These are questions which your Clearness Committee for Membership would like to explore with you in order to learn more about you and seek clearness together. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers to these questions; they are intended only to guide our conversations. Feel free to ask members of the committee about aspects of the Society of Friends which are not clear to you.
1. How would you describe the spiritual journey which has led you to seek membership in the Society of Friends?
2. Are you familiar with the way in which Friends conduct their Meetings for Business? What has been your experience with business meeting?
3. Are you entirely comfortable with an unprogrammed Meeting for Worship based on expectant waiting? Are you familiar with the source of vocal ministry? Have you experienced messages which are intended for yourself as opposed to messages which are meant for the Meeting as a whole? What kinds of messages do you need for your continued spiritual growth?
4. Are you familiar with the various testimonies of Friends? In particular, what are your feelings in relation to the peace testimony? Have you considered other Friends’ testimonies including those on simplicity, integrity, stewardship of our means, social justice, and temperance and moderation?
5. Are you aware of the historical roots of Quakerism and the diversity of Friends practice today?
6. Have you had the opportunity to explore books and articles on the subject of Quakerism? Which of these have been most beneficial to you?
7. Are you familiar with some of the language used by Friends: discerning community, listening to that of God within, yielding to the Spirit, coming to unity with Friends, seeking inward peace?
8. Are you aware of the responsibilities of members in a community without hierarchy or hired staff? Do you have special gifts that you can contribute to enrich the life of the Meeting? Have you considered other ways that you might be able to contribute to the work of the meeting, financially or in other ways?
9. Are you currently a member of any other religious organization?
10. One question which you do NOT need to ask yourself is: “Am I good enough to be a Quaker?” The Society of Friends is not a body of ultra-virtuous people; it is important to recognize that we all have our weaknesses as well as special gifts. And in any case who among us is to judge “who is good enough?”
These articles are from Resources
for Fostering Vital Friends Meetings
See also: the FGC Quaker Library
