language is based on German and Spanish. If you listen hard enough you can pick up some words.

[@kimfleury]

Latin, not Spanish, but Spanish is a Latin language, also called Romance language because Latin is what the Romans spoke.

[@sonyafox3271]

The holy kiss would kind of be a bit weird, and it’s like there you go off to church and suddenly the whole congregation is a kissing on each other., that would be a eye opener. But, I would be the person sitting there laughing and yet, trying not to laugh, but, I wouldn’t be able to stop. I was raised in the Church of Christ and, during the opening of the service after a few songs and right before the preacher comes to preach we greet each other for a bit with hand shake. That scripture also was how Christ was supposed to reverence the church as being a Christian church and those that worshiped him/ followers of Christ.Therefore, us being called Christians.

[@DorisTheChicken3013]

The Holy Kiss, whoa. The first time I ever saw that, yikes!

[@KameraShy]

What is a "member"? Versus non-member? What Bible do they use? Are men and women seated separate? What if you really, REALLY need to go to the bathroom?

[@emmib1388]

A member is one who actually joins the church and makes a public profession of faith. A nonmember would be those who attend but have not yet joined the church. Yes, men and women sit separately. And if you really really have to go to the bathroom, you leave, do your business and come back :-) The Bible used during the service is in German -- and most likely the Bible at home would be the KJV

[@myeflatley1150]

Formerly, the Amish held meeting on Sunday, not a "worship service". And, it was not at all biblical. Benches faced to a center aisle. Men sat on one side, women on the other. Announcements and public personal confessions were the largest part of meeting. Response to other persons was welcome.

[@JohnThompson-fr8uv]

Would you explain why the Amish always just have silent prayer verses a leader praying aloud.

[@crestonhardcastle7631]

As crestons wife that is nice I'm a bit surprised that they allow us outsiders to their churches that's nice

[@mr.bluegrass9723]

how can they sit on those benches with 3 hours with no backs ?

[@emmib1388]

they start from a young child and they get used to it ....

[@rosewillis6018]

Do u have a lunch?

[@johnkerry6312]

Entirely in Pennsylvania Dutch

[@johnkerry6312]

Variety, dialect, language

[@johnkerry6312]

U.S. Census Bureau considers that to be a separate language, so they can’t be grouped in with German speakers in America

[@johnkerry6312]

No television, radio, internet, video games, but they definitely can read.

[@pusscat1147]

If the Amish services are so long are they allowed to pop to the bathroom during the service?

[@AmishAmerica]

Yes if nature calls it must be answered :) Related: in some churches, some Amish males (youth, but also likely some adults as well) take a smoke break. That's something that would be looked down upon by a lot of churches though, especially those which discourage tobacco use

[@pusscat1147]

@@AmishAmerica I thought they were super strict but now I think super strictness comes from the Victorian era. There were some Amish youths that were brought to the UK and the kids had no trouble putting their elbows on the dinner table. So I think the victorians tried to make life as uncomfortable as possible to catch people out but the Amish are obviously pre-victorian and love their families

[@cajbaf]

The Amish I know personally all take turns having church at their houses.

[@AmishAmerica]

That's right, it rotates. Depending on the size of the church you could end up hosting it once or twice a year. Or more often in the small settlements and districts

[@janicem9225]

I've been told that only an Amish minister or bishop is allowed to read the Bible, not others in the community, even at home. I don't believe that at all, to be honest, but that's something floating around anymore, along with many other crazy things about them. Is that actually a falsehood?

[@crestonhardcastle7631]

As crestons wife I love their food and their simple of life and their hard working values but the truth is they are a cult and I've heard many testimonies of adult kids who left the amish life that they grew up in during when their kids are told to go out live in the world for a time and they can come back but if they are not baptized it's ok they are welcomed more to visit their people but if they are baptized and considered members and if they choose to live in the world their parents relatives and Amish community will not have anything more to do with them anymore and many of them marry within their families they are some how related as cousins I read Amish fiction books and I am also are about to read a woman who left and never looked back all the people who leave for good and all have similar testimonies

[@813infinityfilms123]

,😁

[@crestonhardcastle7631]

As crestons wife I like that they worship at homes I don't like church buildings that's religion

[@october5238]

this is how American have to be living

[@kathleenking47]

Some did similar, before stores opened on sundays. Whrn stores were CLOSED on sundays, people saw each other more. Even if they didnt attend church

[@Jankz23]

Why is the Amish so interesting lmao

[@cajbaf]

That is a good question because everyone used to live that way and worked so hard to change. And now they are interested because Amish remained doing so.

[@Jankz23]

@@cajbaf like not even about them being hard workers there culture is kinda cool

[@jakestellar4600]

#1 AMISH PEOPLE #2 No women that were born men #3 no handicapped parking #4 no Step-Fathers #5 no signal

[@DarDarBinks1986]

Can you point to us on the doll where transgender people hurt you?

[@jakestellar4600]

@@DarDarBinks1986 *points to foot 🦶

[@qqq1q1qqqqqqq]

They do have stepfathers. Widows with children remarry, as do widowers. But it's not due to divorce or women making the choice of single motherhood. At least not the voluntary choice. I feel like it understand what you were saying but it may give some people the wrong idea, if they are just starting to learn about Amish culture.