So you want to join the Amish

One thing that sets the Amish apart from many Mennonite groups, and for that matter most other religious bodies:  they don’t recruit.

Amish typically neither condemn nor encourage attempts to join.  They may seem a bit discouraging towards the idea.  If the subject comes up, usually you hear something like ‘if you don’t grow up Amish, it’s really hard to do it.’

Occasionally, you run into an Amish person with a name that just doesn’t ‘sound’ Amish.  That’s often a clue.

It frequently happens that non-Amish who join stick it out for a little while but leave when the novelty wears off.

I’ve only met a very few that have joined, and that’s out of literally (literally literally) thousands of families met while selling books in their communities.

I regret not having a chance to get down to the nitty-gritty about it with the joiners (What’s it like?  No, what’s it really like?  What do you miss most?).

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One was a teacher.  Another works in a factory.  A third, fairly fresh convert raises and sells mums.  He supposedly fell for an Amish lass while on a visit to the community.

Asking another ‘native’ Amishman in his community about the newbie, I was told, almost wink-wink jokingly, that he seems to be doing alright (so far), as if the underlying idea was ‘is he gonna make it?’

But this guy, and the other people around him were supportive as far as I could tell.  In fact, the outsiders who have joined and ‘survived’ seem to garner a bit of extra respect.

Apparently, one way it works for interested parties is that you first come to live and get put to work for a certain length of time, just to see if you can hack it on that end.

Then there are the teachings and language to pick up.  Amish adolescents readying themselves for baptism normally attend prep courses led by church ministers.

One New Order Amish couple I met had adopted five non-Amish children.  They found a Pennsylvania Dutch tutor to teach the kids the native tongue.  I suppose that would come in handy for non-Dutch adult converts as well.

Some converts are from similar-minded faiths such as this Mennonite -background fellow, which may make it easier, but others come from different branches of Christianity.

The teacher-convert was apparently originally Catholic, as was well-known Amish historian David Luthy, whom I often mention in this blog.

616444_car_keys Apparently this teacher-convert said he found living without a car to be the most difficult.  That’s not surprising.  For me, I think car and electric would be the hardest.  Clothing, hairstyle, hard physical work I’m pretty sure I could swing.

But that might be looking at it the wrong way.  One Amishman has suggested that seekers approaching the Amish solely through the lifestyle angle–the buggies-and-beards rustic appeal of it–are missing the point.

The whole idea is not to live in a strange cultural world for it’s own sake.   By itself, that gets you nowhere.  Rather it’s all about living what the Amish feel is most important:  the words and teachings of Jesus Christ.

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    855 Comments

    1. Kate

      I don’t think this conversation is uplifting and Godly so I don’t want to continue anymore after this (of course you may but I’m not going to). Merrie and I have both stated that it isn’t a bad word yet you choose to believe it is, that’s fine it’s your right. I’ve said all I need to say and if I say anymore it won’t be in Christian love so I’m done. God bless you.

    2. Elam

      The term English as used by the Amish refers to a time before the U.S. existed, when we were a colony under England and the Amish referred to non-Amish as English since that is what they were in the 1700’s in Pennsylvania, then the term got to mean anyone not Amish and it does not make sense anymore but is still used. The Amish will sometimes hold on to things without knowing the old meaning or history though I am sure some Amish know this. The same is true for the type of beard the Amish wear. Why no mustache? The story I heard is that soldiers in Europe wore beards and so the Amish at that time shaved them off. Whether that is true or not, i am not sure but the custom sticks to this day. I don’t think many Amish use the word English as a smear word but I do think some Amish feel better than their “English” (non-Amish) neighbors though they would never admit that or be able to see it since Amish are supposed to practise Dehmut or humility. I knew an Amishman, who told me once that many of the plain people (Amish and old order Mennonites and such) were proud of their plainess and proud of their humility but they didn’t know it and that their pride was undoing their humility. It was an interesting observation.
      So, I want to say that this may be my last post to this website. I would like to focus on other things that are joyful for me. To be honest posting on this website has reminded me of a sad time in my life. A time when I was Amish and then decided to leave and the pain of finding my way in the “world.” And I have a great life now, one that I love every minute of and I am happy and fufilled. I wish all of you, who read this much happiness, joy and love and the peace that passes understanding. Kate, I wish you the best of luck in your wish to be Amish. Your group of Amish sound pretty grounded. Hopefully they will not let the letter of the law squash the spirit of the law which happens in many communities but in my opinion more so in Amish and conservative Mennonite ones. There are many more church divisions in those communities than in other religious groups as far as I can tell and I think it is due to the rigidity of most Ordnungs and the pride I spoke of earlier. Kate, if it does not work for you to be Amish, remember you can be happy and of service to God no matter who or where you are. I see many of my neighbors leading happy, joyful lives and they aren’t plain at least not outwardly. For those of you, who are unhappy with your lives and daydream of the happy Amish life, well, turn off this computer (I keep my computer use to 1 hour per day most of the time) so, turn it off, turn off the tv, go for a walk, read a book, talk to your neighbors, (visit with people in the flesh not with a machine) watch the sun set, plant a garden, sing, pray, meditate, cook meals from scratch, hang your laundry out to dry, there are hundreds more simple things you can do to be happy and to connect to what is real. You don’t need to be Amish to do any of them. You just need to make a commitment to live better. That can be the benefit of an Ordnung in that it can keep Amish people closer to God through the things I have mentioned above. The downside is when folks are punished because they didn’t follow the rules of the Ordnung or the letter of the law takes over as in the case of the Amishman I mentioned earlier. He beat his wife, she left him, she got punished with shunning, he didn’t get any kind of punishment or even a warning…. Again, it is about balancing the letter of the law with the spirit of the law. Blessings to all of you.

