Why No Amish Man Wants To Be Chosen Minister (2 Reasons)

Ben explains how they choose ministers - and why no Amish man seeks the job. And, his own "close call".
"The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord." - Proverbs 16:33
0:00 Is Ben a minister?
0:18 How they choose
1:15 Amish spouse's secret
1:36 "The Lot"
3:46 Ben in the Lot
5:54 Why being chosen is scary
6:46 Reason #1 (why no one wants it)
9:01 What's "un-American" about the Amish ministry
11:36 Reason #2
12:06 The unknown preacher
13:02 Community support?
Ben Riehl belongs to an Old Order Amish church and lives with his family in Lancaster County, PA.
For full episodes of the Ben & Erik Show & more: / amishamerica
Image credits: Mike Sparks; Lauren Futch

[@alhart6126]

Being a "pastor or leader" understands the accountability that comes with that office ..must understan the true..fear of the Lord!

[@ajalicea1091]

We DO NOT VOTE for the pastor that will be responsible for the sheep fold/congregation. We are asked to PRAY & FAST; seek after GOD'S RE WILL. Ask God to lead and direct the ministry to make the right decision.

[@mamma8786]

We used the slips in the Bible not the song book.

[@davidhalldurham]

Wow, I didn't know about any of this. Thank you, Ben and Erik.

[@pamelacrowell2007]

I'd say that some who actually want the job are ones who want power over the community.

[@Biggestfoot10209]

That is your opinion. Everyone has one. And everyone has something else that they sit on.

[@pamelacrowell2007]

The Amish are mostly gentle community minded and generous. Like all communities, some do want and like power over others. Certainly not all desire this as most men who are called hope and pray that they won't have to serve as a Deacon or Bishop. It is a lifetime, unpaid role that carries a lot of responsibilities. If chosen, they serve well for the good of the community. But some actually desire the job as it carries lots of power over the community. Just as happens in the rest of the world.

[@Patricia-vv8yt]

To the person who said that they weren't sure about this needs to read some books about the Amish.

[@180pottery]

Thanks Erik and Ben!! Very interesting discussion!

[@mq5276]

The Brethern church I grew up in had a similar way of choosing a new minister. I'm not sure if absolutely everyone had a nomination but I think the final decision was similar also. I haven't been to that church in fifty some years. I don't even know how "plain" they are now. But it was a very big congregation.

[@stantonmagid4126]

Always enjoy your interviews with Ben thank you Erik

[@cindynielson4231]

Thank you for sharing this story. This reminds me of the LDS church, I'm not a member. I live in a community that is very much LDS. 👍

[@clintonedgerton827]

Great job Amish church minister ❤❤❤

[@jeanholley5820]

Incredibly interesting! Thanks for another great video 😊

[@AmishAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it! I've wanted to explore this topic for some time and Ben was a great resource here

[@candyrenee2152]

Good interview. Thanks for sharing.

[@RobinMarconeCassidyRN]

Such interesting topics. Thanks so much Erik&Ben!

[@sandydaniels2668]

Great video and educational. I had questions watching but they were answered by the end.

[@thejourney1369]

Having grown up in the Mennonite church, I remember when as a teenager, our Deccan was selected by lot. It seems the pastor was assigned by the conference, but I do remember the selection of deacon by lot. And for many years the pastor wasn’t paid.

[@samueltucker8473]

It's like marriage, it's not something to be entered into lightly. The Ministry opens one to manipulation and a wise wife and a good network helps to communicate and spot patterns.

[@jamithompson358]

Have you heard of all the Amish whom are registering to vote? Hopefully this will make a change in somethings.

[@radiopal0911]

Hey Eric, my patreon payments aren't going through. Thanks brother.

[@MP15aug]

Is there training given after they are selected?

[@annequiring5652]

No formal training for any of the leadership. Verbal instruction as to what the role involves and what is expected is given by the ministers and bishop.

[@MP15aug]

@@annequiring5652 thank you for the reply.

[@georgesimpson3113]

Deacon, Minister, Bishop... what is the difference of these in the Amish?

[@debbimeyersbrant5752]

Can somebody turn it down and also if the person is chosen to be a minister are they administer for life I cannot position be removed from them blessings to you and yours

[@AmishAmerica]

It's part of the baptismal vow to answer the call if chosen so it is not really optional. Though I recall hearing at least one story of a refusal.

[@sandydaniels2668]

I wondered that same thing as you.