|
The Beachy Amish Mennonites |
|
Mennonites |
|
Frequently Asked Questions |
|
Core Beliefs Do Beachys believe that a person is saved only through the forgiveness that Jesus Christ provided through his death and resurrection? Do the Beachys believe that salvation can be earned through practice or tradition? Salvation is a gift from God, available only through the ultimate sacrifice of Christ that ended all sacrifices, and made available by His resurrection, proving that now even death was under Christ’s dominion. Through Christ and His Spirit, believers are led of His will, wanting to do what pleases the Father. Therefore, Beachys believe that Biblical and Godly practice is an outpouring of a desire to please the Father. This is part of the fruit of which Christ speaks (Matthew 13:23). |
|
Do the Beachys accept the Apostle’s Creed? While the Apostle’s Creed is not a major emphasis, the Beachys would accept the principles thereof.
Do the Beachys send out missionaries? Yes, the Beachys hold to the “Great Commission” of Matthew 28:19-20. The Beachys have established ministries in Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Kenya, Ireland, Romania, Ukraine, and Australia, as well as a ministerial presence in many other countries through other para-church Anabaptist organizations such as Christian Aid Ministries (CAM). This includes East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Europe.
Visiting and Attending a Beachy Church Can I visit a church unannounced, or should I contact someone first? Beachy churches welcome people to just show up on a given Sunday, as one would with many Protestant and Catholic churches today. However, because there are not as many “in-and-out” visitors in Beachy churches, you may wish to contact the bishop or another church member ahead of time, but this is neither necessary nor even expected of visitors.
Do the Beachys accept people who did not grow up Mennonite/Amish/Beachy/plain, but who want to join?Yes. There is usually at least one person from “non-Mennonite background” (NMB) in most Beachy churches. If you visit or attend a Beachy church regularly, you may wish to open communication with these people to get advice and support.
Is it unusual for a non-Beachy/non-Mennonite to visit a Beachy church? No, it is not unusual for most churches. While there may not be non-Beachy/non-Mennonite visitors every Sunday, many churches are accustomed to having them as visitors. However, the church community is close enough that they do know when there are visitors, even in larger churches. (Please forgive any looks or people taking special notice; it’s not polite, but it happens. And, after all, the plain people get stared at most everywhere else they go! :-] )
What will people think of me when I visit? People will likely be curious about you and ask questions. Don't be intimidated, and feel free to ask questions in return. This is how we learn from one another. Some are afraid that the Beachys or other plain people will look down on them or judge them for being, looking, or acting differently. This happens rarely on a visit. Instead, Beachys and Mennonites are often friendly, courteous, respectful, and not pushy.
How should I dress? There are no requirements for visitors. First of all, you do not have to worry about dressing "right" or trying to imitate their way of dressing. You are a visitor and not a church member, and are therefore not expected to have to dress like them. Formal wear is appreciated, but once again, there is no requirement. However, the following are recommendations for how you may wish to dress to be respectful to the Beachy beliefs of modesty. Men may wish to dress as they would normally for a formal occasion. Ties are fine, and may even help you be clearly identified as a non-Beachy/Mennonite visitor (which is good). You may wish to steer away from shorts, but short sleeves are okay. Women may want to wear a skirt or dress that reaches to the knees or below with socks or hose covering any exposed areas. A jumper may also work. The blouse (with the skirt) should not be too tight or see-through and should have sleeves of some length. Jewelry should be moderate or absent. Hair may be worn up, but is not required. A head covering, though adhered to as a Biblical command and doctrine by the Beachys, is also not required for visitors, and you would not need to wear one unless you already regularly wear some sort of covering.
Anything I should know before I visit? · You will likely receive an invitation to Sunday dinner at a family's home after the service. Feel free to accept the invitation. It is a good way to get to know people outside of church. · Members exchange a handshake and simultaneous "holy kiss" as spoken of at the end of several epistles. The holy kiss is exchanged among members and like-minded Mennonite groups. For men especially, if someone is about to kiss you, politely inform them that you are not a member. Do not feel rejected or excluded because you are not kissed; this is not the intention. · You may wish to bring a King James Version Bible with you. This is the translation used, and Bibles are not provided at the church. · There are no choirs, and singing is done by the congregation. The singing is a cappella. If you have trouble singing along, don't feel bad. The members grew up singing this way so it comes naturally. · Stay after the service and talk. This is a time of conversation and fellowship. How does one join a Beachy church? For those who do not have Anabaptist cultural ancestry attend a Beachy church for a comfortable amount of time. For some people, this is short, maybe two months; for others, this may be many years. (Personally, I took two years.) After evaluating the church and deciding if this is a commitment the person wants to make (both spiritually and culturally), the individual then approaches the bishop to inquire about membership. What follows is a six month “proving” period where the individual is instructed in the church beliefs and practices, which may include review of the church guidance and statements of faith, such as Dortrecht Confession of Faith (1633). After the six months, if there are no issues for either the individual or the church, the person will be accepted into the congregation. If the person had not been baptized before, then at this point he will be baptized.