    3. Ray

      “Again, it is about balancing the letter of the law with the spirit of the law.”

      I agree!

    4. Alice Aber

      Elam, I really hope you do not leave. You have much to contribute. But at the same time,,, I do understand your feelings.

      If you do not return, May the Lord watch over you, protect you and bless you.

      Alice

    5. Kate

      Thank you Elam. I really appreciate your words and I am so glad that God lead you to a place where you are happy and can worship Him the way you want. Thanks again and may God truly bless you!
      Kate

    6. Bob Rosier

      Elam. I hope you will check back with us from time to time. I am new here, but I can already tell that you will be missed. You have passed along a lot of good information and I for one really appreciate you input.

      God bless, Bob

    7. Ray

      I agree. An actual person who has lived among the Amish gives this thread good balance.

    8. jim knapp avoca mi.

      hi. it is very hard to become amish, alot people want to be amish but they don’t like the life style they have to life. no car no tv. realy no nothing. to live the way we do it would be very hard to live like amish. it mite work for a few people, but for alot of us it would not, thank you. ( jim knapp avoca mi.)

    9. Kate

      That’s very true Jim. I know a lot of people that have suceeded and are fully content to be Amish. I think it really involves a strong leading from God. Without that I don’t see how anyone could do it. I’m fully comforted in the fact that God is leading me there and I know that if the Amish life is right for me then He will give me the strength to continue. I think without that strength and desire to live that way it would be very hard.

    10. Ray

      Kate, I think we started off on a bad foot. If God is calling you to be Amish, you better do it! The community you plan to join sounds different than the ones we have here in Maryland. I was just trying to warn those that are just looking for a lifestyle.

    11. Rita

      I think that it’s interesting that if you go on facebook and type in any typical Amish name..you will find hundreds of Amish teens doing all kinds of things I know there Bishops wouldn’t appreciate. I understand “Rumspringe” however…drinking, drugs, sex, pictures (the amish believe it is a graven sin to have your picture taken)goes far beyond, in my opinion than typical teen “running around”..is this because the Amish lifestyle is too rigid? Too narrow? So while, outsiders or Englishers, see a peace, kind, forgiving group of people, there are a group like us with kids growing up in America with all of the same issues and in some cases more.

    12. Bob Rosier

      Most kids who start college are away from the family for the first time. This freedom often means parties, drinking beer, and perhaps starts smoking because they have this freedom for the first time. An English rumplinga. After a few days of this, however, most realize that to stay in college they better limit the partying and get to studying. So, it is similar with the Amish during the rumspringa age. Even after or during rumspringa nearly all continue to live with their families, and many, perhaps even a majority, do not go to the parties or otherwise engage in behaviors that Amish parents and church officials consider wild. They attend Sunday singings, occasionally go bowling, take part in structured activities supervised by church elders — minor stuff — but rumspringa still allows them to do things they have never done before. An individual’s rumspringa ends when he or she agrees to be baptized into the church and to take up the responsibilities attendant on being an adult member of the Amish community. I have been told that most Amish boys have a very close attachment to their mothers, and this often brings them back to the fold. There are exceptions to everything, but I believe this is a fair analysis.

    13. Kate

      Thanks Ray, I totally understand where you’re coming from though. The church I plan to join IS very different than a lot of other Amish. I would never even consider joining a church that didn’t preach Salvation, or believed you have to be Amish to get to Heaven. There ARE Amish churches that are sound and good and there are some that aren’t. I don’t blame you for wanting to warn others I always tell people how different Amish churches are and that you DO have to be careful, just as in any church.

