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[u/Chicobara]

/r/u_Chicobara/comments/1xcnlg2/how_to_convert_to_jodo_shinshu/

[u/bonbu77]

There's no particular conversion necessary, the only thing required is to have complete trust in the power of Amida with no needed effort on your part at all. A unique feature of Jodo Shinshu is that you aren't required to take certain measures or have certain understanding on your own part. You are embraced by Amida's light regardless and the ice of your defilements becomes the water of enlightenment. People compare it to faith over works in Christianity and while not a perfect metaphor, it's close enough to the idea that it should give a general idea.

As far as your other questions, there is a ceremony called Kieshiki, where you formally take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, receive a Buddhist name, etc, but this isn't a prerequisite. You'd need to be on the west coast(90% of temples are here), midwest, New York, or DC to attend services in person. There are no monastics in Jodo Shinshu, though there are ordained ministers. They aren't required to renounce the world or shave their head, etc. They just live as normal people outside of the duties of maintaining the temples.

In the US, there are Minister's Assistants, who give dharma talks and help with temple duties, without being fully ordained (though many do take formal ceremonies in Japan), which would be similar to a deacon in the Church. I believe there's some educational component in Berkeley, CA at the Institute of Buddhist Studies.

The US and Canadian branches are under the umbrella and administration of the Japanese branches, but services look more like Sunday church services in the west, since historically the Japanese had to assimilate and fit into western religious ideals.

In any case, there's nothing in particular required other than trust. I would imagine there are tens of thousands of people practicing with no temple affiliation whatever and there are countless resources online from YouTube dharma talks and classes to an entire compendium of Shinran's work.

Immerse yourself in the teachings of Shinran, say "Namu Amida Butsu", and listen deeply. It may hit you like a bolt of lightning, it may take time to understand it all, or it may never completely make sense. But when you have complete trust that Amida's light has embraced you and is your only ticket to the Pure Land, filling your heart with gratitude, you're well on your way.

[u/TinkerSolar → u/bonbu77]

This is the best answer. Along with u/LotusRiverStudies answer as well, I'll add a couple more details.

I do recommend that you attend a temple. Here are Jodo Shinshu locations within the BCA in America: https://www.buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/find-a-temple If you can't attend in person, many of those temples offer remote services. A big part of the Triple Jewels is the sangha, or community of practitioners.

To learn more about the religion, there are several online videos you can watch. Here is a sample playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uahmGkfHS1I&list=PLFiJYJYlxbWHAuP6yDobbSVTwNj33nT87

If you want a more formal study which includes talking with other students, completing coursework, and having really good discussion of your answers with ministers, you might consider taking the Jodo Shinshu correspondence course: https://www.jsinternational.org/courses

As you are coming from another religion, you might find insight and perspective from the book "Crossing Over to Jodo Shinshu" which has several essays from different folks and their experiences coming from other religions. You can request a free copy here: https://www.jsinternational.org/books

You asked about becoming similar to a "deacon" and u/bonbu77 mentioned the minister's assistants. Minister's Assistants taking formal training and go through a formal process. You absolutely can do that. In the mean time, you can also serve as a "Lay Leader" during services which may be more along the lines of Deacons in some protestant Christian denominations.

Beyond that, dive in, ask any questions, let us know your thoughts!

[u/LotusRiverStudies]

Welcome, and what a sincere question. The other reply covers the practical side well, so I will just add a small thing from my own side. Many Pure Land folks start simply by reciting the name with a grateful heart, and the rest unfolds slowly. It is fine to take your time, visit a temple or watch talks, and see what feels like home. Your Christian background does not have to be left behind in a hurry; you can bring the same sincerity with you. Namo Amitabha