The Plain People is a term used to describe Anabaptists. Anabaptists are a Christian movement that originated in the early 16th century during the Protestant Reformation. They are known for their distinctive beliefs and practices, which set them apart from both Roman Catholicism and other branches of Protestantism. Here are some key characteristics of the Anabaptists:

1. **Believer's Baptism**: Anabaptists reject infant baptism, insisting that baptism should be reserved for believers who have made a personal confession of faith. This is in contrast to the practices of both the Catholic Church and many Protestant denominations, which practice infant baptism.

2. **Pacifism**: Many Anabaptist groups are committed to nonviolence and pacifism, refusing to participate in military service or any form of violence.

3. **Separation from the World**: Anabaptists often emphasize living a life separate from the secular world. This includes avoiding participation in government, swearing oaths, and sometimes living in isolated communities.

4. **Community and Mutual Aid**: They place a strong emphasis on community and mutual aid, often living communally and sharing resources.

5. **Religious Freedom**: Anabaptists were among the first to advocate for the separation of church and state and for religious freedom, insisting that faith should be a personal and voluntary commitment.

6. **Discipleship and Ethical Living**: They stress the importance of living a life of discipleship, following the teachings and example of Jesus in everyday life.

The Anabaptist movement gave rise to several different groups, including the Mennonites, the Amish, the Hutterites, and the Brethren. Each of these groups has its own distinct practices and beliefs, but they all share the core principles of Anabaptism.

The Mennonites came first. The Mennonite movement began in the early 16th century, founded by Menno Simons, a former Catholic priest who joined the Anabaptist movement and became a prominent leader. The Mennonites are named after him and represent one of the earliest and most significant branches of Anabaptism.

The Amish emerged later, in the late 17th century, as a result of a schism within the Mennonite community. Jakob Ammann, a Swiss Anabaptist leader, advocated for a stricter adherence to the principles of Anabaptism, including more rigid church discipline and shunning (excommunication). Those who followed Ammann's teachings became known as the Amish. Therefore, the Amish are a subgroup that split from the Mennonites over differences in practice and interpretation of Anabaptist principles.

The Conservative Mennonite movement and the Lancaster Conference split are significant events in Mennonite history, reflecting broader trends of theological and cultural conservatism within the Mennonite Church.

• Lancaster Conference (Lancaster Mennonite Conference)

The Lancaster Mennonite Conference (LMC) is one of the oldest and largest Mennonite conferences in the United States, with roots tracing back to the early 18th century when Mennonite settlers established communities in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The LMC has historically been a major part of the Mennonite Church USA (MC USA).

• Origins of Conservative Mennonites

In the early to mid-20th century, as the Mennonite Church in North America began to modernize and engage more with broader American culture, some members sought to retain more traditional practices and beliefs. This desire for conservatism led to tensions within the church, particularly around issues such as dress codes, use of modern technology, higher education, and engagement with mainstream society.

• Lancaster Conference Split

The split within the Lancaster Conference that contributed to the Conservative Mennonite movement primarily occurred in the 1960s and 1970s. Key events and factors include:

1. **Tensions Over Modernization**: As the LMC began to adopt more progressive stances and practices, conservative members felt that the church was drifting away from traditional Anabaptist principles.

2. **Formation of New Groups**: Those who desired a more conservative approach formed new groups and conferences. These new groups aimed to preserve what they saw as the foundational practices and beliefs of the Mennonite faith.

3. **Establishment of Conservative Mennonite Conference**: In 1957, the Conservative Mennonite Conference (CMC) was established, representing a coalition of churches committed to traditional Anabaptist values. Although not directly from the Lancaster Conference, its formation was part of the broader conservative response to modernization within the Mennonite Church.

• Characteristics of Conservative Mennonites

Conservative Mennonites typically emphasize:

- **Traditional Practices**: Adherence to traditional dress codes, use of the German language in worship, and separation from mainstream society.

- **Nonconformity**: A focus on living a life that is distinct from the broader culture, often including restrictions on technology and media.

- **Community and Mutual Aid**: A strong sense of community, mutual aid, and accountability within the church.

• Recent Developments

In recent years, the Lancaster Mennonite Conference itself has experienced significant changes:

- **2015 Decision**: In 2015, the LMC voted to withdraw from Mennonite Church USA, largely due to disagreements over issues such as the denomination's stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion.

- **Continued Diversity**: The LMC now functions as a separate entity, continuing to represent a diverse range of Mennonite beliefs and practices, including both conservative and more progressive elements.

The history of the Conservative Mennonites and the Lancaster Conference split illustrates the ongoing tensions within the Mennonite tradition between maintaining traditional beliefs and adapting to contemporary society.

Both Mennonites and Amish are diverse groups with various subgroups that have different beliefs, practices, and levels of conservatism. Here's a brief overview of the diversity within each group:

• Mennonites

Mennonites are a diverse Anabaptist group with a wide spectrum of beliefs and practices. They range from very conservative to quite progressive. Here are some examples of different Mennonite groups:

1. Conservative Mennonites: These groups maintain traditional practices and emphasize strict adherence to church rules and discipline. They often have dress codes, restrictions on technology, and a focus on separation from mainstream society. Examples include the Conservative Mennonite Conference and the Nationwide Fellowship Churches.

2. Old Order Mennonites: Similar to the Amish, some Old Order Mennonites drive horse and buggy and avoid many modern technologies. The Groffdale Conference Mennonites, for instance, are an Old Order group that maintains a very traditional lifestyle.