      Rita, I don’t think you can call any lifestyle TOO narrow. The Bible clearly states that the Christian walk with Jesus will be VERY narrow. Not sure the exact verse but it does say that the Christian life is a narrow road. I don’t believe you can be on that narrow road with drinking, being impure, disobeying parents, disobeying God etc. That just isn’t right. I don’t think any teenager, Amish or English, has an “excuse” to do things clearly against the Bible. I am 17 years old and I know right from wrong and I was NOT raised in a Christian home. Do I have an excuse to do those things because I’m a teen? No. So I don’t think we can excuse all young people from doing those things whether they’re Amish or english. The Amish church I go to realizes this and that is why they do not practice in any way Rumschpringa. I 100% agree with this and I don’t believe the ‘running around’ time is Biblical. I know a lot of youth (Amish, Menonnite, Baptist etc.) that are close with God and know better than to do that stuff so it is VERY possible.

      Just me 2 cents 🙂 *sorry if I’m a little…I don’t know the word, ah spirited, about this topic it’s something I am passionate about. I do want to make sure I answer in Christian love and respect for others though. So if you feel that I wasn’t please forgive me.*

      Kate

    14. Merrie Rancourt

      I’d like to add that finding Amish sounding names such as Yoder and Zook does not mean that the person was raised Amish or even knows of any Amish relatives.

      I have people with those names in my conservative Mennonite church but also know others who were raised in “normal”, worldly homes. My great-grandfather was a Landis but had no clue that his ancestor was one of the original Landis’ to come here with the first Mennonite community.

      Family heritage must be passed down for it to mean anything.

    15. Kate

      I was thinking the same thing when I read that Merrie. I know a lot of “Miller’s” but that doesn’t make them Amish. Thanks for pointing that out
      Kate

    16. Barbara

      It’s very, very hard for outsiders to join the Amish. Few stay. If you like the lifestyle, why not look for a conservative Mennonite church (www.anabaptists.org), as they are more welcoming to seekers. Also, certain Hutterite colonies are open to seekers and can be very warm and welcoming. But whatever you, read sociology books such as HUTTERITE SOCIETY by Hosteleter and AMISH SOCIETY so that you understand how the Old Order people think. The more scholarly books you read the better because otherwise, you won’t understand why they do the things they do. And many times they can’t explain why, yet what they do is good, and it works. That is one of the reasons so many seekers give up.

    17. followjesusonly@gmail.com

      Hello Everyone,
      I have had an interesting time reading this discussion,, and I would love to add a few things to it if I may.
      Kate, having grown up in Amish Culture, and personally visited 75 plus Amish communities, including about a dozen amish communities in the state of Michigan, I am seriously afraid that you are going to be terribly disappointed when you are in that community for a few years , and am truly afraid that you will leave, not a better person, but a BITTER person.
      I personally know of dozens of dozens people who have joined from non-plain background, and or were even raised amish and have left because of religious politics which you absolutely ARE INCAPABLE of seeing at this point.
      I have visited a lot of different types of churches and most of them including the Amish do not follow or obey the Bible , especially John 4;24,,,and Revelations chapter 22 verses 18 and 19.
      Most Amish churches don’t even preach Colossians chapter 2,, and there are other chapters in the Bible which are conveniently omitted at the services, and or often mis interpreted if it is read,
      PLEASE STUDY ROMANS 14 IN DIFFERENT VERSIONS AND ASK THE MINISTRY WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO EXPLAIN TO YOU WHAT IT MEANS.
      I will be praying for you,,,and before you get carried away this post is not merely targeted to you, only Kate but to all who are considering joining the Amish churches anywhere,
      PLEASE STUDY THE WORD OF GOD, IN ITS ENTIRETY AND KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN…
      Jesus says in John 14 6 that He is the way, and no one can come to the Father than by him,,,right?
      Why are so many trying to get to the Father the Amish way? The Mennonite way? or whatever you called???
      Praying for you,

    18. Kate

      Thanks for your input. I don’t feel I need to explain myself anymore to anyone. I know you are just trying to help so I do appreciate that. But I need to follow where God is leading me. Thanks but I am goign to follow God and His leading,
      Kate

    19. Merrie Rancourt

      followjesusonly@gmail.com,

      Many of us are following the Lord’s commands to worship Him and Him alone. I have been led to a conservative Mennonite church, Kate to an Amish community. Both of us are following the Lord’s commandmant to worship with other believers.

