Introduction

1. On page xii Nancy and her husband had a transformational conversation while enjoying God’s creation on a starlit night. Describe a time when you felt close to God while out in nature.

2. This conversation eventually led Nancy and her family to significantly simplify their lives. What are some things you could do to reduce your ecological footprint or simplify your life?

3. Which of the Amish principles described on page xxi would you most want to try incorporating into your life? Why?

Chapter 1

1. In what ways can pride be manifested in our homes?

2. Jesus’ call to us is to follow him and leave everything behind (p. 6). While we might not be prepared to do this all at once, what could some first steps look like?

3. Nancy says that the Amish way is to buy only what is truly needed (p. 8). What would some of these items be for you? Name some items that you only think you need.

4. What are some ways you could “invite all to your table,” opening your home to others?

5. How does your home reflect your values?

Chapter 2

1. Nancy writes, “Technology serves as a tool and does not rule as a master” (p. 25). Is this true for you? Why or why not?

2. In what ways can “opting out” (p. 27) affect your life?

3. Has technology supplanted God in any sense in your heart and your affections? Explain.

4. Of the five tips Nancy gives on pages 33–44 for making conscious choices about technology (turn off your cell phone, limit/eliminate TV, cut back on computer games, reduce incoming e-mail, and approach social media with caution), which would be hardest for you and/or your family? Why?

Chapter 3

1. How would you answer the questions Nancy poses on pages 50–51? Are you surprised by your responses?

2. In what ways is Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.’s fear that people are becoming more concerned with “making a living than making a life” (p. 55) represented in your workweek? In what ways could you improve on this?

3. If you honestly adhered to the biblical statement “God owns everything” (p. 66), how might your thinking about finances be affected?

Chapter 4

1. In what ways are you showing your appreciation for God’s creation? How does your love for creation show in your love for God?

2. Nancy gives six ways to abide in God in his natural world (grow a garden, pack a picnic, pick up trash, plant a tree, work outdoors, and play outdoors). Which do you think would be the hardest and which the easiest to include in your daily life?

3. If you took Nancy’s advice and spent more time in nature, in what ways might your relationship with God be affected?

Chapter 5

1. Nancy asks, “What does a holistic approach to simplicity involve?” (p. 94). How would you answer this question?

2. If you were to cut back on the two kinds of stuff that inhibit simplicity (the stuff that fills your house and the stuff that fills your calendars), which would be more difficult?

3. Do you have a network of neighbors? Why or why not?

Chapter 6

1. Nancy writes, “Service is the agent through which we act out our love for God and for one another” (p. 111). How is this evident in your life?

2. In what ways do you see God’s service to you? In what ways are you serving God?

3. Is there anything you are withholding from God that you can see is becoming an idol in your life?

4. Are you serving God by giving him your firstfruits? Why or why not?

Chapter 7

1. Are the Amish guidelines for security (tradition, stability, sense of place) missing from your life? In what ways could you incorporate these ideals?

2. Of the three storm stories Nancy describes (pp. 136–137), which do you identify with the most? Explain.

3. What traditions do you have with your family? What traditions could you weave back into your life to build security in your family?

4. In what ways could you reach out to your brothers and sisters in Christ, especially when it might be inconvenient or costly?

Chapter 8

1. How has new technology replaced human contact in your life? In what ways can this be changed?

2. What might be the challenges of buying primarily from local businesses? How can some of these challenges be overcome?

3. Of the ways Nancy provides to have fun building community (pp. 167–168), in which do you think you are most likely to participate?

4. What are some of the potential benefits of taking an active part in your community?

Chapter 9

1. Nancy writes that a common theme in Amish tradition is harmony (p. 177). What are some specific ways you could help increase harmony in your family life?

2. Which of the five Almost Amish actions (stay close geographically, share family meals, respect gender roles, give kids chores, and keep the Sabbath) would be the easiest to add to your family life? Which would be the most difficult? Why?

3. How do you think that keeping the Sabbath might affect the other six days of the week? How might it affect your relationship with God?

Chapter 10

1. Is your faith permeating every aspect of your life as it does for many of the Amish? In what ways could you incorporate your faith on a daily basis?

2. How could you show your love for God through worship?

3. The Amish are best known for practicing forgiveness and peace. Which of these two practices do you wish were stronger in your life?

4. Has God ever held a mirror up to your face? What do you think he was trying to tell you, and what did you see?

5. Name at least three specific changes that you have made or would like to make in your life as a result of reading Almost Amish.