What is Quaker Meeting?

As a part of my new practice of “church at home” with my kids, I decided to research the format of Quaker meeting, something that has intrigued me for awhile. The unformatted Quaker meeting eschews the idea of “sermon” allowing each member to pace his/her own reflections internally and in tandem with the group and giving each member’s voice and experience equal weight and influence. Wikipedia’s Religious Society of Friends entry currently describes it as follows:

Unprogrammed worship is the more traditional style of worship among Friends and remains the norm in Britain, Ireland, continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and parts of the United States. During an unprogrammed meeting for worship, Friends gather together in “expectant waiting” for divine leadings. Sometimes a meeting is entirely silent, sometimes quite a few people speak. Meeting for Worship generally lasts about an hour.

When they feel they are led by the spirit a participant will rise and share a message (give “vocal ministry”) with those gathered. Typically, messages, testimonies, ministry, or other speech are not prepared as a “speech”. Speakers are expected to discern the source of their inspiration - whether divine or self. After someone has spoken, it is expected that more than a few moments will pass in silence before further Ministry; there should be no spirit of debate.

Unprogrammed worship is generally deemed to start as soon as the first participant is seated, the others entering the room in silence. The Meeting for Worship ends when one person (usually predetermined) shakes the hand of another person present. All the members of the assembly then shake hands with their neighbours, after which one member usually rises and extends greetings and makes announcements.

This is not the only such “contemplative format” in existence however. Clearly, the need for open, participatory meetings spans areas outside of religions. A solid list is located at the Center for Contemplative Mind.

As I mentioned in my post, we’ll be exploring such formats as home as we work to teach spirituality to our kids. Another great resource, if you’re searching for ways to communicate effectively, is the book Nonviolent Communication (aff). Clear and easy-to-follow, I re-read it from time to time to keep myself communicating in a way that advocates for my needs without stepping on other people’s feelings. Enjoy!

Love,

Mama Hope

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