Sacred Sundays: A Look Inside an Amish Church Service

 

When you think of Sunday worship, you might picture stained glass windows, wooden pews, and organ music filling a church building. For the Amish, Sunday worship looks quite different. 

From host homes to ancient hymns sung without instruments, every aspect of Amish worship reflects their traditional values of simplicity, community, and devotion to God.

Church Districts and Community

Amish communities are organized into church districts of 25 to 35 families which usually total 100 to 150 people. Since the Amish believe that the church exists in the body of believers and not in physical buildings, services are held in members’ homes rather than a formal church. 

A rotating schedule brings the entire community together, with each family in the district hosting neighbors for worship about once a year. 

Every Other Sunday Worship

Services are held every other Sunday, with the “off” Sundays often spent visiting friends and family, or attending services in nearby districts. 

When a family hosts a service, they prepare their home to accommodate many people. They may clear out first-floor rooms, barns, or large workshops to create a comfortable gathering space.

The Bench Wagon: A Mobile Sanctuary

The benches that are used in an Amish church service are transported from home to home using a large church wagon. The sight of the wagon arriving at a home lets the community know that Sunday worship will be held there.

The backless benches serve two purposes. They provide seating for the three-hour service and then convert into tables for the fellowship meal that follows. 

Language of Faith: Pennsylvania Dutch and High German

Amish worship services are conducted in Pennsylvania Dutch dialect, with scriptures read in High German. This tradition connects modern Amish worshipers to their European ancestors and preserves the language of their faith.

Hymns of the Ausbund

The Ausbund is the oldest Anabaptist hymnal and one of the oldest Christian song books in continuous use. It was first published in 1564 and contains hymns written by Anabaptist prisoners who were imprisoned for their faith. 

The ancient melodies were passed down by memory from generation to generation and are sung without music accompaniment. A single hymn may take 15 minutes or more to finish, creating an atmosphere of deep reflection and communal worship.

A Service of Simplicity

An Amish worship service demonstrates sacred simplicity. There are no printed bulletins, stained glass windows, candles, crosses, altars, or other religious symbols. 

Worship starts with a short sermon, followed by scripture reading and prayer, then a longer sermon. The service can last up to three hours, with time included for silent prayer. There are usually several preachers and bishops at a service – clergy nominated from within the community, who share powerful, emotional messages.

Sacred Seating

Men and women typically sit in separate sections during worship, which reflects their commitment to modesty and helping maintain focus during the long service. 

Children sit with their parents and learn the traditions of their faith starting at a very young age. The older youth sit in a special section of the congregation and are separated by gender.

Breaking Bread: The Fellowship Meal

After the service, the community turns the worship space into a dining area. Some of the benches are converted into tables so lunch can be served. 

The meal may include bread, jam, red beets, pickles, cheese, coffee and other items. The simple meal provides nourishment, and the social time that follows strengthens their community bond.

A Living Tradition

Amish religious services represent more than just worship. They’re a present-day example of centuries-old tradition and community. And every element – from the ancient hymns to the rotating host homes – reflects the Amish commitment to simplicity, humility, and their deep faith.

Want to get a closer look at Amish culture and traditions? Check out the many unique tour options available at The Amish Village.