How to Become a Member of a Quaker Meeting

Interested in becoming a Quaker? Here’s how to join a Quaker Meeting and become a member.
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Transcript:
Melinda Wenner Bradley: Two of my three children have applied for membership at my meeting themselves. One of them is a fourth grader and the other is a ninth grader. In both cases, their letters spoke of identifying as Friends and what that meant both in terms of being part of the community and worship, but probably in both their cases what it meant to be a part of the community and its witness.
How to Become a Member of a Quaker Meeting
David Breitzmann: Membership in the Religious Society of Friends is an important declaration of seriousness as regards to spiritual concerns because any personal development that you want to do with regards to faith-in the prophetic office itself-only makes sense in relation to other people, a spiritual community that will both help to offer edification but also discipline, eldering, advice, counsel… who will listen to all of your nonsense. [laughs] That’s what I’ve found, frankly.
What is Membership?
Stephanie Preston-Hughes: So if you were to become a member of a Quaker monthly meeting, this Meeting in particular here in Orlando, it’s saying to me that, “I’m a part of this family and I want to become a part of this family for better or for worse.” To me it’s a little like a marriage but it’s not just to one other person, it’s to a community of people.
Melinda Wenner Bradley: I think membership is a covenant. It is a two-way relationship. It is one where we are asked to bring our gifts and the meeting is asked to recognize and love us for and find ways for those gifts to be used, and sometimes to help us find what our gifts are.
Writing a Letter
Carter Nash: To become a member in a Friends meeting, one traditionally writes a letter after they have attended for a period of time to become familiar with what the meeting’s practices and beliefs are. You write a letter explaining why you want to become a member.
Amy Kietzman: The basic thing is to be really honest about what it is you are seeking and what’s the connection you feel with this particular Meeting, because you really are joining a particular Meeting. That letter is given to the membership care committee and a small committee is formed of two or three people to meet with you.
Clearness Committee for Membership
Stephanie Preston-Hughes: When the clearness committee meets with the person who is interested in becoming a member. That’s where Quakerism does its thing.
Amy Kietzman: The purpose of the meeting is for you to discern. We use the word discern and it really means decide, but it means decide in a deep way, decide not just, “do I like this or do I not like this?” but “is this the right thing?”
And so in those meetings you and the other members of the committee, with the help of Spirit, God, source, come to a conclusion in one or two meetings-and sometimes it takes longer-that yes, this is the right thing or no, this is not the right thing.
Recommendation to Business Meeting
Stephanie Preston-Hughes: The clearness committee comes to meeting for business and brings the recommendation forward on behalf of the committee that they are recommending you to be a member. It’s laid over for one month so that the members of the meeting get a chance to ask you questions, get to know you better, give you the opportunity to reflect and work through any last hesitations. At the next month’s business meeting, a final reading is made and Friends give approval and you’re officially a member.
Carter Nash: It’s far more than just being a name on a piece of paper. It’s being a part of a loving, caring community in a reciprocal way.
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The views expressed in this video are of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Friends Journal or its collaborators.

[@Quakerspeak]

SUBSCRIBE for a new video every week! fdsj.nl/QS-Subscribe WATCH all our videos: fdsj.nl/qs-all-videos FILMED & EDITED by Jon Watts: jonwatts.com

[@libertadbrito778]

What I've read and listened to, are all positive and inspiring things about the quakers. When it comes to Christians and the role they played during slavery, Indian massacres, WW1, WW2 and the many other war affairs, it's clear that Quakers played a pivotal role on assisting the most vulnerable people. 🙏

[@annierosha5946]

I agree with most comments in that it seems strange to have an approval process, rather than simply accepting someone after a certain amount of time. When I was received into the Anglican Church, they didn't have to 'approve' of me, they just set a date and performed a reception service at which the Bishop welcomed me into the Anglican Church. The whole idea of 'approval' seems to jar with the rest of the Quaker philosophy. It is more like joining a club. Sorry, but it really jars.

[@Daiska_Plays]

I don't know. I attend meetings and consider myself a Friend and Quaker. The idea it's something external you "join" with approval and process seems unappealing. I decided I'm a Quaker, not someone else. I'll skip the application. I understand that it appeals to some, though. I just don't think it's necessary. I suppose I'll be called a "tender" the rest of my life. Quakerism is all about a way of life anyway, to me - a philosophy.

[@calamitydeeds]

Same here

[@KevinHammond1]

With key words like "join", "member", "meetings", you can clearly see this is a cult.

[@maxhess3151]

@@KevinHammond1 This is ridiculous. First of all, an organization can't have meetings and a membership without it being a cult? Second, It's easier to become a Friend than almost any other religion. You don't have to be baptized, catechized, or circumcised. You literally just have to make friends, and they have committees dedicated to helping you do that. Third, if I'm trusting a congregation with my innermost thoughts, it's not unreasonable to want to know who they are.

