Amish and Mennonite Unity Event in Shipshewana Draws Crowds from 15 States: Includes Video

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Life

Amish, Old Order Mennonite event draws 1,600 in Indiana

A Landmark Gathering: 1,600 Amish and Old Order Mennonites Unite in Shipshewana

On March 28–29, 2025, Shipshewana, Indiana, became the epicenter of a historic Anabaptist gathering as approximately 1,600 Amish and Old Order Mennonites from 15 U.S. states converged for a weekend of spiritual renewal, education, and communal worship. Held at the Shipshewana Auction—a venue typically bustling with livestock sales and flea markets—the event marked the first large-scale collaboration of its kind, blending traditional Anabaptist values with contemporary theological discourse.

The Vision Behind the Gathering

Organized by Amish leaders with support from Old Order Mennonite communities, the event aimed to address pressing spiritual and cultural challenges facing Anabaptist groups today. Topics ranged from theological debates like “Protestant vs. Anabaptist” to practical discussions on maintaining Gelassenheit (yieldedness), a core tenet emphasizing humility and submission to God’s will.

“This was a mostly Amish-directed event from start to finish,” said Chester Weaver, an Amish-Mennonite scholar who presented sessions on lesser-known Mennonite histories, including the Russian Mennonite migration and Mennonite experiences under Nazi rule. Weaver’s talks, described as “eye-opening” by attendees, highlighted the resilience of Anabaptist communities through centuries of persecution and adaptation.

A Weekend of Learning and Worship

The event’s bilingual approach—with sermons and lectures delivered in English to accommodate diverse attendees—reflected a deliberate effort to bridge cultural divides. Keynote sessions included:

  • “Anabaptist Faith: Past, Present, and Future”: A deep dive into the movement’s origins during the 16th-century Reformation and its evolution across continents.
  • “Two-Kingdom Separation”: A discussion on balancing spiritual commitments with civic responsibilities, a perennial challenge for communities that prioritize nonconformity.
  • “The Role of Women in Anabaptist Life”: Though not explicitly listed in the brochure, informal breakout groups addressed gender roles and education, themes that resonated deeply with attendees.

Singing played a central role, with traditional Ausbund hymns blending harmoniously with newer a cappella compositions. The communal meals—prepared by local Amish families—featured homemade bread, shoofly pie, and other staples of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, fostering camaraderie across regional affiliations.

Why Shipshewana?

Shipshewana’s significance as a cultural hub for Amish and Mennonite communities cannot be overstated. Nestled in Indiana’s LaGrange County, the town is home to:

  • Menno-Hof Museum: A visitor center chronicling Anabaptist history through immersive exhibits, including a replica 17th-century sailing ship and a tornado simulator illustrating Mennonite disaster relief efforts1.
  • The Shipshewana Trading Place: A year-round marketplace for Amish crafts, antiques, and seasonal events like the Midwest Tool Expo and Maple Syrup Days2.
  • The Amish & Mennonite Artist Gathering: An annual event showcasing woodworking, quilting, and other traditional crafts3.

The choice of venue also underscored practical considerations: the auction barn’s open layout accommodated large crowds, while its central location in the Midwest made it accessible for families traveling from as far as Florida and Oregon.

Voices from the Gathering

Attendees praised the event’s emphasis on unity and education. “It was a nice experience to meet others who share our values but come from different traditions,” remarked an Old Order Mennonite woman from Pennsylvania. For many younger participants, the gathering offered a rare opportunity to engage with broader theological debates while staying rooted in community traditions.

Chester Weaver noted that his sessions on Mennonite history under Nazism—a topic seldom discussed in conservative circles—sparked lively Q&A sessions. “These stories aren’t just history; they’re part of our identity,” he said.

The Future of Anabaptist Gatherings

While the 2025 event was billed as a one-time occasion, its success has spurred discussions about future collaborations. Potential ideas include:

  • Regional spin-offs: Smaller conferences focused on youth education or sustainable farming.
  • Digital outreach: Live-streaming sessions for homebound members, a contentious proposal given many communities’ restrictions on technology.
  • Interdenominational dialogues: Inviting progressive Mennonite and Brethren groups to discuss shared challenges like climate change and healthcare access.

Shipshewana Beyond the Gathering

For visitors inspired to explore Shipshewana’s Anabaptist heritage, the town offers year-round attractions:

  • Off the Beaten Path Tours: Self-guided drives past Amish cottage industries, from leather workshops to peanut butter mills4.
  • Seasonal Festivals: Mayfest parades, Ranch Rodeos, and the Lights of Joy Christmas display2.
  • Hands-On Experiences: Workshops on quilt-making, butter-churning, and buggy-building at local farms.

Conclusion

The March 2025 gathering in Shipshewana was more than a conference—it was a testament to the enduring vitality of Anabaptist communities in an increasingly fragmented world. By blending historical reflection with forward-looking dialogue, attendees left with renewed purpose, proving that even the most tradition-bound groups can adapt without compromising their core values. For those seeking to understand the heart of Amish and Mennonite life, Shipshewana remains an indispensable destination.

Footnotes

  1. Menno-Hof Museum reviews ↩
  2. Shipshewana 2025 event guide ↩ ↩2
  3. Amish & Mennonite Artist Gathering ↩
  4. Shipshewana cultural tours ↩

Citations:

  1. https://anabaptistworld.org/amish-old-order-mennonite-event-draws-1600-in-indiana/
  2. https://shipshewanatradingplace.com/blog/complete-guide-to-2025-events-in-shipshewana
  3. https://www.plainmerchant.com/merchant/amish-mennonite-artists/
  4. https://www.instagram.com/visitshipshewana/p/DB_aN32Pqgh/
  5. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g37526-d667920-Reviews-Menno_Hof_Mennonite_Amish_Visitor_Center-Shipshewana_Indiana.html
  6. https://goingonfaith.com/articles/authentic-shipshewana-indiana/
  7. https://www.instagram.com/cornucopia_shipshewana/reel/DHzeYpQOsiF/
  8. https://visitshipshewana.org/category/amish-culture/

Dennis Regling

Dennis Regling is an author, educator, and marketing expert. Additionally, Dennis is an evangelist, a father, and a husband.

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