The Amish culture provides an alternative to the fast-paced and confusing city life.
The Amish lifestyle is a unique culture filled with its own traditions and ideals. Entering this culture requires strong dedication and an adherence to that lifestyle. A family guides your conversion into the Amish way of life, and they will both teach and guide you through the long process. The Amish church has specific regulations that include a slow conversion into this new lifestyle while you learn the specifics of Amish religious practice.
Pilgrimage
In preparation for your conversion to an Amish lifestyle, you are required to spend a year living with an Amish family. If you know an Amish family in your area who are willing to take you into their home, speak to them and inform them of your intentions. Amish churches may be willing to help place you with a family. Your year with the family acclimates you to the Amish lifestyle and provides experience with their work habits. By the end of your year, you should know if the lifestyle is for you.
Church
Church attendance during your pilgrimage year is mandatory. The church requires that you be formally introduced to church life. A member of the church must perform the introduction, preferably the family with whom you are living.
Work
The Amish community requires that you work alongside other Amish during your pilgrimage. The intention is to welcome you into their culture while introducing you to their work ethics. Daily life for the Amish requires dedication to their strict way of life and rigorous work schedules. Prepare your life for this change prior to beginning your pilgrimage by adjusting your waking hours and include more rigorous tasks in your daily schedule.
Language
Learn to speak the Dutch language. This is the first language taught to Amish children and remains the primary language spoken in homes and communities. English is learned as a second language by Amish intending to attend school outside their community. You must speak fluent Dutch. If you have Amish friends, ask for their assistance in your language training.
Training
After completing your yearlong pilgrimage within the Amish community, you will begin your formal training in their culture and traditions. During this training you will learn the church ordinances and strictures. This training period is crucial to your immersion into the Amish culture and finalizes your transition into their lifestyle. You are required to learn about specific areas of Amish religious life.
Affirmative Vote
The church will vote on whether to invite you in as a member. If the vote is affirmative, you enter the church and are considered Amish. If you have completed your yearlong pilgrimage and shown competence throughout your training, this vote is a formality, as most churches are willing to open themselves to your membership.
Tags: Amish lifestyle, into their, your pilgrimage, your yearlong pilgrimage, Amish community, Amish culture