How to Join the Amish

Though it's possible for an outsider or "English" person to convert to the Amish community's religious beliefs and adopt its austere lifestyle, it's certainly not easy. If you're thinking of joining the Amish or becoming a Mennonite, consider these points before approaching the elders in an Amish community.

Instructions

1. Prepare to feel uneasy in the company of Amish people. Amish are suspicious of "English" people who express a desire to convert to their lifestyle, as it is often difficult for people who've grown up with modern conveniences like electricity, cars and telephones to acclimatize to a decidedly low-tech way of life. Most Amish are not openly rude to outsiders, but they're not exactly welcoming, either.

2. Expect to live with an Amish family for an extended period. When a person approaches the Amish with a sincere wish to convert, the Amish often place the potential convert with a family in their community as a way to test the convert's ability to adjust to the Amish lifestyle. In this situation, you will participate in the family's daily work and attend weekly church services.

3. Learn to speak and read in the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect. Most Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch, and though in the past most Amish wrote in English, it's becoming increasingly popular for them to write in Pennsylvania Dutch as a method of preserving the dialect. Language classes in Pennsylvania Dutch are available, as are dictionaries and other texts to aid your study.

4. Study the Mennonite religion. Not all Mennonites are Amish, but all Amish are Mennonites. Remember that Amish is a religion as well as a lifestyle.

5. Remember that you don't have to become Amish to lead an uncomplicated, religious life of discipleship.