Quaker Quest and Seekers

Mary Jo Clogg writes of the power of Quaker Quest to deepen and strengthen meetings as Friends prepare to articulate their faith for newcomers. The other side of Quaker Quest is, of course, its effect on seekers.

In 2006, I had the opportunity to attend a Quaker Quest session for the general public at Friends House, London. I watched as thirty seekers listened in rapt attention to three presenters speaking about their spiritual journeys. These seekers were also deeply engaged during a small-group sharing exercise, a question and answer period, and a thirty-minute meeting for worship. It was an amazing evening. Most of the seekers had arrived early for refreshments and to socialize with Quakers. A number also stayed on after the formal program to talk and browse a pamphlet table that had been specially set up for them. People want to learn about us!

On this side of the Atlantic, the FGC Advancement & Outreach Committee has made Quaker Quest a top priority. With the assistance and encouragement of the Quaker Quest founders, we are following the model they used when meetings outside London asked how they could do their own Quaker Quests. The founders developed an informational—and inspirational—workshop, which they brought to these meetings upon request. In this way they maintained the quality of what was developed in London over several years of discernment, observation and evaluation.

To help Friends in the United States and Canada learn about Quaker Quest, FGC has set up a web site, www.quakerquestfgc.org. Interested Friends can download and circulate documents that offer a brief description of Quaker Quest, answers to frequently asked questions, a statement of the core principles that have made Quaker Quest a success, and a list of steps for bringing Quaker Quest to a meeting and to the wider community. For additional information visit the excellent British Quaker Quest web site, www.quakerquest.org. In the coming year FGC will also give informational workshops at Pendle Hill, Powell House and perhaps other Quaker conference centers. FGC’s Annual Gathering is another place to pick up information through the Quaker Quest workshop, the afternoon Outreach Hours and at display tables.

FGC is also ready to help meetings interested in Quaker Quest by sending members of our Quaker Quest Travel Team to give the informational workshop developed by the founders. To schedule a workshop, meetings may contact FGC’s Advancement & Outreach Coordinator, Elaine Crauderueff, at elainec@fgcquaker.org. If, after the workshop, the meeting decides that it wants to move forward with Quaker Quest, a member of the Travel Team will provide phone or email support as questions arise. FGC will also send a facilitator to help prepare the presenters and other volunteers for their roles during the public sessions.

Since last year’s Gathering in Wisconsin, which buzzed with talk of Quaker Quest, Friends have been contacting FGC to learn more. Our Travel Team has already given several Quaker Quest workshops; meetings are now scheduling workshops for the fall. Catch the excitement! Take time to learn about Quaker Quest. If your meeting is interested, FGC is ready to help.

Jane Berger serves FGC as clerk of the Advancement & Outreach Committee and a member of the Traveling Ministries Committee. She is a members of Chappaqua Meeting in NYYM.