The Amish church is a central component of Amish culture and community. Amish church services are typically held on Sundays and are characterized by a distinctive blend of simplicity, reverence, and community. Here are some interesting facts about Amish church services:
First, Amish church services are held in homes rather than church buildings [6]. The Amish believe that the church is not a physical structure but rather the body of believers, so church services are held in the homes of members on a rotating basis. This answers the question we ask and this practice helps to reinforce the sense of community and shared responsibility among the Amish.
Second, Amish church services are quite long, usually lasting around three hours, and can be even longer in more conservative groups [3]. Despite the lengthy duration, Amish children are expected to be quiet and well-behaved during the service.
Third, the Amish use a distinctive hymnal called the Ausbund, which contains songs that date back to the 16th century and are sung in four-part harmony. The Ausbund is a revered cultural artifact that has been passed down through the generations [5].
Fourth, Amish church services are conducted in a mixture of German and English [5]. The use of German reinforces the Amish sense of identity and connection to their cultural heritage.
Fifth, the Amish believe that church services should be simple and focused on the worship of God, without any unnecessary distractions. This means that there are no musical instruments, no elaborate decorations, and no formal clergy. Instead, church services are led by members of the congregation who have been selected to serve as preachers and bishops [1].
Sixth, Amish church services include two sermons, one shorter (20 minutes) and a second longer (one hour) [5]. The sermons are given by different ministers, who are chosen from among the male members of the congregation. The sermons focus on the Bible and its application to daily life, and the ministers are expected to be well-versed in the Scriptures and to provide guidance and inspiration to their fellow believers.
Finally, Amish church services conclude with a shared meal, which is an important time of fellowship and community building [3]. The meal is typically potluck-style, with each family bringing a dish to share, and it is held in the home where the service was conducted.
The Amish transport and store their church benches in large covered wagons that are used to transport the benches from home to home for church services. This practice is due to the fact that the Amish do not build separate church structures. The wagons are sometimes referred to as “church wagons.” [1]
In conclusion, Amish church services are a unique and important part of Amish culture and community. The simplicity, reverence, and sense of community that characterizes these services is an inspiration to many, and they provide a window into a way of life that is increasingly rare in our modern world.
