Pastors Talk - A podcast by 9Marks On Growing Up in a "Christian" Colony (Ep. 299)
May 13, 2025
Josh Waldner, a former member of a Hutterite colony in Montana and now an evangelical Christian, shares his unique upbringing. He discusses the communal lifestyle of the Hutterites, contrasting their beliefs with those of the Amish. Waldner reveals the emotional toll of shunning on those who leave the community and reflects on the personal struggles faced in reconciling faith and tradition. He also offers insights into Hutterite church services and highlights the complexities of growing up in a religious colony while seeking authentic engagement with faith.
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Life in a Montana Hutterite Colony
- Josh Waldner grew up in a Montana Hutterite colony with about 90 people living communally without paychecks.
- Meals are taken together in a communal kitchen, but families have their own small apartments for living.
Hutterite Gospel Understanding Lacking
- Hutterites affirm Jesus' death and resurrection but exclude this from their practical faith.
- Their faith focuses on rule-following rather than the gospel of redemption through Christ.
Hutterite Community Longevity Factors
- The Hutterite community thrives economically and socially through strong care for the elderly and child labor.
- This social structure contributes to their longevity and communal stability.