Old Order Anabaptists Embrace Noncoercive Community

Humility and self-denial undergird Old Order life, offering a counterculture to the 'iron laws of the world'.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

This article explores the unique Anabaptist practice of 'taking counsel', where members of Old Order communities twice a year examine whether they are abiding by the community's expectations and at peace with God and neighbors. This act of self-examination is seen as creating 'a rhythm of surrender woven into the fabric of spiritual life'. The article contrasts this with the 'amoral worldview' and 'unbridled power' that the author sees as ascendant in the United States today, arguing that the Old Order way stands out as 'profoundly countercultural'.

Why it matters

The article suggests that the Old Order Anabaptist approach of noncoercion and humility offers an alternative to the prevailing culture of political leaders exercising power without constraint. It highlights how Anabaptist communities cherish the principle of uncompelled faith, allowing members to make decisions about church membership gradually rather than demanding a single moment of childhood conversion.

The details

Old Order Anabaptist communities require members to surrender personal freedom, but only for those who have freely chosen to do so. They discourage pinpointing a moment of childhood conversion, believing salvation is a gradual project. Decisions about church membership often extend into young adulthood. This commitment to baptizing mature believers who understand what it means to die to self and rise to new life in Christ supports the Anabaptist confession of Jesus as the center, community, and reconciliation.

  • Twice a year before communion, Old Order Anabaptist members are asked if they're abiding by the community's expectations.

The players

Joseph S. Miller

An Old Order Anabaptist who describes the practice of 'taking counsel' within their communities.

Connie Nicholson

A Mennonite Brethren pastor in Fresno, California who connects the practice of 'taking counsel' with discerning God's will through 'interpretive reading of Scripture under the inspiration of the Spirit in the context of community'.

Stephen Miller

A close adviser to President Trump who defended U.S. imperialism by appealing to unbridled power, stating 'We live in a world... that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power. These are the iron laws of the world since the beginning of time'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Discerning the will of God is a delicate process of listening and preferring one another, knowing our primary calling is to love God and love others.”

— Connie Nicholson, Mennonite Brethren pastor (Christian Leader)

“We don't want anyone to be coerced to be a member.”

— An Old Order man (Horse-and-Buggy Mennonites)

The takeaway

The Old Order Anabaptist approach of noncoercion, humility, and self-denial offers a profound counterculture to the prevailing 'amoral worldview' and 'unbridled power' that the author sees as ascendant in the United States today. Their practice of 'taking counsel' and allowing gradual decisions about faith and community membership stands in stark contrast to the demands for immediate conversion and uncompromising allegiance that characterize much of American Christianity.