Similar to the Amish Plain People, the German Baptist Brethren are also known as Dunkers because they participate in a three-fold immersion baptism. The influence of American culture created differences of opinion within the group regarding how much modern American influence would affect their meetings. The Progressive Brethren favored Sunday Schools, higher education, evangelism, and foreign missionary work to spread their beliefs. They wanted to blend more with American culture as a strategy for reaching others with the gospel.

Unlike the Amish, the Old Order Brethren believed that adapting to culture and establishing Sunday Schools would lead them away from their traditional faith practices. Around 1880, the German Baptist Brethren experienced a full organizational split.

Today, the Dunkers, or Old Order German Baptist Brethren maintain original practices and oppose Sunday schools or missionary activities. They have unsalaried ministers. Their baptism involves kneeling in water and three forward immersions, representing the Trinity. The Love Feast or Communion occurs in the evening with foot-washing to demonstrate service. They refuse to take oaths or bear arms.

"Old Order German Baptists drive cars, usually black, they have electricity (but no TV), and the women are encouraged to help supplement the family income by working in the home, either by making Amish Quilts to sell, providing quilting services with patchwork Amish quilt tops, or running a small dry goods store." Women wear below-knee dresses with small floral prints, modesty capes, matching aprons, and organdy head coverings with black winter bonnets. Men wear dark or black pants with suspenders, plain collared shirts, straw or black hats, and typically beards if married.