3. Mainline Mennonites: These groups, like those affiliated with Mennonite Church USA or Mennonite Church Canada, tend to be more progressive. They generally use modern technology, participate in higher education, and engage actively with broader society. They often focus on social justice, peacebuilding, and community service.

4. Moderate and Evangelical Mennonites: These groups may blend traditional Mennonite beliefs with evangelical Christian practices. They often use modern technology, participate in broader cultural activities, and emphasize personal conversion and evangelism. Examples include the Evangelical Mennonite Conference and the Mennonite Brethren.

• Amish

The Amish are known for their plain lifestyle and strict adherence to traditional ways, but there are also significant variations among them. Here are some examples of different Amish groups:

1. Old Order Amish: The most well-known Amish group, the Old Order Amish strictly avoid modern technology, use horse-drawn buggies, and maintain plain dress. They live in close-knit communities and emphasize simplicity and humility.

2. New Order Amish: While still quite conservative, New Order Amish may allow some modern conveniences, such as electricity in homes or telephones for business purposes. They are generally more progressive in their approach to issues like youth retention and religious practices.

3. Beachy Amish Mennonite: This group is more progressive than Old Order Amish. They often drive cars (albeit plain ones), use electricity, and may even have websites. They maintain a focus on traditional values but engage more with the broader world.

4. Swartzentruber Amish: Among the most conservative Amish groups, the Swartzentruber Amish strictly limit their use of technology, adhere to very plain dress codes, and often have stricter community rules and church discipline.

Key Differences and Similarities

- Legalism and Community Discipline: Conservative Mennonites and more conservative Amish groups (like the Old Order and Swartzentruber Amish) can be quite legalistic, emphasizing strict community discipline and adherence to church rules. However, the specific rules and lifestyle practices can vary significantly even within these categories.

- Use of Technology: The use of technology is a major differentiator. Progressive Mennonite groups embrace modern technology and education, while conservative Mennonites and Amish groups (especially the Old Order and Swartzentruber Amish) avoid it to varying degrees.

- Interaction with Broader Society: More progressive Mennonite groups actively engage with broader society through work, education, and social justice efforts. In contrast, the Amish and more conservative Mennonites often seek to maintain a degree of separation from the world to preserve their way of life and values.

Understanding the diversity within these groups is essential to appreciating the wide range of practices and beliefs that exist under the broad umbrellas of Mennonite and Amish traditions.

Yes, anyone can join Anabaptist churches, including Mennonite and Amish communities, but the process and requirements can vary significantly depending on the specific group. Here’s a general overview of what joining these communities typically entails:

• Mennonite Churches

Mennonite churches, especially the more progressive ones, are generally open to new members from any background. The process typically involves:

1. Expression of Interest: Prospective members usually start by attending church services and expressing interest in joining the community.

2. Baptism: Since Anabaptists emphasize believer's baptism, individuals who haven't been baptized as adults will need to undergo baptism. This usually involves instruction in the church’s beliefs and practices, often through a series of classes or meetings with church leaders.

3. Membership Classes: Many Mennonite congregations offer membership classes to help prospective members understand Anabaptist theology, church history, and community expectations.

4. Church Membership: After completing any necessary instruction and baptism, individuals can officially become members of the church. This often involves a public declaration of faith and a commitment to the church community.

• Conservative Mennonite Groups

Conservative Mennonite groups may have stricter requirements and a more intensive process for joining:

1. Long-Term Commitment: Joining a conservative Mennonite community often requires a serious commitment to the group's lifestyle and values, including dress codes, technology restrictions, and other community standards.

2. Probationary Period: Some groups may have a probationary period during which the prospective member lives according to the community’s rules and demonstrates their commitment.

3. Instruction and Baptism: As with more progressive Mennonite churches, instruction in the group’s beliefs and practices and believer's baptism are typically required.

• Amish Communities

Joining an Amish community is generally more challenging due to their insular nature and strict lifestyle:

1. Understanding the Lifestyle: Prospective members must fully understand and be willing to adopt the Amish way of life, which includes dress codes, language use (Pennsylvania Dutch or German in some communities), technology restrictions, and community norms.

2. Living with the Community: Individuals interested in joining often need to live with an Amish family or within the community for an extended period to demonstrate their commitment and understanding of the Amish lifestyle.

3. Instruction and Baptism: Similar to Mennonites, instruction in Amish beliefs and practices is required, followed by believer's baptism. This is a significant commitment, as baptism into the Amish church is a lifelong covenant.

4. Acceptance by the Community: The process of joining the Amish is more communal, with the entire church community often involved in the decision to accept a new member.

• General Considerations

- Cultural and Social Adjustments: Joining any Anabaptist community involves significant cultural and social adjustments. Prospective members must be prepared for changes in lifestyle, dress, technology use, and social interactions.

- Community Integration: Building relationships and integrating into the community is crucial. This can take time and requires genuine effort to understand and participate in the community's way of life.

While anyone can theoretically join Anabaptist churches, the process requires a sincere commitment to the faith and lifestyle of the specific group, with varying degrees of difficulty and adjustment depending on the group's conservatism and practices.

Certainly, the treatment of divorce and remarriage can be a significant consideration when joining Anabaptist churches, particularly among conservative groups. Here’s an overview including this aspect:

1. Divorce and Remarriage Policy: Conservative Mennonite and Amish churches often adhere strictly to biblical teachings on marriage. If a prospective member is divorced and remarried, they will be required to divorce their current spouse and live separately in order to be accepted into the church, or go back to their original spouse.