Want to Become Amish

[Snow-white]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post.

I decided that I'd like to learn more about possibly joining the Amish and if you have any tips for me, I'd appreciate it. Do you know of an Amish pastor I could contact to start this process? If you have an address or something it would be great.

Thank you!

 

[WayneinMaine]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post.

I decided that I'd like to learn more about possibly joining the Amish and if you have any tips for me, I'd appreciate it. Do you know of an Amish pastor I could contact to start this process? If you have an address or something it would be great.

Thank you!

Why do you want to become Amish? What do you know about the Amish?

 

[Sphinx777]

The various Amish or Amish Mennonite church fellowships are Christian religious denominations, and they form a very traditional subgrouping of Mennonite churches. They are often best known for their simple living, plain dress and their resistance to the adoption of many modern conveniences. The history of the Amish church began with a schism in Switzerland within a group of Swiss and Southern German Mennonites, in 1693. The leader of the schismatic faction was a Mennonite Elder named Jakob Ammann. Those who followed Amman became known as Amish, or Amish Mennonites. In the early 18th century, many Amish Mennonites began immigrating to Pennsylvania for a variety of reasons. Today, the most traditional descendants of these Amish Mennonites continue to speak Pennsylvania German (more often referred to as Pennsylvania Dutch), the language spoken by the descendants of Pennsylvania's late 17th and 18th century immigrants. There are also Old Order Amish communities, especially in Indiana, where a dialect of Swiss German predominates. Over the years, there have been numerous divisions among the Amish churches. The 'Old Order' Amish, an ultra-conservative faction that withdrew from fellowship with the wider body of Amish Mennonites in the 1860s, are those that have most emphasized traditional practices and beliefs. As of 2000, over 165,000 Old Order Amish live in Canada and the United States. A new study, produced in 2008, suggests their numbers have increased to 227,000.

Amish church membership begins with baptism, usually between the ages of 16 and 25. It is a requirement for marriage, and once a person has affiliated with the church, she or he must marry within the faith. Church districts average between 20 to 40 families, and worship services are held every other Sunday in a member's home. The district is led by a bishop and several ministers and deacons.

The rules of the church — the Ordnung — must be observed by every member. These rules cover most aspects of day-to-day living, and include prohibitions or limitations on the use of power-line electricity, telephones, and automobiles, as well as regulations on clothing. Many Amish church members may not buy insurance or accept government assistance, such as Social Security. As Anabaptists, Amish church members practice nonresistance and will not perform any type of military service. Members who do not conform to these expectations and who cannot be convinced to repent, are excommunicated. In addition to excommunication, members may be shunned — a practice that limits social contacts in order to shame the wayward member into returning to the church. During adolescence (called rumspringa or "running around" in some communities), nonconforming behavior that would result in the shunning of an adult who had made the permanent commitment of baptism may meet with a certain degree of forbearance.

It could be said that, to an extent, many Amish church groups seek to maintain a degree of separation from the non-Amish world. There is generally a heavy emphasis on church and family relationships. They typically operate their own one-room schools, and discontinue formal education at grade eight. They value a rural life, where a large family provides an abundance of manual labor. Due to intermarriage among this relatively small population, higher incidences of certain inheritable diseases have been known to occur in some groups.

 

[bbbbbbb]

This reminds me of a couple who came to me and asked me to design an authentic Victorian house for them in the deep woods of the countryside. I am an architectural conservator by profession and I can be totally authentic, down to the outhouse. I discovered that neither one had ever lived in the country (which is radically different than city life) and neither one had ever actually been inside a Victorian house, much less lived in one. It proved to be an interesting experience for all three of us.

For Snow_White, I would say that your understanding of the Amish appears to be extremely limited. The Amish are not those cute folks living in cute farmhouses. They are, in fact, really quite disinterested in having anyone from outside their group join them. Even intermarriage with an Amish person is severely frowned upon. Even if I wanted to join them, it would be virtually impossible and I cannot think of any good reason that I would want to do so, knowing what little I do about them.

 

[Jeffersonian]

Praise Jesus men, i know that amish bless the world and thats awesome bro.

 

[Antigone]

It's happened in the past that people from outside have joined the Amish, but it doesn't happen very often and it's difficult to win their trust, I suppose - they mostly keep to themselves.

 

[A Rhys]

From what I can tell from documentaries, most Amish converts meet Amish boys and girls or men and women on Rumspringa and marry/be baptized into the church for the first time as their (Amish raised) spouse is.

