A modern Anabaptist group bridging traditional values with contemporary life.
The Beachy Amish Mennonites, often simply referred to as the Beachy Amish, represent a unique blend of traditional Anabaptist values and modern conveniences, distinguishing them from their Old Order Amish counterparts. Originating from the Amish Mennonite tradition, this group has adapted to incorporate certain technological advancements into their lifestyle while maintaining a strong emphasis on community, faith, and simplicity.
Historical Background
The inception of the Beachy Amish can be traced back to the early 20th century, stemming from a desire among certain Amish communities for a more evangelical approach and the acceptance of modern conveniences that were then forbidden by the Old Order Amish. The name “Beachy” comes from Moses M. Beachy, a pivotal figure in the establishment of this group, who led a faction in 1927 seeking a middle ground between traditional Amish practices and a more progressive outlook towards faith and community life.
Beliefs and Practices
While retaining the name “Amish,” the Beachy Amish differ significantly from the Old Order Amish. Notably, they permit the use of automobiles, have less stringent dress codes, and are more mission-oriented, aiming to spread their interpretation of the Christian faith beyond their own communities. They also allow the use of filtered internet and ready-made clothing, showing a pragmatic approach to modern life. However, like their Old Order cousins, women wear head coverings and plain dresses, and married men grow beards, signifying their adherence to traditional values.
The Beachy Amish place a strong emphasis on the autonomy of local congregations, differing from other Conservative Mennonite groups that may have a more centralized form of governance. This autonomy allows each congregation to adapt practices to their local context, making the Beachy Amish a diverse and adaptable group.
Worship and Hymnody
Worship services among the Beachy Amish are conducted in English, a significant departure from the Pennsylvania Dutch traditionally used by the Old Order Amish. Their hymnody includes the “Christian Hymnary” (1972) and “Hymns of the Church” (2011), reflecting a blend of traditional and contemporary Christian music.
Distribution and Mission Work
From a modest beginning, the Beachy Amish have grown to include over 11,000 members in 2009, with congregations spread across the United States and in countries such as El Salvador, Belize, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Ireland, Ukraine, Romania, Kenya, Australia, and Canada. This global presence underscores their commitment to mission work, supported by organizations like Amish Mennonite Aid (AMA) and the Mennonite Interests Committee (MIC), further distinguishing them from the more insular Old Order Amish.
The Beachy Amish Mennonites embody a unique position within the Anabaptist tradition, successfully navigating the balance between preservation of core religious values and adaptation to the modern world. Their growth and global outreach efforts testify to the vibrancy of their faith and their commitment to living out their beliefs in a contemporary context.
image via Visit The Amish