      I know Kate (via email and the Amish_and_Mennonite group on Yahoo) and this is not a spur of the moment decision for her. The Lord has been leading her for a number of years in this direction. This is what He desires for her. None of us have the right to challenge that if we are in His service. Having accepted His salvation, she is doing His will.

      You ask “Why are so many trying to get to the Father the Amish way? The Mennonite way? or whatever you called???”

      I am led to attend a conservative Mennonite church because they are following the Bible, the inspired Word of God. We dress modestly and the women cover because of the Lord’s commands in the New Testament. See 1 Corinthians 11 if you wonder what I am referring to.

      The Bible says that none shall come to the Father except through Jesus Christ. It says that the road is narrow and the way is hard. All that matters to me is that I do the Lord’s will in all things. His commands are written for us to see in the KJV. I am not afraid because He protects my soul. It is difficult to step away from the world, but well worth that step.

      Blessings

    20. Kate

      Thank you Merrie, you’ve said things way better than I could in a loving way! 🙂
      Kate

    21. Valerie McMaster

      I too find this interesting,I would just like to add a comment, I have known countless Christians who thought it was God’s leading to go here or there, only to find they clearly missed God and suffered the consequences. I would tend to agree with followjesusonly, in that if there are any of the mentioned scriptures that the Amish discard, then clearly, it would not be God’s leading to submit to them-
      II Timothy 3:5 Having the form of Godliness, but denying the power therof: from such turn away. As my good friend, was told not to share Christ outside of Amish community, was a clear disobedience to the Word’s teaching of the Great Commission and do the work of an evangelist-if the Amish are doing this, with the POWER of the Holy Spirit which we are to be filled with, then you will soon know if they are indeed Spirit filled to spread the Gospel as we are commanded by Jesus Christ and the Apostles, not to live quiet and peaceable lives alone. People are going to hell because we don’t step out and try to reach them!
      May God’s grieving heart for the lost, be our heart as well.

      Just some things that came to my mind, Jeremiah 17:9 says the heart is deceitful above all things-
      even beyond Godly wisdom being shared when a denomination/sect discards important scriptures.
      But God allows us to make our own mistakes and we learn from them, when we at times, realize it was not Him at all leading us in a direction.

      May our number one concern, be for a lost and dying world!

      God Bless You All,
      Valerie

    22. Merrie Rancourt

      Hi Valerie,

      The first thing I would ask someone who believed they were following God’s leading only to find themselves dearly missing Him would be, “then why are you still where you are missing Him?”

      I have a close, personal relationship with the Lord that I lacked elsewhere. I spent a year at a Church of Christ only to find an absence of Him. I’m sure there are other such churches that are not the same way.

      The Evil One does seek to mislead us. Prayer and study of the KJV Bible is a big help, but being in a community of believers is our best defense. I know that Kate feels His presence in the community which she will join.

      Thank you for reminding us that the path is not always straight!

      Blessings,
      Merrie

    23. Valerie McMaster

      Thank you Merrie,

      My main concern is many in our country are making God out to be a very confused and inconsistant God.
      As soon as we say “God is telling me….” than that is saying, so you don’t have the right to speak into my life. And so I know so many who have done this and then saw it wasn’t God telling them. And unbelievers see confusion. And is one way a mockery is made of our faith.

      It is not just the evil one that can deceive and mislead. We can deceive ourselves.

      James 1:14 But each one is tempted when his is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
      I Cor. 3:18 If anyone among you thinks he is relgious & does not bridle his own tonge, but deceives his own heart…..

      I Cor. 3:18-Let no one deceive himself-

      A very brief time, being discouraged with the church in America becoming worldly, I considered the Amish way-a friend found what he thought was the most scriptural Amish community-he was born & raised Amish. A couple of things stopped me. It WAS reading the KJV, especially the book of Galations.
      Also, the Ordnung being emphasized more than saving lost souls outside:
      Jesus said in Matthew 15:9
      “These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips but their heart is far from me. And in vain they worship me, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN” (emphasis mine)
      When an Ordung holds commandments of men, which Ordnung is, over and above seeking and saving the lost which is the heart of Jesus, and his followers, then this scripture is fitting.
      I read a very old book, called Mennonites in Europe-it was all about the beginnings of the Anabaptists in the Reformation. Cried my way through it. Why?
      The ancestors of the Amish, and Mennonites, were on FIRE for Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, and were led to their deaths trying to follow Him and they couldn’t stop spreading the Gospel! Passing out tracts everywhere! I thought to myself, this is nothing like we see the Amish doing today, what happened? FEAR? Trusting in Ordung? Galations 3:9? Seems the foundation was started on The Rock- but went off it’s foundation and now is on sand-sand shifts, why there are so many divisions in the Amish. the law killed the Spirit-(which is why Elam mentioned balance) Now, many of my Amish and former Amish friends are/were threatened when they try to spread the Gospel. Where is the heart of Jesus in that?

