Adult religious education helps Friends grow, learn, and deepen their spiritual lives. These resources support meetings in planning classes, workshops, retreats, and study groups for adults. They include ideas for topics, ways to lead conversations, and examples from other meetings.

Plan and Promote Adult Learning

When you plan an adult religious education event, think carefully about how and when you schedule it. Choose a regular date, time, and place that most Friends can attend. For example, you might hold a session after Meeting for Worship once a month or meet every other Friday evening after potluck. Regular scheduling helps Friends form habits and increases participation.

Make sure your meeting announces the details clearly to the whole community. You can also ask people right after announcements in worship to help choose dates and times that work for them. This can draw out Friends who are interested in learning but may not have joined planning before. It can also signal welcome and inclusion to newcomers.

Use a Variety of Resources and Ideas

Adult religious education in Quaker meetings can take many forms. Some meetings use study guides, book reviews, or group discussion materials from FGC and Quaker partners. Examples include resources on spiritual formation, Bible study adapted for Friends, and small group models for learning. These tools help Friends explore faith topics together.

Many meetings also adapt ideas from other Friends. For example, some use multi-session programs like introduction groups for new attenders or small learning groups hosted in homes. These programs help both new and long-time Friends connect and grow.

Make Learning Welcoming

Adult religious education works best when it invites curiosity and honors where each person is on their spiritual path. Choose topics that matter to your community and offer space for open, respectful reflection. Provide clear information about each session so Friends know what to expect and feel welcome to attend.

An Additional Aid for Facilitators and/or Group Participants

We offer these questions as an optional resource for facilitators and/or group participants. They may be used to help focus facilitators in planning a course and/or as a tool for group discussion or sharing in the opening session.

  • As you consider gathering with other adults within the meeting community, for what does your heart long? What are you hungry for?
  • What do you do or say within the meeting community that signals welcome and inclusion?
  • How have you been welcomed and included? Where are the opportunities in this particular group for greater welcome, inclusion and connection?
  • What does safety in an adult group look and feel like? What might you do to help create or maintain a sense of safety? What are some healthy ways to respond should situations arise that clearly compromise or threaten the group’s safety?

Additional Resources

Last updated on December 18, 2025.

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