Garb and the Head Covering Why do women wear head coverings? The Beachys, Amish, and many Mennonites wear coverings, but so do other some Christians today who have been convicted of doing so from reading the Bible. There is becoming more and more of a realization that the Bible teaches the wearing of the head covering for Christian women. This is taught in 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, right next to the passage on communion. People write off the head covering for all sorts of reasons today, saying it is cultural or just for the time, etc... but what is the real motive for doing so? Many Christians today want their appearance looking good or attractive, and ignore passages that address appearance like 1 Peter 3:1-6. The head covering would be an additional burden to looking attractive or stylish. The numerous excuses do not hold water when compared to the Scriptures. Paul speaks to universal and spiritual reasons to wear the covering, not all the other stuff people come up with today. Angels, prayer, headship order, among other reasons, are of eternal value, not cultural or time-period relativity. Also, God wants women to have long hair as it says in 1 Cor. 11, but this isn't the only covering. Verse six wouldn't make sense if Paul said that long hair was the only covering.
Why do some of the women wear different styles of covering? Because there is so much congregational autonomy within Beachy churches, Beachys churches can craft their own guiding practices, including style of head covering. The traditional bonnet-style covering is the most common, but some churches have switched to the hanging veil, which is a white cloth draped over the head. The hanging veil is often used on the global mission field. A third covering, the black doily, has gained some acceptance in more relaxed Beachy churches, while some of the more conservative Beachy churches have adopted a style similar to the Old Order Amish of the Midwest. It resembles the traditional bonnet-style, but is larger and is opaque.
Why do the women wear garb that stands out more than the men? First of all, there are many men in the Beachy church that wear plain garb that compliments women’s clothes. However, some Beachys do espouse the view that plain garb is of little importance compared to greater issues and Scriptural principles. This movement may be somewhat a reaction against an overemphasis on plain garb, it may be a desire to get away from distinctive garb to simple garb, it may be an excuse to accommodate a heart desiring secular fashion, or it may be a reaction against uniform church guidance and accountability in general. There may be other possibilities, but in about all cases it may be an inability for the person born in Beachy culture to recognize the simple significance and testimony that such plain garb produces when complimented by the character one expects from people who dress in the distinctive manner. Instead, the “dress standard” is shrouded with cultural connotations that are difficult to clear from the individual’s perception. This question is more complicated than this brief answer has been able to do justice to, and is a question of ongoing frustration among Beachys that is guaranteed to spark discussion, both the mutually edifying conversations and the agitated, polarized debates.
In some of the more mainstream Beachy churches, the women dress less plain, too, with smaller, less distinctive coverings and coats that cover up the evidence that they are wearing a full dress with a cape. Therefore, the desire among some within Beachy circles (or any conservative Amish or Mennonite church for that matter) to get away from plainness is not just among the men.
Specific Practices and Beliefs Do Beachys use horse and buggies or do they drive cars? Beachys all drive cars. No Beachys would use horse and buggies. Do Beachys have electricity and other modern conveniences? Beachys do not abstain from as many technologies as the Old Order Amish. All Beachys would have electricity, telephones, and modern kitchen appliances. Most churches, though not all, would allow computers, cell phones, tape and CD players, and cameras. Many also allow email. Some allow web access and DVDs on the computer. A very few condone radio. None allow television. Individual churches decide what to allow and what not to allow based on the extent to which they wish to control the level of influence from surrounding secular society, and the level of technology acceptance in any given church is reflected in the amount the church’s practices and mindsets are influenced and blended with that of Western society. Which Bible translation do Beachys use? All Beachys use the King James Version (KJV) as their standard text. The moderate and more relaxed Beachy churches would use other translations in study and as a supplement, and may reference them in services. The Beachys who know German will use Luther’s Bible in the same way other English translations are used. Beachys in Latin America will use the Santa Anna Bible. Few Beachys are dogmatic about KJV only, though it is the standard translation. What do the Beachys believe about Christmas? Beachys would observe Christmas, but would not be as involved in the materialism as much. A few gifts are exchanged, and in most homes there are no Christmas trees or extensive decorations. Church members or groups within the church may go Christmas caroling several times in December; this is a highlight of December for members. Beachys also observe Good Friday and Easter, and to a lesser extent, Ascension Day. Why do men and women sit separately? While most Beachy churches have separate seating, a few smaller churches allow couples to sit together, though singles remain on their sides.
There are a couple reasons many Beachy and conservative Mennonite congregations retain separate seating.