      God will not be mocked. Nor is He inconsistant. But we in America are making Him out to be and unbelievers want no part of it.

      Tell me you desire to be Amish. But lets all be careful about telling others that “God is telling me” because I’ve seen His name hurt so much in over 35 years of being a Christian, by such claims when they find out later, they were self deceived. This is not directed at anyone, but all of us who serve Jesus.

      Many former Amish I know left because as they read the KJV Bible, they cannot remain Amish-
      They realize, they have been misled all their lives.

      If one likes the Amish lifestyle, thats fine. There is much to be gleaned from their “lifestyle”.
      But God looks confusing when He tells one to become Amish, and another, that they cannot be and still serve Him and win souls for Christ. If one believes it is God leading them to be Amish, the computer and attention to self would probably be the first thing to go, because the same God would already be discouraging attention to self, and use of computer, which both are discouraged from what I know of Amish.

      I love the Amish, and pray for awakening to the fire their ancestors had to spread the true Gospel.
      Many are opening their eyes to this! Halelujah.

      Sorry for the long post.

    24. Merrie Rancourt

      Hi Valerie,

      I attend a conservative Mennonite church because that is where God has led me. I have no shame in telling anyone this because it is the truth. I cover because that is what 1 Corinthians 11 and other New Testament scriptures say the Lord desires us to do. I am not sorry to say that the Lord tells me to do this. I am not ashamed of His name nor ashamed to say that my only desire is to serve Him.

      It is wrong to judge all Amish and conservative Mennonite churches with the same broad brush. Kate’s journey has been a long one. She will be leaving modern devices behind when she starts to live in the community this June. Even now I can see her stepping away from them.

      I am not a member of the church I attend because my husband will not allow it. I’m grateful that he allows me to attend and comes with me. Even so, I would be allowed to use the computer and keep my cell phone. I see the Lord at work in my husband, so eventually I hope we will remove the TV from our home.

      We are commanded not to judge others. You and others may believe that the Amish and conservative Mennonites do not serve God but you are not in the position to condemn any of us.

      I have many concerns about my former denomination and the modern Mennonite church. The only thing I can do is pray for the members.

      Blessings,
      Merrie

    25. Kate

      I 100% agree with Merrie. I AM led by God and I will not keep my mouth shut about it. If we all quited ourselves who would ever hear the name Jesus? How would others know about things like God’s Will and His leading if we don’t tell others? Even in Bible times people would talk about the Will of God and the reaping if you don’t follow it (Jonah!).

      I also agree with Merrie about judging all Amish/Mennonites and other plain groups. SO many people do this and they don’t even think of how wrong it is to judge others (which is what is happening). As we’ve stated so many times here and Erik has on this site, All Amish and other plain churches are DIFFERENT. You will not find 2 identical churches. So while 1 church may believe in Salvation through works and putting the Ordung higher than God’s Commands a church 1 state over may completely opposite (as is the case with mine). You really cannot judge all Amish based on what you hear from one, two or even three Amish (and you cannot always believe what the ex-Amish say either).

      So while I appreciate your concern and I understand where you’re coming from, I know where God is leading ME and where I’m going to follow, lest I end up like Jonah (thought I’m not just following out of fear but out of a desire to follow and grow closer to Him). My Amish group and Merrie’s Mennonite groups are striving to follow Christ and His teaching and to my knowledge are doing so more than any ‘worldly’ church I’ve ever been to. The youth here are maybe not dying and being burned at the Stake for Christ but they are on fire for the Lord from what I can see as are the adult members.

      I haven’t been on this site, or any computers as Merrie mentioned, for a while but am glad I stepped in today. I will be praying too, God bless,
      Kate

    26. Lindsay

      How about we leave everyone to follow their own path? I think if that is what Kate and Merrie want to do, and they feel comfortable doing then let them go their own way. I’m a non-believer, but I’m supportive of anyone’s journey (spiritual or otherwise) if that is what leads them to contentment and if it harms no one. In a strange way, I understand these ladie’s frustration with being told they are wrong and you have to do X to be a good person (non-believers hear that and worse all the time)!

    27. Ray

      Lindsay, some of us spoke out of concern. With some groups, joining the Amish is taking a path that harms people. It sounds like Kate attends a decent Amish congregation.

