So you want to join the Amish

Ever thought you wanted to become Amish? Over the past 15 years, I've heard from many people who wanted to join the Amish. But I've only known a handful who have done it.

In this video I deliver some real talk about becoming Amish. Why do people want to join the Amish? What are the biggest challenges? Why does it often not work out? I also share some examples of Amish converts - Marlene, Ed, and others - who actually have joined - and remained - Amish.

00:00 Intro
00:26 Obstacles to joining
02:44 Which communities do people join?
04:30 HOW to join the Amish
06:41 Why it doesn't work out
11:08 Meet some Amish converts
15:26 Should you join the Amish?
19:19 Did I (Erik) ever want to become Amish?

More: https://amishamerica.com/becoming-amish/

My name is Erik Wesner and I'm not Amish. Back in 2004, I met the Amish while selling books. Since then, I've visited 5,000+ Amish homes & dozens of Amish communities. I run the Amish America website. More: https://amishamerica.com/

Image credits: Don Burke (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ozarkinspirations/), Jim Halverson, Don Shenk (https://www.amazon.com/Seasons-Lancaster-County-Largest-Community/dp/0764357557), Tom in NY, Jerry in PA, Anne, Pat Burk (Marlene C. Miller - https://www.timesreporter.com/news/20170405/marlene-miller-former-majorette-tells-of-her-rare-conversion-to-amish-religion)

Sources cited:

"Former big-city chef turns Amish, makes charcuterie in rural Maine", Bangor Daily News, Abigail Curtis, January 13, 2016. https://bangordailynews.com/2016/01/13/news/former-big-city-chef-turns-amish-makes-charcuterie-in-rural-maine/

"Amish converts choosing their religion and building roots in oldest settlement", The Guardian, Kevin Williams, August 7, 2015. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/07/amish-converts-maryland-oldest-settlement

Amish America posts:

"Marlene Miller on Grace Leads Me Home: Giveaway & Interview", June 28, 2012. https://amishamerica.com/marlene-miller-grace-leads-me-home/

"Amish “Music Mystery Supper” (Guess These 14 Food Riddles) [Updated With Winner]", June 20, 2019. https://amishamerica.com/amish-music-mystery-supper-guess-these-14-food-riddles/

"When a son joins the Amish", June 1, 2012. https://amishamerica.com/when-a-son-joins-the-amish/

"When a son joins the Amish: What about photos?", June 8, 2012. https://amishamerica.com/when-a-son-joins-the-amish-what-about-photos/

"When a son joins the Amish: The only treasure you can take to Heaven", September 17, 2014. https://amishamerica.com/when-a-son-joins-the-amish-the-only-treasure-you-can-take-to-heaven/