Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business & Committees
We do not have a minister so how are we organized?
Quakers believe that we are all ministers and responsible for the care of our worship and community. Rather than employing a minister, Quaker meetings function by appointing members to committees, which oversee the quality of worship, pastoral care needs, religious education for adults and children, the planning of special events, having the meeting house roof repaired—all the many things that any congregation needs.
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business
At Louisville Friends Meeting we convene for Meeting for Worship with Attention to business once a month. Our decision making process is one of the many unique and wonderful aspects of Quakerism.
Decision-making in the manner of Friends seeks awareness and guidance of the Spirit (Light, Truth, God, Divine). Discernment and decision-making in the Quaker meeting for business should be Spiritual practices. As Friends, we seek to understand and carry out the will of God. Spiritual guidance informs and help us discern the way forward and make decisions, individually in everyday life, and corporately in the meeting for business, and in other settings.
“In the wisdom, love and fellowship of God, in gravity patience, meekness, in unity and concord, … and in the Holy Spirit of Truth, … in love, coolness, as one only party, … to determine things by a general mutual concord, in assenting together as one man in the spirit of truth and equity, and by the authority thereof.”
-Edward Burroughs in 1662 described the Quaker meeting for business
Meeting Process
Discover how our Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business fosters collective discernment and shared decision-making within our community.
1
Opening Silence and Centering
We begin in silent worship, inviting all participants to center themselves spiritually before engaging in business matters.
2
Collective Discernment
Attendees share insights and concerns in a respectful manner, allowing the group to seek unity through thoughtful listening and reflection.
3
Decision and Minute
Decisions are reached when “unity” (not necessarily unanimity) is reached and the decision is recorded in a minute and affirmed by the meeting. .
The Clerk of the Meeting
The clerk is the facilitator of the Meeting community and serves decision-making in the manner of Friends. The clerk supports continuing Spiritual awareness and focuses the participants on the business at hand. The clerk develops the agenda, often in consultation with others. The clerk helps maintain an atmosphere of safety throughout the Meeting for business. The clerk helps the meeting for business manage the rhythm and temperament of the meeting for business. The clerk should use silence, even extended periods of silence, when emotions rise or the meeting for business comes to a contentious or difficult place. The clerk is assisted in recording the sense of the meeting by our Recording Clerk.
When do you meet for Worship with Attention to Business?
We meet on the second Sunday of each month. After our regular 10 am worship service we break briefly for snacks and conversation before returning at about 11:30 am to attend to business..
Who can attend the Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business?
All members and attenders of Louisville Friends Meeting are welcome to participate in this spiritual decision-making process.
How is the meeting structured to promote participation?
The meeting follows Quaker traditions ensuring every voice is heard with respect and thoughtful deliberation. The clerk of the meeting works to ensure that all voices are heard and the sense of the whole meeting is discerned.
What topics are discussed during the business meeting?
Matters related to community events, finances, outreach, and spiritual concerns are thoughtfully considered.
How can I prepare to participate effectively?
Attending worship regularly, participating in committees, reviewing agendas and reflecting on community needs helps members contribute with clarity and care.
Committees
Since we have no paid staff, all the work of the meeting is carried out by a variety of committees. The Ministry and Worship Committee does the ministry work usually performed by a minister. Other committees include Religious Education, Buildings and Grounds, Finance, and Peace and Social Concerns. Brief descriptions of several committees are linked below.
Delve Deeper into our decision making magic
Discover how our Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business and our Committees foster inclusive decision-making and spiritual unity within the Louisville Friends Meeting community.
Louisville Friends Meeting is one of seventeen Quaker meetings in the region who have joined together to form the Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting. As Quakers we have no creeds, but we have strong beliefs and important practices rooted in Quaker traditions & our collective discernment of Divine Truth. OVYM Faith & Practice provides an in depth description of the roles, procedures and expectations in Quaker collective discernment and the role of committees in running the meeting.