Business Meeting

Friends’ way of conducting business is of central importance to the very existence of the Meeting. It is the Quaker way of living and working together; it is the way that can create and preserve a sense of fellowship in the Meeting community. The right conduct of Business Meetings, even in matters of routine, is a vital part of the worship experience. The process of individuals submitting themselves to the corporate revelation of God’s truth forms the basis of Friends’ approach to unity.

All members are encouraged to attend Business Meetings and be faithful in the service of the Meeting’s affairs. Appointments of officers and committee members should be made with careful consideration of the qualifications of those named and of the opportunities for growth that may be afforded. Friends should not accept any service to which they are nominated without an accompanying sense of leading and a capacity for the task, nor should they lightly refuse such service.

Proceed in the peaceable spirit of the light of Truth, with forbearance and warm affection for each other.

Be willing to wait upon God as long as may be necessary for the emergence of a decision which clearly recommends itself as the right one.

Feel free to express views, but refrain from pressing them unduly.

Guard against contentiousness, obstinacy and love of power. Admit the possibility of being in error.

In Meetings for Business, and in all duties connected with them, seek the leadings of the Light.

• Are our Meetings for Business held in the spirit of a Meeting for Worship in which we seek divine guidance for our actions in love and mutual forbearance?
• How well do our Meetings for Business lead to a corporate search for and revelation of God’s truth?
• How effectively do members of the Meeting participate in the tempering and strengthening of the leading of individuals?
• As difficult problems arise, are we careful to meet them in a spirit of love and humility with minds open for creative solutions? Do we avoid pressure of time, neither unnecessarily prolonging or unduly curtailing full discussion?
• Are we aware that we speak through inaction as well as action?
• Are we prepared to let go of our individual desires and let the Holy Spirit lead us to unity?
• Do we recognize that the search for unity may require us to accept with good grace a decision of the Meeting with which we are not entirely in agreement?
• In what ways do we each take our share of responsibility in the service of the Meeting?
• Are younger Friends, new members, and attenders given appropriate responsibility in the Meeting?