That Tuesday night with Lester and Steve in 1989 was a warm August night. One question we had was the difference between Old Order and New Order Amish. We would later learn that we were very typical ‘seekers’ (people from other upbringings that seek a deeper understanding of the Anabaptist faith) that assume that the most conservative the church, the purer and holier it must be. So those using outhouses and open buggies would likely be the ‘real thing’ and we were suspicious of this term New Order. What we saw before us that night threw such misconceptions right out the window. I will try to explain it the way these two men did, but I seriously doubt I can relay the tone in which this information was shared. And this attitude was something we saw over and over again in the New Order.
Photo by Douglas Hoover
About 25 years before, some of the Old Order brethren were concerned about the practice of ‘rumspringa’ and some of the fruits this custom was bearing. In 1989, the term was not well known outside of the plain people. They explained specifically, tactfully, briefly, and lovingly, which customs were alarming and why. A few families decided to offer the youth an alternative to sewing their wild oats: Bible studies and orderly hymn singings. This was met with resistance by those who felt that what has worked for generations should not be tampered with. Custom and tradition are strong bonding agents and they were fiercely defended in this case. During the process of people expressing their opinions, two distinct views surfaced. The group holding the Bible studies thought that the most peaceful and respectful thing to do was to start separate church districts. They were called New Order. Steve and Lester did not go on and on about the evils of rumspringa, nor speak condescendingly or unkindly about those who stayed with the Old Order. They spoke of how hard this was on extended families and showed absolutely no disdain or guile. We found the same manner when we learned to know more of the people in the New Order Churches. We also noticed that of all the plain churches we visited, this was the only plain fellowship that did not tell us what was wrong with all the other plain groups or why their way was better. That had a strong impact on us.
New Order is a German-speaking church and follows the same worship customs in church services. Some changes have been made but they are not generally noticed by those outside of the denomination. The doctrine of the early Anabaptists is upheld in both groups. New Order uses horse and Buggy, at that time most did not use electricity in their homes and any changes were subtle.
The warmth we felt in this group was clearly of God, and God was clear in opening the doors for us to join this fellowship. Looking back we can see that He had it all planned out. I will always give my husband David credit and respect for being open to God’s voice and leading our family into a deeper more obedient walk in the Lord.
So Let’s hear YOUR thoughts and questions now:
- German Language
- Giving Up the Vehicle
- Parents Reaction
- Culture Shock
- Hindsight
- Warnings For Others
Please comment below!