A Welcoming Friend is a Quaker who helps newcomers feel at home in a meeting. This role focuses on the newcomer experience from the first visit onward. Welcoming Friends greet new attenders, introduce them to others, and help them find their place in the meeting. They also share resources and take an interest in a newcomer’s spiritual journey.
Support Newcomers
Welcoming Friends pay close attention to how newcomers feel and act. They notice body language and listen carefully. This helps them learn what a newcomer values and what they may be seeking.
A Welcoming Friend may connect newcomers with others who share similar interests, life experiences, or hobbies. For someone who is quiet or shy, a Welcoming Friend may stay nearby and help guide conversations. This allows the newcomer to listen and feel comfortable. For someone who is more outgoing, a Welcoming Friend may introduce them to a small group of Friends with shared interests.
Strengthen Quaker Meetings
Welcoming Friends help build strong and caring Quaker meetings. They respond to newcomers with intention, kindness, and respect. They help form real connections between people in the meeting.
Welcoming Friends also invite newcomers to learn about Quaker faith and practice. They explain worship, meeting life, and Quaker decision-making. They ask open and thoughtful questions, such as:
- What are you hoping to find here?
- What brings you meaning or joy?
- What did you notice during worship?
When many Friends share these welcoming practices, the meeting may be known as a Welcoming Meeting.
Becoming a Welcoming Friend
Individual Friends are the bridge between newcomers and the whole meeting community. Friends General Conference offers resources below to help Friends grow into the role of Welcoming Friend. These resources support outreach, hospitality, and spiritual care for newcomers.
Last updated December 18, 2025.