By SARAH NUSSBAUM

Most visitors to this part of Ohio arrive with a fairly firm grasp of "the basics" when it comes to knowledge about the Amish. Indeed, many aspects of the Amish lifestyle are easily recognized -- they drive a horse and buggy, they don't use electricity, the children attend one-room schoolhouses only until the eighth grade.

But the heart of what makes the Amish who they are -- the reason behind their lifestyle -- is their religion.

Because they strive always to be humble, this topic may not be discussed as often as other aspects of the Amish life. But recently, I was able to speak with a young Amish preacher and his father in Holmes County about the roles of different religious leaders among the Amish. While I was adamant in my desire to respect their private way of life, the two men graciously answered all of my questions, and even cleared up a few misconceptions.

Most Amish groups hold church services at the residences of members, instead of in a church building. The congregation gathers in the home (if it's large enough), a shop on the property or even the family's barn. It's the same way for weddings, baptisms and other religious services.

According to the young preacher, a typical congregation, or district, is made up of about 25-30 families, which can add up to more than 100 people counting the children. When a district grows too large to be accommodated at the residences of its members, it is divided into two. This is done as evenly as possible, and often by location. For example, the "boundaries" may come down to one road, where the residents of one side go to the original church, and those on the other side go to the new one.

There are currently around 200 church districts in Wayne, Holmes and Tuscarawas counties (this includes all Amish groups). Each district is led by one bishop, two preachers and one deacon.

These facts are not in themselves unusual. Many "English" denominations could be described as having the same basic organization. What makes Amish religious leaders unique is the way in which they come to their positions in the church. There is no study, no training and no campaigning for church leaders -- they are chosen by God Himself.

When the need for a new preacher arises (most often when a district divides or when one of its leaders passes away), the bishop begins taking nominations from members of the church. A "brother" must have at least two or three nominations (depending on church regulations) to be placed into the lot; however, no one knows exactly who is in the group until right before the lot is taken.

According to the young preacher I spoke with, the ceremony starts with the congregation filing in. The bishop reads scripture passages describing the characteristics of religious leadership; next there is prayer asking for God's guidance and blessing upon the community.

And then, as everyone listens intently, the bishop reads the names of the nominees.

The Amish believe strongly in the power of the Holy Spirit, and they rely on God's wisdom in the choosing of their leaders. Before the service, several hymn books -- one for each of the nominees -- are set aside, a scripture placed in one of them. The verse is Acts 1:26: "And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was added to the eleven apostles." After each nominee makes his choice, the books are opened. He whose book holds the scripture is the new preacher.

In all things, the Amish place their trust completely in God; they believe the brother who chooses the special book is ordained by God. He becomes a servant of the church, under Jesus Christ, and will remain so for the rest of his days.

"It's a surprise for sure," the preacher said, "because it changes your life. Being a preacher means you may have to deal with some (church) issues and things are not always fun, but you commit yourself to the role."

Amish religious leaders are not paid for their duties, and they retain their full-time jobs as farmers, carpenters, woodworkers, or other vocations. It's not unheard of for a brother to refuse his ordination, but this almost never happens, the preacher explained. For indeed, it would be like refusing God.

"Sometimes people say, 'Why him? Why did God choose him?' But God has a plan we don't always understand," he said.

The main duties of an Amish preacher are to give Sunday sermons at church services and to assist the bishop in performing weddings, funerals, baptisms, communion services and ordinations.

In addition to presiding over these major religious ceremonies, the bishop (also chosen by lot, from among the ministers) helps in setting the standards of everyday living for the district. But contrary to popular belief, the bishop is not the final authority in these matters -- the church, backed by scripture, is. Furthermore, the church votes on every issue that arises among the people. Obviously, there are bishops who take advantage of their title, the preacher said, but most are very good about being open to the needs and concerns of the church.

A deacon is "like the public relations person" of the church, helping to "keep the peace" and "helping widows and the elderly. He is also the treasurer of the church," the preacher said. "By the way, did you know we have a retirement plan, too? It's 'out of this world,' " he quipped with a smile.

"Above all, we try to maintain the unity (of the group) in everything," he concluded. "Being a preacher makes you busier, but there are so many blessings that come with it. It's a responsibility, and we accept it humbly."