Amish in Michigan: 6 Steps Required to Join a Community

While it's difficult to speak for a religion that elders in each community govern and each has slightly different rules, joining a community in Michigan seems to be accomplished in six steps. However, it won't be quick or easy.

RELATED: 11 Rules Amish Women in Michigan Must Obey

Giving up your "English" (how Amish refer to outsiders) ways of dependence on technology isn't the only thing you'll need to do to become an official community member. Here's a look at what it would take for a Michigander to join an Amish Community.

Step One: Find an "Amish Sponsor"

While it isn't the technical term (that's more than likely German; more on that later), the first step is talking with an Amish person, asking questions, showing respectful interest, and eventually, expressing your desire to join.

Get our free mobile app

Remember, if you're introducing yourself to Amish, and there are men and women present, it is their tradition and a sign of respect that you only approach the men, as in public, they speak for their family (as for what happens at home, that's another story).

Step Two: Time to Move and Say Goodbye to Netflix

While this seems like a giant first step, moving immediately into an Amish community for a minimum of one year is what's required. Many Amish families take in English people who are taking the lifestyle for a test drive, but be sure you are serious about it.

I'm certain there's a list of rules for each home, but I'd imagine ordering DoorDash and asking for the Wi-Fi password won't impress. You'll also want to find a job, as freeloading is not allowed.

Step Three: Get a Job

This isn't going to be a free ride. The Amish are proud and hardworking, so contributing to the good of the entire community will go a long way toward ensuring you are showing your value.

Step Four: Go to Church. Go to Church Again. A Lot

I hope you like long church services spoken in Pennsylvania Dutch (a language based on German) that last three to four hours.  This leads us to step four:

Step Five: Learn Pennsylvania Dutch

Not only are church services in Pennsylvania Dutch, but it is also the language spoken in most Amish homes in Michigan. The faster you learn the language, the sooner you won't feel like you do when you're getting your nails done, wondering what everyone is talking and laughing about.

Related: 5 Do’s and 5 Don’ts For Exploring Michigan Amish Country

Amish365 states that this is the biggest stumbling block for those looking to join a community. Learning a new language as an adult is already hard enough, and if you're living without technology, then Rosetta Stone won't be a tool you can use.

Step Six: Get Voted Into the Community

The Daily Record reports that each Amish community comprises around 50 families, so impressing the community is a big part of becoming a member. After a year or more living among them, immersing yourself in their ways and now free of your old English dependencies on technology and vanity, it's up to the church if you can become a full member.

Related: Amish History: Where Was Michigan's First Settlement?

While there are sure to be other steps required, this gives you an overview of what it takes. What do you think? Are you ready to give up your phone, car, and air conditioning for a more straightforward way of life?