Adapted from Britain Yearly Meeting’s Outreach Conference Report

Exploring as a whole meeting what it means to be a healthy and lively spiritual community can serve as a great starting point for adopting new efforts around inreach, outreach, or integrating newcomers. When you have a shared vision of what type of meeting you’d like to become together, you can begin to discern a plan that will get you there.

This discussion could take anywhere from 30-60 minutes, or may become a theme of an entire renewal weekend!

Materials needed: markers & flip chart paper

To begin, write the question below on a flip chart paper and settle into centering silence.

What makes a healthy and lively meeting?

After some time in worship, break into small groups of 4-5 and invite the groups to discuss the questions for 10-15 minutes. Return to the whole group and engage in a group brainstorm, recording the responses on flipchart paper on walls.

Possible responses:

  • everyone takes responsibility for their experience in Meeting
  • a variety of ages
  • people serve out of joy and not just duty
  • a gathering that leaves us feeling inspired
  • like a physical body it needs nourishment and fresh air
  • open communication
  • willingness to engage in hard things (internal, interpersonal) and work through them
  • a safe space to be vulnerable
  • honor and celebrate differences
  • independence and interdependence
  • known in larger society and has a visible presence
  • strives for deep unity not consensus
  • safe and welcome space for children

Deepening questions for large group discussion

  • How do we measure the health of a meeting?
  • What does being a healthy meeting enable us to do together?
  • What does being part of a healthy meeting give to each of us as individuals?
  • How can we as individuals contribute to the health of our meeting?
  • What steps could we take together to increase the health and vitality of our meeting?

More Resources

Last updated December 12, 2025.

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