Meeting For Business

Welcome! If you’re used to typical board meetings or rowdy town halls, a Quaker Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business will feel like a breath of fresh air (or perhaps a bit of a mystery at first).

At its core, it’s not just about making decisions; it’s about seeking “the sense of the Meeting”—a collective discernment of what is right.

The Elements of Meeting for Business

1. It is a Form of Worship

Quakers don’t separate the “spiritual” from the “practical.” The meeting begins and ends in silence. Even the discussion happens in a spirit of prayerful listening. It’s not about winning an argument; it’s about finding a shared truth.

2. No Voting

This is the biggest shock for newcomers. There are no “ayes” or “nays.” Quakers don’t use majority rule because that creates “winners” and “losers,” which can hurt the community. Instead, they wait until everyone can live with a decision.

3. The Role of the Clerk

There is no “boss.” The Clerk facilitates the meeting, listens to the various perspectives, and eventually proposes a Minute—a written summary of where the group seems to be landing.

4. Reaching “Unity”

If the group reaches a point where everyone feels a decision is right (or at least clear), they are in Unity.

• Standing Aside: If someone disagrees but doesn’t feel the decision violates a core principle, they may “stand aside” to let the group move forward.

• Blocking: If someone feels a decision is fundamentally wrong, they can “prevent” the minute, and the group continues to wait and reflect, often deferring the matter to a later date.

Tips for Your First Time