This walkthrough activity helps Friends look at their Quaker meetinghouse in a new way. It can help your group think about how welcoming your space is for visitors, seekers, and long-time attenders.
What This Activity Is
The Meetinghouse Walkthrough is a simple exercise for Quaker meetings. It invites people to walk around the meetinghouse and notice what they see with “newcomer eyes.” The goal is to spot things that make the space welcoming—or hard to understand—for visitors and members alike.
This activity usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and can be done alone or in small groups.
Getting Ready
Before you start:
- Invite people to join in.
- Thank those who take care of your meetinghouse.
- Divide into groups of three or more.
Begin by imagining that you are seeking a spiritual home. Think about your meetinghouse from that perspective.
Things to Notice During the Meeting Walkthrough
As you walk through the meetinghouse, imagine you are visiting for the first time. Move slowly and pay attention to details. Write down what you notice. Try not to explain or defend the space yet—just observe.
Outside the Meetinghouse
- Is the meetinghouse easy to find from the street?
- Is the building clearly marked as a Quaker meeting?
- Can visitors tell which door to use?
- Are signs easy to read and in good condition?
- Is there clear information about meeting times?
- Is parking easy to understand?
- Is there a safe and accessible path from the parking area to the entrance?
- Would someone feel comfortable entering the building for the first time?
At the Entrance
- Is the door unlocked and welcoming?
- Is it clear where to go after entering?
- Are there signs or directions inside the entryway?
- Is the space clean, well-lit, and cared for?
- Are there greeters or signs that say visitors are welcome?
- Is there a place to hang coats or leave umbrellas?
- Would a newcomer feel at ease standing in this space?
Welcome Information
- Are printed materials easy to find?
- Do they explain Quaker worship in simple language?
- Is contact information clear and current?
- Are there materials written for people who are new to Quakers?
- Are there clear next steps for visitors who want to learn more?
- Are materials inclusive and easy to read?
- Are outdated flyers or notices still posted?
Worship Space
- Is it clear where worship happens?
- Are there signs or written guidance about what to expect in meeting for worship?
- Would a newcomer know when worship begins and ends?
- Are seats easy to access for people with mobility needs?
- Is the space comfortable and quiet?
- Are there children’s materials available if families attend?
- Is the space welcoming to people of different ages, cultures, and abilities?
Restrooms and Other Spaces
- Are restrooms easy to find?
- Are they clean and well marked?
- Are there accessible restrooms?
- Are children’s spaces clearly labeled?
- Are other rooms easy to navigate without help?
Overall Impressions
- What feels welcoming?
- What feels confusing or uninviting?
- What assumptions does the space seem to make about visitors?
- What might make someone unsure about returning?
- What small changes could make a big difference?
Reflecting Together After the Meeting Walkthrough
After the walkthrough, gather as a group and share what you noticed.
- What surprised you?
- What strengths did you see?
- What could be improved?
- What changes feel realistic right now?
- Who might help carry this work forward?
Remember to thank those who care for the meetinghouse. This activity is not about blame, but about faithful attention, hospitality, and making space for newcomers to feel at home.
Hopefully, this activity helped your meeting:
- See your space through fresh eyes
- Make your meetinghouse more friendly and welcoming
- Support outreach and deepen connection with seekers and new attenders
More Outreach Activities:
Originally contributed by Rick Seifert, Multnomah Meeting, and John Helding, Lopez Island Preparative Meeting. Some questions adapted from the Center for Congregations Resource Consulting Guide, 2010. Updated by FGC staff in 2025.
Last updated December 18, 2025.