 

[WayneinMaine]

From what I can tell from documentaries, most Amish converts meet Amish boys and girls or men and women on Rumspringa and marry/be baptized into the church for the first time as their (Amish raised) spouse is.

I've never hear of that. The few Amish converts I know or am aware of joined as adults.

 

[Wol]

I've never hear of that. The few Amish converts I know or am aware of joined as adults.

My experience matches Wayne's. The people that I know that joined the Amish church did so as adults.

I think you really need to analyze why you want to join the Amish, because it is not something to be done lightly. The Amish are not just quaint 'picture book' folks. There are some very fine people in the Amish church and there are some people that are er,... rather more difficult. The Christians there are sinners saved by grace just like the rest of us.

Please understand that joining the Amish church is a 'package deal'. You must basically assent to the whole thing, both the parts that make sense to you and the parts that do not. You must accept the authority of the church to tell you how to live your life.

 

[A Rhys]

I've never hear of that. The few Amish converts I know or am aware of joined as adults.

That's what I meant. I used boys and girls for under 18 (Rumspringa starts at 16, correct me if I'm wrong) and men and women for non-Amish adults who date unbaptized Amish on Rumspringa; then they get married and baptized and become Amish. I was merely distinguishing from unbaptized yet raised Amish teens and adults looking to join the church, and 'outsiders' who have no Amish upbringing but become so when they go to marry someone from that culture.

 

[DMRenner]

I would agree with the previous posts. Entrance into the Amish society can be difficult. They would discourage anyone from the "outside" from visiting their worship services; that would be to allow in the "world". Not something they want. Typically the service is conducted in German, further isolating the would-be visitor. I have had a keen interest in the Amish/Mennonite/Hutterite religions. I have had close associations with an Old Order Mennonite community in Delano, Tennessee, and have had the opportunity to visit and talk extensively with them regarding their religion and culture. Believe me, their way of life is no panacea.

From what I have observed, every group is a little different. Each having its own community standards. It is true, there can be no middle ground in the matter of adopting their way of life.

 

[logos65]

Snow White, I think if you really want to become Amish, you might want to look at the Beachy Amish Movement. They are more of a group that uses some modern gagdets.

 

[ParentofChildren]

There is a wise Amish stattement about people seeking to become an Amishman. I will restate.
If people want to be with the Amish because of there life, then they should mold there lives after Christ as they do. Pursue peace in all discourse and interaction with family, employers, customers, & friends. Live simply, so others may simply live. Housing, food, entertainments, furnishings should be simple as these are not really important to this life or next. Live for God's kingdom. Care for others as you would care for yourself. Forgive all, as you have been forgiven. Make choices that reduce temptation. What we bring in with the eyes and other senses go to our hearts. I think about this often. Peace <><

 

[AndOne]

Here is a really good website that gives a ton of info on the amish - Amish America

 

[PeterAV]

The various Amish or Amish Mennonite church fellowships are Christian religious denominations, and they form a very traditional subgrouping of Mennonite churches. They are often best known for their simple living, plain dress and their resistance to the adoption of many modern conveniences. The history of the Amish church began with a schism in Switzerland within a group of Swiss and Southern German Mennonites, in 1693. The leader of the schismatic faction was a Mennonite Elder named Jakob Ammann. Those who followed Amman became known as Amish, or Amish Mennonites. In the early 18th century, many Amish Mennonites began immigrating to Pennsylvania for a variety of reasons. Today, the most traditional descendants of these Amish Mennonites continue to speak Pennsylvania German (more often referred to as Pennsylvania Dutch), the language spoken by the descendants of Pennsylvania's late 17th and 18th century immigrants. There are also Old Order Amish communities, especially in Indiana, where a dialect of Swiss German predominates. Over the years, there have been numerous divisions among the Amish churches. The 'Old Order' Amish, an ultra-conservative faction that withdrew from fellowship with the wider body of Amish Mennonites in the 1860s, are those that have most emphasized traditional practices and beliefs. As of 2000, over 165,000 Old Order Amish live in Canada and the United States. A new study, produced in 2008, suggests their numbers have increased to 227,000.

Amish church membership begins with baptism, usually between the ages of 16 and 25. It is a requirement for marriage, and once a person has affiliated with the church, she or he must marry within the faith. Church districts average between 20 to 40 families, and worship services are held every other Sunday in a member's home. The district is led by a bishop and several ministers and deacons.

