This welcoming newcomers workshop helps Friends think about how to welcome people at different stages of their first visits to a Quaker meeting. The activity focuses on understanding what newcomers need over time and how meetings can better support them as they learn about Quaker faith, worship, and community life.

Time Needed: 45–60 minutes
Materials: Flipchart paper, markers, tape

Background for Facilitators: Why This Welcoming Newcomers Workshop Matters

Many Quaker meetings welcome visitors every week. Still, many newcomers do not stay long enough to become part of the meeting community. A key part of meeting growth is being intentional about welcoming newcomers and helping them understand the Quaker Way.

This workshop helps meetings think clearly about:

  • What newcomers need at different points in time
  • How meetings share information
  • How relationships and spiritual connections are built

The goal is not pressure, but hospitality, clarity, and care.

Opening Question and Pair Discussion

Ask the group:

“Raise your hand if you have ever been a newcomer or visitor to a Quaker meeting or church.”

Then ask participants to pair up.

Pair Reflection (10 minutes)

In pairs, invite participants to reflect on their own experience.

Ask them to consider:

  • How did you move from being a newcomer to feeling at home?
  • What did the meeting do that helped?
  • How did you learn about Quaker worship and beliefs?
  • How did you learn Quaker history and practices?
  • How did you build relationships with other Friends?
  • What was confusing or unhelpful?

If someone was raised Quaker, ask them to think about:

  • Joining a new meeting later in life, or
  • Becoming part of a non-Quaker community, or
  • What their current meeting does to help newcomers feel included

After 10 minutes, ask each pair to join with another pair and briefly share what they noticed.

Creating the “Needs of Newcomers” Chart

On a whiteboard or on side-by-side sheets of flipchart paper, draw a horizontal timeline.

Label the chart:

Needs of Newcomers

Create five columns, one for each point in time:

0 | 1A | 1B | 3–4 Visits | 6 Months

This chart is where you will record group responses.

Understanding the Timeline in the Welcoming Newcomers Workshop

Explain each point on the timeline:

  • 0 – Someone thinking about visiting a Quaker meeting
  • 1A – Someone walking through the door for the first time
  • 1B – Immediately after worship, often during coffee hour
  • 3–4 Visits – Someone who has attended several times
  • 6 Months – Someone who has been attending regularly

Ask the group to imagine a newcomer at each stage.

Small Group Work: Welcoming Newcomers Workshop Discussion

Divide participants into five small groups. Assign each group one point on the timeline.

Each group should discuss what a newcomer needs at that stage in time.

Post the following five categories on the wall, so groups know what to focus on:

  • Information about the meeting
  • Connections within the meeting
  • Opportunities for spiritual deepening
  • Information about the Quaker Way (Faith & Practice)
  • Treatment from people in the meeting

Ask each group to choose a recorder.

Assume the newcomer is new to Quakerism, not transferring from another meeting.

Give groups about 10 minutes to discuss and write down ideas.

Sharing and Recording on the Chart

Bring everyone back together.

Ask each group to share their top 3–5 newcomer needs for their assigned stage. As they share, record their responses in the correct column on the chart.

Sample Responses (for Facilitators)

These examples can help guide discussion if needed.

0 (Before the Visit):

  • Clear website information
  • Meeting time and location
  • What to expect in worship
  • Basic Quaker beliefs
  • Reassurance that visitors are welcome

1A (First Arrival):

  • Warm greeting with a smile
  • Clear directions to worship and restrooms
  • Simple welcome materials
  • Cards for Newcomers (FGC resource)
  • Children’s options clearly explained

1B (After Worship):

  • Invitation to coffee hour without pressure
  • Introductions to friendly Friends
  • Access to newcomer materials
  • Sensitivity to comfort levels
  • No pressure to explain themselves

3–4 Visits:

  • Invitations to activities or service
  • Learning opportunities about Quaker faith
  • Deeper conversations
  • Continued relationship building
  • Clear next steps without pressure

6 Months:

  • Information about membership or committees
  • Invitations to small groups
  • Opportunities for service
  • Growing friendships
  • Space to ask deeper questions when ready

Closing the Welcoming Newcomers Workshop

Thank participants for their reflections and insights.

Remind the group that welcoming newcomers is ongoing work. Needs change over time, and meetings grow stronger when they respond with care, clarity, and patience.

Last updated December 18, 2025.

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