The Beachy People and Culture What can you tell me about the cultural practices of the Beachys? The Beachys do have many Western cultural practices, but they have their own set of unique practices, too. These are difficult to all spell out, as many are elusive subtle behaviors that may be difficult for the person of non-Anabaptist background to pick up on. The cultural traits can sometimes be frustrating to a church member from a different background, but they can be overcome as each party learns from one another and shares love that is rooted in Christ and the church He has created.
What are some of the Beachy’s struggles? Beachys in the US and Canada will often admit that their record in bringing community people into the church or to salvation is less than what they want it to be. This may be in part because the attractiveness of the practice is appealing mostly to those serious about an extensive change in practice to follow Biblical principles, but not to the common person. It may also be because Beachy churches are cultural enclaves in their community; Beachys struggle to be a part of the community and interact with locals. The balance between too much separation from the world and not enough is an ongoing question in dealings with the community. The Beachys are also disappointed in the many community people who have attended or joined a church for several years and then left. The reasons for the coming and then going are complex, but may rest partly in cultural differences and partly in the person’s expectations versus what he finds the church to really be like.
Beachys also struggle with their identity. Because the story of the Beachy churches has been one of frequent change, they struggle to know who they are today, who they were yesterday, or who they will be tomorrow, or what really is the best way to practice Scriptural principles. Some people want more allowances in the church guidance, while others want to hold to the current practice. This tension has caused many hurts and divisions, as well as has pricked people’s faith. Each generation faces a struggle with discontentment about the practices that they have been given.
Beachys, like many Americans today, also struggle with materialism and business. Beachys are moving away from agriculture and towards professional trades and service jobs. Many own small businesses and have acquired much wealth. Beachys acknowledge their failure by and large in eschewing the riches of this world and not pursuing the American dream, but also struggle to know what role wealth plays in the believer’s life.
On a constituency-wide level, there is little uniformity among the various Beachy churches, to the extent that some Beachy churches do not hold fellowship (or on-going relations) with other churches. There is little definition for what congregation is Beachy and what congregation isn’t, and many Beachy churches have fallen “out of touch” with the main body of Beachys.
Do Beachys speak Pennsylvania Dutch? Some do, some don't. Those living in traditionally Old Order Amish areas are more likely to speak Dutch.
What are the backgrounds of Beachy people? Many can trace back to the Old Order Amish in one to three generations. A number of Beachys also have Mennonite or conservative Brethren background. There is also a sizeable minority of people from non-Anabaptist background, and most churches have at least one member of non-Anabaptist background.
Are there African Americans or other ethnic minorities in the Beachy churches? Yes, within the US and Canadian Beachy churches there are some African Americans scattered throughout the churches, as well as several other ethnic minorities including Native American and East Asian. However, most Beachys are of Swiss-German background.
What do the Beachys believe about homosexual, lesbian, or transgender people? God loves every human soul that he created, and wants all to know Him and honor Him. Beachys are in principle open to anyone who has forsaken his or her life of sin and wants to join in the discipleship of Christ and fellowship in the church.
While Beachys believe that the practice of homosexuality is a sin according the Scripture, God has called His people to bear the burdens of others, and it is our desire not to write such people of as “messed-up” or “sinners,” but to provide help and comfort in overcoming the desires with which a homosexual person may struggle that we may all fellowship together around the common element of a love for God.
Beachys do have an element of humanness, in that if a homosexual or transgender person were to attend a Beachy church, this will likely be an unfamiliar circumstance. I would hope that the love of God will radiate out of any Christian with a heart for what God has created, but there is fallenness even among Beachys, fallenness that I'm sure we'd like to overcome, so if there would be any difficulties, we ask for patience, love, and forgiveness, an attitude that all Christians must learn to cultivate towards one another.
Would I be able to court or marry a Beachy lady (or fellow)? I have received several inquiries from young men regarding this topic. First of all, courtships rarely occur between a Beachy and a non-Beachy/Mennonite. One would likely have to be a member of a Beachy church to look further into this.
However, there is a more root issue in this interest. There are many singly Beachys who are respectable Christians with strong convictions and Godly values. The young ladies are also more traditionally "feminine" than women in secular society, which appeals to some men. And it is good for men to admire these values in Christian women. However, this does not mean that they are the only women who would make decent wives, nor does it mean any Beachy young lady would make a decent wife. Each young lady is her own person with her own traits, interests, convictions, and view of life. This individuality needs to be respected and recognized by potential suitors, as a Godly young lady will be attracted to a young man that admires not only her moral code and practice that is shared among others, but her unique, individual character that God made.
In addition, even though Beachys may seem more traditional in courtship practice, the women still have their own choices and free will to decide in courtship matters. Women are not married off by fathers. Rather, a potential suitor requests courtship, and she is free to decide what she will do with his request.
