Members One of another – Quaker spiritual formation Quakers & membership Members One of another – Quaker spiritual formation

Joining a Quaker meeting Membership in a Quaker meeting is described as an outward sign of an inner unity with the life of the Meeting; It is a unity which is deeper than assenting to membership in an organization of like- minded people with a common goal; It is a unity found in deep connection to the spiritual aspirations and testimonies that witness to the Quaker way of life.

The Inward Light The Inward Light gives us insight into matters that are hidden from us; The Inward Light is not a thing to be commanded but something we surrender to; When we surrender to the fears, desires and defenses we hold so carefully close to our hearts the Inward Light appears; We practice letting go, experiencing the Light and being convinced of the Truth of our being in relationship with God

CONVINCEMENT & conviction Being convinced of the truth of the living spirit, the inward light, is the central experience of Friends; Complete agreement with either belief or practice is not what is asked for; Membership affirms an inner connection with the community not based on worthiness but on a willingness to faithfully join with others in humility to learn from the movement of the spirit in our lives together.

Living as members of one spiritual body Unity is a living process not necessarily an outcome; Signs of unity include love, patience, mutual forbearance, a zest for the welfare of others, compassion, simplicity, teachable-ness and joy; Our flourishing has roots in “The Life,” our covenant relationship with God; We practice unity by seeking each others well-being and faithfulness.

Members one of another The dynamics of membership in a Quaker meeting; Individual and the group = Community; Individual spiritual growth arises in the matrix of a nurturing, supportive and teaching community; Belonging depends on being accountable, being faithful to the “Life” of the meeting; We require the compassionate listening and responses of other Friends to help us bring our own illusions into consciousness.

Members one of another Calling each other into faithfulness; Spiritual intimacy asks us to accept a sense of vulnerability and trust in each other; Quaker meeting develops loving and respectful processes for making its expectations know and for helping its members to grow in the Spirit; The loving bonds that hold a meeting together depend on accountability and faithfulness among its members;

Queries on membership: Do we as Friends need to be more honest about the commitment and discipline involved in becoming a member of Meeting? How can we nurture our Meeting as a cohesive worshiping community while at the same time affirming the universal message of Quakerism? Quaker spiritual life is about seeking to know (discern) the will of God together in unity and trust with others, is this type of experience something you find exciting or scary, or both?