One of the best ways to help new people come back to meeting is to get them involved in the life of the meeting. Below are things some Quaker meetings have done to help new attenders become part of the community.

Classes for Newcomers

Many people who are new want to learn about Quaker beliefs and practices. You can offer a series of classes to help them explore Quaker faith. You can use official Quaker books, shorter pamphlets, or articles to study. Make sure the material is easy to understand for people who have never been around Quakers before. Share both the basic beliefs and the joy of being part of the Quaker way.

Classes for the Whole Meeting

Invite newcomers to classes that are open to everyone in the meeting. These might be book studies, spiritual growth classes, or discussion groups. When newcomers join, give them a clear introduction to the topic so they can follow along. Make sure they understand how it connects to Quaker beliefs.

Worship Sharing

Create times for people to share their spiritual experiences in a small group setting. These are called “worship sharing” groups. They help people, including newcomers, deepen their spiritual life and get to know others. Some meetings offer worship sharing right after regular worship or on a regular schedule.

Witness

Find ways your meeting participates in service or public witness that show Quaker values in action. This might include volunteering at a food pantry, hosting a prayer vigil, writing letters about peace or justice, or joining community meetings about social issues. Make sure newcomers know about these activities through announcements, newsletters, and emails. Invite them personally to join.

Meeting for Business

Meeting for Business can be another way for newcomers to understand how Quakers make decisions. Share the minutes (written decisions and reports) with everyone, including newcomers, so they can see how the meeting works. This is also a good time to explain Quaker process and practice.