Even though marriage is a noble institution and is good to be desired, if this dominates an individual's desire to join the Beachy church, then one may wish to re-examine his interest in the church. These sorts of priorities are likely to turn Beachy young ladies away. A Beachy young lady needs to feel she can trust and completely depend on a man, and thus it may take some time of being in the church and being faithful to God before a Godly courtship may be pursued.
Affiliation and Constituency What is the difference between Beachy Amish Mennonites and: 1) conservative Mennonite, 2) Anabaptist? 1) In the late 1600s, the Mennonites of Switzerland divided into two groups: the Amish and the Mennonites. The Amish divided in the late 1800s, with the emergence of two groups: the Amish Mennonites and Old Order Amish. Amish Mennonites were more accommodating in practice, and many Amish Mennonite conferences were absorbed into main-line Mennonite churches in the 1910s and 1920s. Beachys were a later Amish Mennonite group that broke with the Old Order Amish in the 1920s. Thus, they are from Amish lineage. Conservative Mennonites are from the other lineage dating back to the late 1600s division in Switzerland. Many conservative Mennonite groups started their own conference in the mid to late 1900s when the main body of Mennonites were abandoning distinctive practice. Therefore, Beachys and conservative Mennonites have ended up at similar places in level of practice, but are from two lineages. Many conservative Mennonites are organized in conference structure, which pulls congregations under a larger umbrella, while Beachy constituency structure allows for greater congregational autonomy.
2) Anabaptist was the original name for the movement that now encompasses Mennonites, Amish, Hutterites, Brethren, and several other groups. Therefore, all Mennonites, Beachys, Amish, etc... are also Anabaptists.
To what religious group do the Beachy Amish Mennonites belong? The Beachys are part of the Anabaptists, a Christian religion begun in Switzerland in 1525. Other Anabaptist groups include the Amish, Mennonites, Brethren, and Hutterites. Anabaptists are neither Catholic nor Protestant, though they are often categorized as a Protestant group by writers unfamiliar with Anabaptist history and doctrine.
What is an "Amish Mennonite" group? An Amish Mennonite group is one that has broken with the Old Order Amish, but has not joined a Mennonite group. The Beachys are the largest modern Amish Mennonite affiliation. The other large group is the Conservative Mennonite Conference, which used to be the Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference, but the group has become mainstream in most beliefs and practices and is no longer conservative or Amish Mennonite in practice. The Mennonite Christian Fellowship is another Amish Mennonite group, which is generally more conservative than most Beachy churches. The Kauffman Amish Mennonite, or the "Sleeping Preacher" churches, are also Amish Mennonite. Much emphasis is placed on the historic leadership of John Kauffman, which sets them markedly apart from other Amish Mennonites.
Who was "Beachy"? Moses Beachy was the bishop of an Old Order Amish congregation in Somerset County, PA, in the 1920s. He led part of the congregation to start a new Amish Mennonite group. The group went by his name, Beachy. Beachy churches do not look to him today as the affiliation's leader or single man of inspiration or a holder of special, unique doctrine or influence, but rather carry the name "Beachy" from what was once a way to distinguish Beachy's Amish from the other Amish in the community.
What is the difference between the Amish and the Beachys? The Beachys come from the Old Order Amish originally. The Beachys carry on many Amish practices and traditions, but have adopted some modern conveniences and a more rigorous evangelization effort. The Beachys are not as "strict" as the Old Order Amish in practice. However, both groups emphasize love for the congregation and looking out for the brotherhood.
What is the difference between the Mennonites and the Beachys? Mennonite groups vary, but many of the conservative Mennonite groups share similar practices and beliefs as the Beachys. Beachys feel at home in a Mennonite church service, and likewise Mennonites feel at home in a Beachy church service. However, many Mennonite groups are arranged in conferences. This means that the churches all share a similar practice of application. Beachy churches are autonomous are only loosely affiliated.
How many Beachy churches and members are there? For a table of Beachy churches and membership, please click here. What are differences among Beachy churches?Beachy churches vary a great deal since they are not arranged into conferences. Some Beachy churches are very close to the Amish. They have black vehicles, use German in church services, have conservative, modest dress, and do not allow computers, recorded music, or cameras. Other Beachy churches are becoming increasingly mainstream: there are few dress guidelines for ladies and men, and the men may not even be recognizable as plain. The women still wear cape dresses and head coverings, but the dresses are more fashionable and head coverings smaller than conservative Beachys. The churches may allow internet and radio, and some Beachy young people would have blogs and watch DVDs on the computer. Most Beachy churches are somewhere between these two extremes. However, no Beachy church has yet to allow TV or do away with the head covering, among other practices, and no church would still use buggies or disallow the telephone. Because of the differences, there are several different unofficial subgroups of Beachy churches. |
|
Eighty years in God’s service: June 26, 1927 — 2007 |