    28. Merrie Rancourt

      Thank you, Lindsay. 🙂

    29. Valerie McMaster

      I apologize ladies if I came across judgemental, that was certainly not my heart in the matter. What I was trying to do was exhort, as the Word instructs us to do in II Timothy 4:2. You both have had to make jusgements yourselves, as you pointed out when determining your path. We all do. You both emphasized my concerns without realizing it.

      Ray is correct in that it is concern where some of us are coming from. I’m as concerned for the many that read this who are possibly influenced to do the same, and because as Ray mentioned, many outsiders are HURT when they come out of trying to fit in Amish communities. I know my friends community who he describes USED TO BE much like Kates, started changing as they often do and 5 families were extremely hurt, shook up, and out of fellowship now in confusion-

      I agree with being modest and wearing a covering as scripture states. I’m neither Mennonite nor AMish but do wear one, am only one in church.

      As far as being the “hard” way, I don’t believe that kind of “hard” is what the Word is referring to. It is hard to be a Christian, in a secular environment. But that is how the disciples were sent out from Jesus, as sheep amont wolves. He didn’t instruct them to stay in sheep pens.

      However, becoming Amish seems to be the New American Idol. Having been on another forum, we get it all the time. Possibly the numerous novels coming out with pretty Amish girls with starry eyed looks are becoming more attractive then the teen idols that have messed up lives. Praise the Lord that girls at least are being drawn to Godly appearances.

      Forgive me please, I am not meaning to judge at all-
      just emphasizing the need to remember that Christ’s Blood was shed and if that wasn’t good enough, where we had to start dictating widths of hat brims and pleats in prayer Kapps being 10 or 12, or suspenders crossed in the back or just over the shoulder, then it is my duty as a Christian to discourage unbelievers into thinking these ordinances are scriptural-it is adding to scripture to dictate such rules. Those kinds of yokes were not meant to be harnessed on people.

      The nickname for the early Anabaptists, was “Evangelical Anabaptists”. lets get back to that focus! As one of my former Amish, on fire for the Lord friends says who still dresses plain and wife covers, “I don’t follow Ammann, I don’t follow Menno, I follow Jesus Christ”. They go to Charity Ministries churches, worth checking into if you’re Anabaptist doctrinally:
      http://www.charityministries.org -they too have a problem with worldly churches and have awesome messages online. You will hear former Amish give some pretty inspiring messages! However, Charity is not THE WAY either. But you may find them like minded. And they do alot of missionary work hands on and witnessing to unbelievers, yes, being covered and long dresses-in big cities like New York! For anyone discouraged with worldy churces, may be an answer. Or, maybe, set an example in your own church and see how the Lord can use it. Just some thoughts for others reading.

      I won’t post again, was getting away from computer time myself,
      God Bless

    30. Patricia

      Hi Kate,

      I am a nineteen year old female who is a born again Christian. My goal in life is to honor God and give Him glory, wherever He leads me I will follow. I just wanted to know if you could contact me either through mail, email or on here. I am very interested in becoming Amish, not sure if God is leading me there but would certainly be open to His leading. I am asking you because although only seventeen I sense you have more wisdom than your age shows and I can see you love God with all your heart. If you could reply soon that would be wonderful, my email address is cakers11n24@hotmail.com.

      Thank you very much, if you are unable to I understand, but am praying about this a lot.

      Patricia

    31. Chauncey

      I am interested in exploring the Amish lifestyle because I am tired of the imposed rat race upon me and my family. I am a Christian (meaning, a follower of Jesus Christ). I desire to live a life of devotion to
      God in the fullest measure, but I am truly frustrated with the way that our culture has no value of family and the important things. Needless to say, they have no fear of God, either. I don’t want to escape the world; no. I want to live simply, but still engage the world and proclaim Christ. My wife and I have been entertaining the thought of living with, or maybe just near the Amish. I’m not looking to actually become Amish. I am secure with being in Christ, but I do desire community with brothers and sisters in Christ. This does not happen where we live, and I doubt it truly happens in many other places. My only concern is having an occupation with which I can support my wife and two children. I do not want my wife to work, which she does at this point in time.
      Do the Amish allow outsiders to work in their communities or on their farms? If so, would I be able to support my family on the income? We plan on having more children, also.
      We live in central Ohio, and it seems to me that American culture is uncannily designed to interrupt, prohibit and discourage strong, healthy and close knit family life as well as strong, healthy and close knit communities. This, I think is catastrophic to fellowship in the Body of Christ as well. There is no really involvement in each others lives, very little quality fellowship and therefore, almost no accountability. This is partially why, I believe the Church is so weak in our nation.
      I am willing to drop most of the conveniences I have to live a life in which I can truly serve the Living God and not be distracted by worthless things and activities that take away from time that can be used to fellowship with and worship God as well as perform His work which was fore ordained for us from before the foundation of the world.