[@Peony25001]

@@KevinHammond1 I'm sorry Kevin that you feel so strongly. If I may, I'd like to share my story. My grandfather was a Quaker and the kindest, gentlest man I'd ever known outside of my own father. I didn't know he was a Quaker until I was an adult, he never proselytized his faith but lived a life of example. We were raised to respect all faiths and choose for ourselves. My father attended the Anglican church every Sunday because my mum was an Anglican and it was a promise he had made to her and her father (an Anglican minister) but he lived by Quaker teachings until he died. The joy and love within our family, regardless of belief systems, was wonderful. The inclusiveness of this faith during such divisive times is soothing to me, although I am not a Quaker myself. I just don't think a cult would encourage you to learn about other faiths, choose for yourself and accept people for who they are, and in our case embrace a family of many faiths. Just my experience. Wishing you peace.

[@anarchist_parable]

@@KevinHammond1Is it a cult when people hang a pride flag? Is it a cult to be on a sports team? It's community, people naturally group around their values and share rituals with one another. That's human it's not toxic in and of itself.

[@robgrear1142]

I identify with Quakerism, and attend a meeting. But, if Quakers believe “God is in everyone, “ why do I have to be found worthy and voted in by others? To me, this is the one hypocritical aspect of Quakerism. If “God is in everyone,” isn’t this enough for membership?

[@ximono]

This explains why there are so few quakers in the world. It also explains why quakerism seems so steadfast and resilient.

[@yerapowerfulman]

Hi....Thanks for that I am currently in the process in England, UK

[@JodgaTjipangandjara]

Hi guys, I am in Africa, Namibian.. want to know more and learn as most Christian doctrine don't believe in the new life in Christ. We are good at reading and knowing all scripture but to live a live of a life in Christ is a mirth.

[@sallyboyd-daughtrey4515]

This is a social process, not necessarily a spiritual process. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Social systems are important to human mental health.

[@MrResearcher122]

Bit surprised they have an application process. Classical Quakerism inherited a lot of Anabaptist influence. Maybe applications are like adult baptism among Anabaptist. It allows the individual to decide if they're ready to commit to this way of life or not. What,outwardly,appears like control and creed might be the opposite: an acceptance of the freedom of belief among adults. Below is a comment by a born Quaker.She too is required to make an application as an adult.

[@coolerking7427]

I believe you can be a Quaker and not have to have approval of committees. I like the Quaker beliefs and I have been to meetings years ago. I live in a rural area and no Quaker meetings places near me. I don't need some sort of membership to believe in Quaker beliefs.

[@jamesevans164]

I have a true axle to my being. "What God wants God will take. Not a thing I can do about that. I am extremely thankful for all I receive" Jim Outback Australia. ( politely not a member)

[@StaramarianQueen]

What happens to those of us who identify very closely with Quaker views and philosophy but don’t have the means to become members? Do we still get to call ourselves Quakers if we chose?

[@TechBearSeattle]

The Society of Friends has long recognized "attenders" who come to Meeting for Worship and are to some degree participants in the community's life, and "members" who have made a full commitment to the Society. There are some historic reasons for this distinction but by and large it is no longer really applied: becoming a member is seen as a personal commitment, not as a step towards getting special perqs or privileges. So come and worship with us. Socialize. If you feel called to join one of the Meeting's ministries, join. If you feel called to join a committee, ask when it meets. If you feel called to go through the membership process, wonderful! But if not, we're still happy for you to be with us.

[@StaramarianQueen]

@@TechBearSeattle Yeah, I understand all that, but it still doesn't quite answer the question I had. Are attenders still considered Quakers? What about someone (like me) who doesn't have access to a meeting to regularly attend? Am I still allowed to take on the label of Quaker?

[@TechBearSeattle]

@@StaramarianQueen - Yes, attenders are still considered Quakers: there is no requirement to be on some roll list somewhere.

[@franciscofuentes8916]

The process seems a bit intimidating. Why would I apply and go through a whole process if they are just not gonna like me. I was born in a Baptist family and I was expected to acccept Jesus and to baptize but it's different because while you need to be an adult or old enough to discern what you're doing, there's no "commiteees" that are gonna say "hey sorry but we are going to reject your application".

[@an-open-eye]

I can't imagine going through that process after attending Meetings for a few years and have those same people basically reject you, and then you're expected to show up next week like nothing happened. Ouch. Kind of puts me off trying, to be honest.

[@rebeccaw.g649]

I'm a Quaker from birth, and not old enough yet to apply for a membership so it's interesting to see how older Friends apply for membership

[@libationsofaphrodite3529]

Hi I’ve heard Quakers have no problem with being a part of another Religion and that you can still be a Friend. Is that True?

[@marthanendissa7498]

I really want to know, learn and attend a quaker meetings in Indonesia but i didn't know how. On the web it says that Indonesia have yearly meeting but there is no other info exist. Can anybody help?

[@martymcghee3742]

LOVING AND SENSITIVE NON-SENSEFUL AND IN-SENSEFUL BROTHERHOOD AND SISTERHOOD. TRUE FRIENDS.

[@bensirach3586]

Hello! What resources and advice would you give to someone who wants to start a meeting?

[@bensirach3586]

Thanks Phil!

