Bed and Breakfast Speak About Amish Preacher and Deacon Selection

Here at the Millersburg, Ohio, Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast, usually on Sunday mornings, we speak about Amish preacher and deacon selections. We have published some earlier posts on how Amish leadership is chosen by lot.  Please note those earlier posts for the selection process.



Breakfast at The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast


Deacons are ordained by lot in the same process as ministers. A deacon's duties are however different from that of a minsters. A deacon is in charge of the poor money, "Armengeld", enforcing the rules "Ordnung" (talking to disorderly or disobedient members), reading Scriptures at church services, and giving "Zeugnis" to the sermons.  Zeugnis is a German word that refers to closing statements of affirmation or clarification that the deacon or a visiting preacher makes after the main preacher speaks. Those giving Zeugnis will usually share about five minutes.  In most Amish congregations the deacon does not preach, however in some counties such as Holmes County Ohio, the deacon may preach under some situations, such as if there is a case where there are not enough ministers present at the church service.

 In some Amish communities deacons may not advance to the ministry, because they see the deacon's position as so separate that he may not leave it even for the ministry.

Submitted by Loretta Coblentz
February 23, 2013