The rules of the church &#8212; the Ordnung &#8212; must be observed by every member. These rules cover most aspects of day-to-day living, and include prohibitions or limitations on the use of power-line electricity, telephones, and automobiles, as well as regulations on clothing. Many Amish church members may not buy insurance or accept government assistance, such as Social Security. As Anabaptists, Amish church members practice nonresistance and will not perform any type of military service. Members who do not conform to these expectations and who cannot be convinced to repent, are excommunicated. In addition to excommunication, members may be shunned &#8212; a practice that limits social contacts in order to shame the wayward member into returning to the church. During adolescence (called rumspringa or "running around" in some communities), nonconforming behavior that would result in the shunning of an adult who had made the permanent commitment of baptism may meet with a certain degree of forbearance.

It could be said that, to an extent, many Amish church groups seek to maintain a degree of separation from the non-Amish world. There is generally a heavy emphasis on church and family relationships. They typically operate their own one-room schools, and discontinue formal education at grade eight. They value a rural life, where a large family provides an abundance of manual labor. Due to intermarriage among this relatively small population, higher incidences of certain inheritable diseases have been known to occur in some groups.

*******
That was some good info you brought up.
Thanx!
I noticed you have a picture from the practice of Alchemy on the bottom of your post.
Is there a reason for that?
Thanx again for the info.
*******
PeterAV
Every word of God is pure:

 

[ScottsWife]

I live within 20 miles of Amish in Indiana.... They are very common here. I know a young Amish couple as well from southern Indiana. They are all over Indiana. The couple that I know work at a horse farm that I use to go to a lot. The guy is a horse trainer...his wife is a school teacher (yes, they only go to grade 8). They are very nice people....but extremely private. They don't make much of an effort to get to know anyone, but will politely answer some questions. Nobody is allowed to take their picture either. They view them as graven images.

Now, out to the farmlands where I live.....Amish farms are HUGE....and they have MONEY....people tend to think that they are poor. They are not. There is a difference between poor and ultra-conservative. Just because they ride in horse drawn buggies does not mean they could not afford the car of their choice! They have huge farm auctions out here and you can buy their veggies and other goods in bulk. you can get a huge crate of zucchini for like 3 bucks.....its very huge out here. You will also see them in the cities because the men will occasionally get contracted to build buildings...I've seen them build hotels and all sorts of things. They hire drivers out here to drive them places. They will take a 15 passenger van to the construction site and build. It's not extremely common to see that, but I've seen it. I've also heard that they dont pay taxes....in particular the highway tax. Some people get bitter over it...because they use their horses and buggies on the roadways...clog up traffic and their horses poo everywhere. I dont have a problem with it, but some do.

The women are definitely subordinate to men. You often hear of abuses. Same with animals....they view all animals as strictly livestock. They don't treat them like members of the family....i'm sure there are some exceptions. THat horse trainer I know, loves horses. you can tell. But I use to work for a horse rescue group and we had a few horses that the Amish retired and their condition was pathetic...they were ran into the ground, so to speak. They are also infamous around here for puppy mills. There have been lots of news reports, you can find them online I'm sure. Lots have been busted. They supply pet stores with their puppies...and they raise the puppies in less-than-humane conditions.

I think that there is much to be admired of the Amish...the stuff that most people know about. But I just wanted to point out, that its not just what you see in Hallmark movies or the movie Witness (with harrison ford)....or what you read in Christian fiction.

 

[logeen]

........................

 

[logeen]

h.......

 

[Amisk]

This reminds me of a couple who came to me and asked me to design an authentic Victorian house for them in the deep woods of the countryside. I am an architectural conservator by profession and I can be totally authentic, down to the outhouse. I discovered that neither one had ever lived in the country (which is radically different than city life) and neither one had ever actually been inside a Victorian house, much less lived in one. It proved to be an interesting experience for all three of us.

For Snow_White, I would say that your understanding of the Amish appears to be extremely limited. The Amish are not those cute folks living in cute farmhouses. They are, in fact, really quite disinterested in having anyone from outside their group join them. Even intermarriage with an Amish person is severely frowned upon. Even if I wanted to join them, it would be virtually impossible and I cannot think of any good reason that I would want to do so, knowing what little I do about them.

So if there is no way to become an Amish outside of being born into the group, is there no attempt to carry out Jesus orders to His followers, when He told His disciples "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." Mark 16:15?

 

[AndOne]

YouTube - Trouble in Amish Paradise (1 of 6)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjU_GzV3OcE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGV6-rosLMM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08zLISILa5U&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd4fKefDNkg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP9DU8B361Y&feature=related