A historical and descriptive introduction. Local practice varies; the examples below are not a judgment of a community’s faithfulness.
When and how it began
Amish communities emerged from a division associated with Jakob Ammann in 1693, involving discipline and the boundaries of community fellowship. Later migrations established communities in North America.
Beliefs and practices
Believer’s baptism, humility, nonresistance, mutual care, and community discipline are central. Local rules guide technology and daily life; practices are not identical across settlements.
A typical worship service
Many Old Order districts gather every other Sunday in members’ homes for unaccompanied singing, prayers, and sermons, often followed by a shared meal.
What the worship space looks like
Movable benches and home or farm spaces commonly serve worship rather than a dedicated church building.
Branches and differences
Old Order, New Order, and other Amish affiliations differ. The description of home worship does not cover every group with Amish ancestry. Technology choices involve community boundaries, not a universal rejection of electricity.
Sources & further reading
Historical overviews support the account of origins. Official church documents describe the community’s own beliefs and practice.
Reviewed September 24, 2026. Broad family descriptions do not settle local policies or every contested point of history.