Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 8
Michael pressed the ministry on John 3 (“born again of water and Spirit”) because his uncle asked what “Spirit” means; what did Michael’s uncertainty reveal about the Amish catechesis he received, and what would it look like for a church to ensure members can actually explain and pursue new birth rather than merely comply with church expectations?
Another way to ask: Michael wasn’t sure what “Spirit” means in John 3 when asked about being born again. What does that say about what he was taught, and what would it look like for a church to make sure members can explain and seek new birth instead of just following rules?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
His uncertainty reveals that his training emphasized the “water” side (outward baptism and church process) more than a clear understanding of the Holy Spirit and new birth. A church that ensures real new birth would actively teach members what it means to be “born…of Spirit,” invite honest questions, and aim for lived spiritual reality rather than mere compliance.
- Michael’s uncle asked, “We know what the water part is, but what does it mean about spirit?” and Michael admits, “Well, I don’t know. Good question.”
- He says that question “stayed with me…pondering…What does it mean?” showing a gap in understanding despite being raised Amish.
- When he asked the ministry, the bishop answered “that means the Holy Spirit,” then asked sharply, “Do you understand that?”
- Michael replied that their “heart…desire” was to understand and walk in it, but the bishop redirected: “we’re not here…to talk about the scripture…we’re here…to talk about our ordinance.”
- Later, Michael connects his conversion to understanding salvation and seeing sins fall away, indicating new birth produced real change.