    32. Chauncey

      My only question is, can I do this and survive financially and support my family?

    33. Nelson

      Hello Chauncey, and all who read these posts,,
      Wonder how all of you are really doing these days,
      it is a beautiful day here in eastern Holmes County Ohio, and I did not feel well enough to go to church, sa am staying home today.
      it is kind of interesting what you brought up in your questions, and at the right time,,,
      Just last night I visited with a man on the phone for over an hour or more, about his search.
      He was from the (outside) was with the Amish Mennonites(Beachey) for 6 years or so, and did not feel that that was where God wanted him , so he went to the Amish in Kentucky, I believe for 6 or 7 years, and his wife could not handle the rejection she felt there,((by the way she felt very accepted right at the beginning)) , but that acceptance changed after a length of time….
      Anyway they moved to this certain church in PA,(( not Charity or so)) but a nice Christian Church,,,and they really like it very much,IN FACT THEY ASKED ME TO COME AND VISIT THEM FOR A WEEKEND!!
      Regarding your question, about being able to survive finqancially and support your family, in Amish type or community lifestyle,,,if that type of lifestyle really draws you,,,, I know of several Amish,and Mennonite Communities, who will do their best to help you have a job and income enough to support your family and more, (IF) you are willing to TOTALLY support their lifestyle and church operation, and if you really want community life.
      This man that called me is happier and more blest now that he has ever been, and he told me that the entire church helpe him and his boy find a good job. job.
      IF ANY OF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL ME AT followjesusonly@gmail.com or ameritraveler1963@yahoo.com THEN GIVE ME YOUR PHONE NUMBER AND I WILL CALL YOU BACK.
      MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.

    34. Nelson

      Merrie,
      Am very curious what church or area, you attend, why your better half won’t let you join, and more, so if you feel like answering please do so, either e-mail or on here,
      ameritraveler1963@yahoo.com or followjesusonly@gmail.com
      Thanks a lot and may God bless you, Nelson

    35. sonofagun

      This is a long and very interesting thread!

      There are quite a lot of Amish near me here in Michigan (Osceola County) including many active businesses and I interact with them quite frequently. I much appreciate the honesty and friendliness of the Amish which of course is one trait of true Christianity AKA “The Golden Rule” – to treat others as you would want to be treated.

      It’s just too bad they err so greatly in their religious beliefs and lifestyles. Although they profess to follow the scriptural admonition to “come out from among them and be seperate”, their religious customs and beliefs are quite similiar to the deceptive and erroneous ideas most so-called Christian churches practice and believe. Also their restrictive lifestyle places far too much emphasis on physical things rather than the much more important spiritual ones. Don’t they realize most all of the widely accepted doctrines are completely false? Don’t they believe the scripture which says plainly that the devil “deceiveth the entire world”? Truly narrow is the way that leads to salvation (eternal life) and FEW there be that find it.

      Anyway, I do appreciate the Amish women for their inner and outer strength, beauty, and humility and would like to find a woman of similiar charatcer and strengths to spend the rest of my life with in accordance with all the scriptural admonitions for husbands and wives. I was divorced (no fault) by the woman I married many years ago and so an Amish woman could not be with me unless she left the community. If there are any who wish to leave and find a more enlightened, happy life physically, emotionally, and spiritually, they can contact me. Or any others who may be thinking of joining the Amish but of course realize (as obvious from many postings here) that it may not be the best choice but aspire to the same spiritual traits and quality of living, may contact me also. My email is sonofagun231@sbcglobal.net

    36. Merrie Rancourt

      Hi Chauncey,

      If you would care to identify your town, I’d be happy to look it up in our listing of conservative Mennonite churches. I can let you know if any are near you.

      You might also want to look at the Amish_and_Mennonite group on Yahoo. A lot of your questions could be answered there, including those you haven’t thought of yet.

      Blessings, Merrie

    37. Merrie Rancourt

      Hi Nelson,

      The headship order puts me under my husband. Now that I understand the order and have accepted it, I am much happier than I was during my days of “liberation”.

      My husband will not give his permission for me to join because he is not yet saved. He was raised as a Catholic and attended a Catholic school. He turned his back on religion and is just now (at age 56) opening his heart. I will join when he is ready himself.

      As I see the Lord at work in his life, he drives me to church when we can attend. The church is on the south side of Pueblo. It is Pikes Peak Mennonite Church. I found it through the Amish_and_Mennonite Yahoo group and have been truly blessed in finding them.

