Quaker Process for Friends on the Benches

Quaker Process for Friends on the Benches 

You often hear, "should be on every meeting's library shelf,"but thisone REALLY should be in every library, and more than that, in every member's hand. A comprehensive look at all our Quaker meeting practices and procedures, how they came to be, what they are intended to do, and above all, great explanations and tips on how to do them well -- such as"How to give a budget report without everyones eyes glazing over." It's all here, marriages, nominating, elders, business, community, etc., in clear concise, readable and well organized form with today's email era taken into account. A truly important book.

Quaker Process for Friends on the Benches is the most thorough survey to date of the nuances of Quaker process and practice. This book provides historical context to how Quaker process has evolved, shares common practices and variations used by contemporary Friends, and gives real-life examples of model Quaker process in action. Readers will find answers to such questions as “What does it mean to serve on a committee?” and “How should new technologies be used in our Quaker business?” Readers will learn best practices from a range of perspectives on topics like discernment, leadings, and the mechanics of interrelated Quaker bodies. Both accessible and comprehensive, this richly researched handbook deserves a place in the library of every Friends meeting and every Quaker member or attender who seeks to find joy in the spiritual practice of Quaker process. A glossary, index, and annotated bibliography will give readers years of practical service and well-lit paths into a deeper study of the Quaker faith.

"Mathilda Navias has written a remarkable book that is tender toward all varieties of Friends. Every page reflects not just wide study, but also deep experience and clear wisdom." - Tom Hamm, Quaker Historian and author of The Quakers in America