Colony led by a Vorsteher and preachers; national and world conferences coordinate
Each Hutterite colony (Bruderhof) is governed by a Vorsteher (colony minister/elder) and a council of preachers and householders. The Vorsteher has significant authority over communal life, including the Ordnung of the colony. Above the colony level, Hutterites have developed a conference structure (Schmiedeleut, Lehrerleut, Dariusleut — the three main groups) that provides fellowship and doctrinal oversight.
Hutterite governance is more structured than that of the Amish but is still communal and consensus-oriented. Major decisions affecting the colony are made by the men's assembly, and the council of preachers and elders advises the Vorsteher. Women participate fully in communal work but do not hold formal leadership offices.
Key Distinctions
- Governance model:
- elder (Vorsteher) and Bruderhof council; communal decision-making
- Apostolic succession:
- not claimed
- Women in ministry:
- no ordained women; gender roles clearly defined
- Doctrinal authority:
- Scripture + elder teaching + Hutterite Chronicle and confessional writings
Scripture References
Sources
- Peter Riedemann, Rechenschaft (1542)
- John Hofer, The History of the Hutterites (1988)