      Blessings,
      Merrie

    38. Nelson

      Hello Merrie,
      Thanks for your answer,, So you probably have read the book,”Me Obey Him?”
      I know of different Mennonites and Amish in your state,,,and my first cousins married daughter lives in your state,too.
      I want to wish you and your husband God’s blessings.

    39. sonofagun

      And oh by the way, it would be great if you’re good with computers as I have a very active on-line business.

    40. Lance

      sonof,

      if you want a Godly wife, get a more Godly blog comment name please.

      Also, in the plain world, divorce ends all hope of future marriage. Sorry to burst your bubble.

    41. sonofagun

      Don’t judge me (or others) by my (or their) name please and in any case, what’s so “ungodly” (as you seem to be judging without even knowing me) about sonofagun? It’s basically a humorous on-line handle chosen due to my interest in firearms.

      And also, the subject of divorce and remarriage is a subject of much controversy and misunderstanding within religious circles. Much has been written on the subject. You have to ask, just when does our creator consider a marriage valid or invalid? Another topic greatly misunderstood.

    42. Bob

      I agree that Son should not be judged for having a user name that indicates that one or both of his maternal parents were a firearm.

    43. Lance

      In the plain community I was in, such a name would have been considered inappropriate. Borderline vulgarity is not tolerated anymore than full vulgarity.

      Luke 16:18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from [her] husband committeth adultery.

      Amish take verses like that literally. If you wish be part of the plain world, you accept their ways. This is one of them. You would have a hard time building a good relationship with them if you have done things they would not allow. Divorce is impossible in the Amish church. Amish will still be your friend, but you cannot marry one that insists on remaining Amish. Whether you agree with this means nothing to the Amish, it is just their way.

      Public displays of temper lost is almost unheard of in the Amish.

      You asked for opinions, I gave mine. Sorry if you are offended.

      Again, no offense meant.

    44. Kate

      Son,

      Read God’s Word to find out how God feels about marriage/divorce. That is better than any book or study you’ll find. The Bible is VERY clear about that subject and leaves no room for discussion. If you are married and have relations with them, and then divorce and have relations with anyone else, that is considered adultry (sp?) in God’s Eyes, this is not my opinion but straight from the word of God.

      I doubt you’ll find a Godly wife on a comment on a website…especially an Amish one. Maybe try church? Just my opinion for what it’s worth.

      As for you saying Lance is judging you…were you not judging the Amish by stating above what “all Amish believe”? Because I know for a fact that there ARE Amish groups (I go to one!) that believe in Salvation through Grace and living out the Bible so clearly. Sure they have mistakes and aren’t perfect but no one is. You cannot possibly say that all Amish are erred in their ways etc. None of us are perfect and the Bible says we need to examine OURSELVES and worry about your own sins and relationship with the Lord before judging others. Just a thought…

      Kate

    45. Merrie Rancourt

      Actually sonof, this is the wrong board to look for a Godly wife.

      In Amish and conservative Mennonite churches, divorce is not an option. If one joins once they have been divorced, they do not re-marry until after the death of their first spouse. Marriage is for life. Once legally joined, you are joined until death because God considers us to be one.

      Mark 5:5-12 is very clear about divorce once Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant.

      Blessings,
      Merrie

    46. sonofagun

      Bob – thanks for the humorous comment – lol.

      Lance – I did not put away my wife – she divorced me althought I did not want a divorce – in Michigan divorce is granted if only one files for it.

      Also, I’m not asking for someone that is or intends to remain Amish – read my post – am looking for one that has decided to leave but is looking for a good life after doing so. Or one that likes the lifestyle but is not sure about joining and preferably has never been married or is a widow.

      Truly divorce is wrong – I never wanted it – to this day I earnestly desire NOT to live alone the rest of my years. I’d appreciate your prayers that I find an answer.

    47. Bob

      Son, I’m here for humour but all my responses are getting blocked.

    48. melissa hudson

      i would like to join a oregon amish community can someone help out with that????

    49. temporal1

      Try tho we do, there’s no escaping our human condition. We are saved by grace, alone, through Jesus christ. I suppose that means that all our actions are ego-based, the older i get, the more true that rings. We try so hard to “get it right” – with the inference that others “got it wrong.”

      When it’s my time, i expect to melt into humility and ask forgiveness of my many trespasses. The longer i live, the more to account for.

      Through Jesus Christ, i pray for grace. for each of us, in this difficult world. amen

    50. Seeker

      I too feel I am being led to join an Amish group. I live in Kentucky around a lot of Amish communities. To the others who are joining/wanting to join the Amish, please e-mail me at warrior_cheerleader_05@hotmail.com