Plain Anabaptist Groups Convene to Address Concerns Over Decline in Radical Christian Practice

Plain Anabaptists gathered March 21-23 in Millersburg, Ohio, for the 18th Anabaptist Identity Conference. The event aimed to preserve and strengthen their faith, practice, and witness. Conference speakers referenced scripture, Anabaptist history, and the early church as the standard for radical Christianity. Attendees included Old Order Amish, New Order Amish, Beachy Amish-Mennonites, and other Plain Anabaptist groups from the United States and Canada. Estimated numbers ranged from 400 to 800, with additional participants joining via a phone conference line.

The conference flyer stated its purpose was to “awaken the conscience and arrest the alarming desertion of our people from radical Christianity.” For attendees, radical Christianity involves straightforward interpretation and obedience to biblical commands regarding nonresistance, swearing of oaths, outward separation through dress, head coverings for women, permanence of marriage, submission, church discipline, and two-kingdom theology. Conference organizers emphasized the importance of these practices as a distinct witness.

Nathan Overholt, a conference organizer and founder along with his brother Matthias, explained that attendees come to work out what it means to follow Jesus and how to follow particular commands. Overholt noted that “our people” are recognized by distinctive dress and their commitment to radical Christianity. Organizers expressed concern that Plain Anabaptists are assimilating into evangelical Protestant theology. They also worried about progressive Mennonites drifting toward the larger culture, as these groups are not easily recognizable as Anabaptists and thus lose their witness.

Speakers focused on history and peoplehood, urging the living to learn from the past to advance the kingdom of God. Andrew Ste. Marie of Michigan gave an opening talk on the importance of studying history, referencing Psalm 78. He recommended reading *The Anabaptist Vision* by H.S. Bender and suggested biographies of Conrad Grebel, Jakob Ammann, and Michael Sattler. The conference aimed to connect historical teachings with contemporary faith practices.

The gathering included a variety of Plain Anabaptist groups, such as the Eastern Pennsylvania Mennonites, Franklin and Washington Conference, Charity Christian Fellowship, Dunkard Brethren, and Old German Baptist Brethren. Russian Baptists also attended. The event highlighted the diversity within the Plain Anabaptist tradition while reinforcing shared commitments to faith and practice.

Conference attendees engaged with resources like Sermon on the Mount Publishing’s book table, indicating a focus on biblical teachings and practical application. The event served as a platform for reflection, education, and communal reinforcement of Anabaptist identity in a changing world.

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