Facilitating Friends adult religious education is both a responsibility and a gift. A strong facilitator helps adults learn together, listen deeply, and stay grounded in the Spirit. These best practices offer practical guidance for leading Quaker adult education sessions with care, clarity, and intention.
Prepared by Sita Diehl, Nashville Meeting, SAYMA; Sallie Jones, Birmingham Meeting, PHLYM; Sally Lawson, Fredonia Meeting, NYYM; and Michael Gibson, FGC RE Coordinator, 2010. Revised by FGC staff in 2025.
Prepare Spiritually and Practically
An effective facilitator prepares well before the session begins. Learn the topic so you feel confident leading the discussion. During the days or weeks before the session, spend time in prayer, meditation, or reflection. Hold the participants in the Light.
Plan how you will use the time. Organize your materials and think through how each part of the session will flow. Preparation helps the group feel supported and focused.
Frame the Session With Silence
Silence is central to Quaker practice and should shape adult religious education as well. Begin the session with silence to help everyone settle and center.
Use brief moments of silence after people speak. This allows Friends to hear one another more deeply and stay open to the movement of the Spirit. Keep an unrushed pace. End the session with silence to reflect on what was shared.
Set Clear Expectations and Ground Rules
At the start of the session, explain what you hope to cover. Acknowledge that participants may want more information than time allows. Let them know when and how questions will be handled.
Clarify how the group will work together. Ground rules may include listening respectfully, allowing silence between responses, and honoring confidentiality. In longer series, the group may choose to create a shared covenant for how they will engage together.
Give participants permission to step out if they need to. Clear expectations help create trust and ease.
Create a Safe and Respectful Space
A good facilitator creates a welcoming environment where all feel safe to share. Respond to participants with respect and encouragement. When needed, refer to Quaker guidelines for group discussion to support healthy interaction.
Safety allows honest reflection and deeper learning.
Support Different Learning Styles
Adults learn in many ways. Plan activities that include listening, seeing, moving, reflecting, and discussing. Some Friends learn best by hearing ideas. Others need visuals, writing time, or hands-on activities.
Using different approaches helps everyone stay engaged.
Encourage Participation and Feedback
Ask open questions that invite reflection. Questions that begin with “how,” “what,” or “I wonder” help deepen discussion.
Practice reflective listening. Restate what you hear to make sure you understand. Invite others to add their perspectives. Let the group learn together, not just from the facilitator.
When possible, adjust the session based on feedback and energy in the room.
Use Interactive Learning
Adult religious education works best when people actively take part. Include discussion, writing, small group sharing, or simple activities. Engagement helps ideas take root and strengthens connection.
Address Challenges With Care
When one person speaks too much, gently redirect the conversation so others can share. If someone speaks in a way that feels hurtful, remind the group of Quaker values and agreed-upon ground rules.
If side conversations arise, pause and invite shared attention. Address challenges calmly and respectfully.
Close With Intention
End each session thoughtfully. Summarize key ideas or ask participants to share one thing they learned. Close with silence to help Friends reflect and carry the experience with them.
Remember to Enjoy the Work
Facilitating adult religious education is a form of ministry. Teaching is a gift that gives back. When you lead with care, joy, and openness, the group can grow together in Spirit.
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Last updated December 18, 2025.