An average Amish church has one bishop, two ministers, and a deacon.
When a new church starts, or a district becomes large enough that it is time to have it divided it means it is also time to ordain new ministers.
Ordinations occur on the day of communion, which makes a long day even longer. Communion is usually over around 4 PM and then it's time for the ordination proceedings to begin. Visiting bishops, ministers, deacons, and of course any of the home districts ministry go to a room away from where services had been held and one by one the members will take turns going to the door of that room and whispering the name of the man they think would make a good minister.
After the votes have been counted the ministry will file back into the room carrying a stack of songbooks each held shut with a rubber band and place them on a little table at the front of the room. They will then call the names of all the men that had received three or more votes. They come forward and take a book and sit on a bench that has been cleared for them.
The bishop will open the books one by one looking for a little piece of paper they had tucked into one of the song books. When the paper is found it indicates that God has chosen that man to be a minister. Lots of crying follows, as the bishop places his hands on the new ministers head and ordains him to now be a messenger of God.
In order to ordain a new bishop all ministers in that district have to have been a minister for two years. Until that happens a bishop from another district will care for that church too. Bishops are chosen much the same way, but instead of voting for any man only ministers are eligible to become a bishop.
Being ordained is often not the choice of the person being ordained, and it is a lifetime commitment. Now on top of all their usual responsibilities they also need to lead a church, unpaid.
It reminds me of the responsibilities of the Elder's in our church, they aren't chosen in the way of the Amish, but work long, unpaid hours on behalf of the church. My husband has been an Elder for more than 30 years and it is often grueling work, hard on the emotions, intellect, and physically demanding.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
What if a man does not want (or feel called to) being a minister/ bishop? I could not imagine being an introvert and then having to carry on a role that would better fit another person. Does this persons have to do it forever, or just for a couple years and then someone else can? Our neighbor mentioned he was on the Amish School Board but it was his last year (he was VERY happy about that).
ReplyDeleteA man does not have a choice whether or not he wants to be a minister. Some have a hard time preaching, but that is something everyone has to learn to accept and live with. They are a minister for the rest of their life.
DeleteSchool boards on the other hand only last for 3-5 years. They too often get elected even if they want nothing to do with it.
So if someone gets three votes but the current ministers, bishops, etc., do not think he is suited to the task, can he be excluded? Or more specifically, if they believe he is morally suspect? Or do the other rules of the community keep that from being an issue? Each person that could possibly be voted for is at least morally capable of holding the position, whether or not they have the skills needed, such as speaking in public?
ReplyDeleteI would think the people "nominating" him would know the person quite well, if he has been a member of their congregation for several years. I remember Mary Anne saying parts of the Bible were "off-limits", so it would worry me to be led by someone who wasn't really any better trained than I am. Now, I come from a Lutheran an Episcopalian background, where years of seminary study are required, so I obviously have a much different slant on this.
DeleteStill, as somebody famous once said, "If it weren't for the honor, I'd rather be in Philadelphia".
All that is required to be eligible to be voted for is to be a married man. They would not dream of saying someone is not qualified, because if God chose them through the lot, it means he is the one God wants to be a minister. It doesn't matter how well they can speak. In fact when one of LV's uncles was ordained he had to learn how to read German before it was his turn to preach six weeks later.
DeleteAgain, soo very interesting to learn this. And, again so thought provoking. I personally feel any position in the church should be met with much prayer and quiet time with our Lord, and, wait on him for answers on who is to lead. I do believe in prayer, and listening to the spirit to guide us into all decisions in our life. I am sure many a good man was picked to be a minister, elder or bishop within the community. We are just all men, of sinful nature, and, know nothing would be perfect or without fault at times. Thank God, HE DIED on the cross to redeem each and everyone of us from a life of sin and imperfections. God is GOOD !!! Blessings to you my friend xo
ReplyDeleteEvery one is human, and they believe that if God chooses someone He will also give him the ability to preach in what ever manner will benefit the church. Poor speakers helped people cultivate patience and forbearance, and as far as long suffering goes, there were definitely times when listening to some preachers felt as if I were suffering long. :)
DeleteWe have one member of the clergy in our area who preach her way out of a paper bag, with the directions on the inside. She is a dear, works tirelessly with hospice patients, and we love her to bits, but as you say, we do learn patience and forbearance. (Never thought of it that way, but it's good to keep in mind.)
ReplyDelete