[@bensirach3586]

@Phil Newberry Well, I think if you plan on eventually connecting with the larger quaker world, it would be useful if you did connect. Also, a monthly meeting could give you resources that would help you get of the ground in the first place and also help with outreach. I get what you're saying, but eventually it would be ideal for me to connect with a meeting as I don't want it to become isolated.

[@bensirach3586]

And what do you mean by "Spirit and Practice"? The overall life of the meeting, or the book detailing the practices and beliefs of Quakers?

[@bensirach3586]

Thanks

[@rebeccaw.g649]

Attend some meetings and listen to what the inner spirit tells you

[@txavielhumano6541]

I want to attend a meeting, but I'm from Colombia, and I don't know where I can find a Quaker in my country, Anyone can help me?

[@calamitydeeds]

I would start my own meeting. Best of luck to you

[@SuperNintendoMii]

I'm surprised they have an application process. Must be really disheartening if you attend for a period of time only to apply and get rejected. I also can't really think of another religion that wants you to apply to join. If you're rejected it's basically them saying "no sorry you can't be a quaker and worship God". At least, that's probably how if will feel if you're rejected. Bizarre

[@ernest7906]

Not really you don’t have to formally apply to be considered a Quaker. A lot of people just like it in writing as so long as you’re not offensively rude to others they will welcome you almost no matter what. The letter thing is just to make sure of what you’re signing on for and what quakership is about. They want to make sure you’re making an educated decision by yourself and not because of some flimsy reasons.

[@garynaccarato4606]

@@ernest7906 Even if there was is an application process I really wouldn't imagine that getting your application accepted would be that hard to do (Unless of course you wrote something on the application which was either really offensive or rude.)

[@andrereginato3538]

Very nice teaching in regard to its belief...but is it based on the faith in Paul's Gospel? or of good works which apart from the gospel taught by the apostle Paul equates to dead works? Paul preached Christ crucified, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. So we have to believe that we have to except God's way of salvation. We need the power of God's spirit received only by faith, not the work of our flesh. This is the problem with cults who even claim to be Christian.

[@Quakerspeak]

Different Quakers have different opinions about this, but many would agree with James, who taught that works are what make faith perfect, and wrote, "Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my work."

[@regfabrizio1446]

​@@Quakerspeakunfortunately they all quote James who was speaking to the Jews who had to show a sign that their faith was real. Paul received progressive revelation from the risen Christ which was faith only. For the man who worketh not but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness. Nothing more to add. Only then can you receive the spirit by believing. It is God's spirit received by faith in Paul's Gospel thats gives us the power to live a holy life, otherwise it is dead works. Read Romans, Galatians and Ephesians to understand our position before God in this time. Romans 16 commands us to follow Pauls gospel.

[@Quakerspeak]

@@regfabrizio1446 Even before James and Paul came along, Jesus had something to say about the end result of proclaiming faith without performing the good works to match that faith. (Matthew 25:41-45)

[@regfabrizio1446]

@@Quakerspeak Yes, absolutely. Paul said that with such great promises, what manner of person should we be. NOT...what manner of person should we be to receive the promises...there is a difference. Paul received progressive revelation from the risen Christ and concluded that all have sinned. So we are justified by faith only and when we believe we are sealed with that holy spirit of promise. Otherwise anything we think we can do to earn our salvation is counted as dead work. For the good works that God has prepared before the foundation of the world so that we may walk in them. Have a good read of Romans, Galatians and Ephesians. We are commanded by God to follow Pauls gospel. It is the work of the holy spirit in our lives that conforms us in the image of his son, and that can only be received by faith. We walk by faith and not by sight.

[@Closed431]

will that leaves me out...know way i can even get an experience...There are no Quakers in the State of Maine....So yes that leaves me out....

[@Quakerspeak]

There are many Quaker meetings in Maine, actually, from Portland to Cobscock. But it is true that they're largely concentrated in the southern part of the state.

[@Closed431]

@@Quakerspeak Thank you for letting me know...I found one close to me in Fairfield Maine ..God Bless

[@bbenezra1169]

So it is like this: You have to seek man approval first in order to worship God who is above all and worshiped by all. The Quakers & Puritans branched off The Roman Catholic church "indirectly" to have freedom of religion but yet they fall into the same pattern of the Catholic Church of organized religion. It all about control.

[@MrResearcher122]

Bit surprised they have an application process. Classical Quakerism inherited a lot of Anabaptist influence. Maybe applications are like adult baptism among Anabaptist. It allows the individual to decide if they're ready to commit to this way of life or not. What,outwardly,appears like control and creed might be the opposite: an acceptance of the freedom of belief among adults. Below is a comment by a born Quaker.She too is required to make an application as an adult.

[@Barbara-ld4ug]

I am not Christian. Can I join quakers if I don’t believe in Jesus?

[@carlosfrankie3804]

yes you can!!

[@KevinHammond1]

Yet another example of people twisting the Word of God to fit their cult's agenda!

[@gonngivdgn1923]

You guys should try Scientology instead

[@Samgurney88]

What a fatuous comparison.

[@karlstine2065]

Spirits? God? I think this is not Christ centered.