The Quaker Way

Quakers call themselves Friends. Friends are united by their experience that each person has an inner teacher or guide, which is the ultimate source of wisdom and authority in our lives. Also called the “Inward Light,” “Light Within,” “Christ Within,” “That of God,” or “Spirit,” this guide is accessible to every person who will learn to attend to it. Our meetings for worship are designed to facilitate experiencing the Inward Light. Our way of living and our concerns for peace and social justice arise from the directions we receive, individually and as a group, from the Light.

Meeting for Worship

Everyone is welcome at Quaker meeting for worship. We meet at 10:00 each Sunday morning for about an hour. Following worship is a fellowship time (with refreshments), when Friends will greet you and gladly answer your questions.

What are Quaker Testimonies?

Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship (SPICES) flow from our faith. The emphasis in Quaker spiritual life is on service and concern for others rather than salvation. Instead of a creed, Quakers use questions called “queries” that help us reflect on our values and actions. Rather than emphasizing beliefs, Friends seek truth through experience throughout their lifetimes. Friends look for “That of God” in each person and try to bring it out. Thus, Quakers respect the sanctity of all human beings and the equality of women and men, value diversity in opinions and lifestyles, and oppose all kinds of violence while seeking nonviolent approaches to conflict.

Newcomers’ Class on the Quaker Way

Facilitated by the Meeting’s Outreach Committee, this discussion class introduces people who are new to Quakerism or to this Meeting to Berea Friends and to the wider Quaker world. The class introduces the Quaker approach to living, gives an opportunity to ask questions about Quakerism, and strives to promote personal spiritual growth. This class is offered when there is interest. Contact the clerk of Outreach Committee.

More ways to learn about Quakerism or become involved in Berea Meeting

• Attend Meeting for Worship.
• Sign up for one or more of our email lists.
• Come to a discussion, held most Sundays at 9:00 AM. Check our calendar to see what's planned.
• Check out a book from our meeting library. Ask our librarian for suggestions.
• Join us in peace and justice work.
• If interested in serving on a committee or doing a job for the meeting, please contact Nominating Committee.
• Do you have other questions? Contact Outreach Committee.

Commonly asked questions about the Quaker way

What do people do in meeting for worship? Is there some method I should follow?

Different people do different things. Most things Friends do in Meeting have in common some method of waiting and listening for guidance in our lives. Some find it helpful to relax and focus on their breathing. Others start by reading a short inspirational writing. Others look around the room and try to connect with the love and community that is there. Generally, our goal is to release our minds from busy thinking and be receptive to deeper thoughts that may come from within ourselves or from other people. It takes practice. At first you may achieve this inner quiet for only a few moments.

How do you know when to speak in meeting for worship?

We all learn this from experience. It’s like learning to ride a bicycle. An experienced Friend can give you some pointers, but you must try it yourself to learn what it feels like to let your Guide speak through you. Here are some suggestions:

• Sit in the stillness and wait for a leading of the Spirit.
• If you feel a message rise within you, consider if it is important enough to break the living silence.
• Ask yourself if these words are from yourself or from God (the Spirit, the Inward Light).
• Is this message to be shared with others, or just for you?
• Is this message to be shared at this time?
• Allow a suitable time of silence after the previous message.
• Speak what you have been given to say.

Who leads the service in a Quaker meeting?

Ideally, the meeting is led by Spirit — That of God within each of us. There are no planned prayers, readings or speeches. One Friend, usually designated in advance, will end the worship by initiating a handshake.

Do you have to be Christian to be a Quaker?

Historically, Quakers arose as a Christian sect, and most Friends today come from some sort of Christian background. But the Quaker way is universal, not limited to Christian theology. There are Friends of all sorts: Jewish, Muslim, pagan, atheist, agnostic and others. What we have in common is that we find our lives enriched by waiting on and being led by Spirit, however we think of Spirit or whatever name we give the source of our inspiration.

What do Quakers believe about the Bible?

Early Quakers believed that the Bible was the Word of God, but to be understood, it must be interpreted by the Light Within. Many, but not all, Quakers today use the Bible for inspiration, moral guidance, etc. But for all of us, the Light Within is primary. We are open to all sources of inspiration, often finding enrichment from unlikely or previously unknown sources.

I don’t feel good enough to be a Quaker. Will I be out of place?

Many Friends felt that way when they first encountered Quakers. But it only takes a little experience in a Friends meeting to discover that Quakers are ordinary people, with good qualities and human failings. The important thing is that we are all committed to “growing in the Light,” i.e. turning more and more of our lives over to direction by our Inward Guide.

Pamphlets about most of these topics are available at the meeting house.