Do your research. Read historical books, blogs and articles on the history of Quakers. Glean information from Friends General Conference, and other influential Quaker organizations. Pay attention to core Quaker values, founders and requirements. Use your research to help you make an informed decision about whether or not to pursue becoming a Quaker. Understand how Quakers view God. Know that the core belief of a Quaker is that everyone is loved, guided by and has access to a direct relationship with God, also called “the Divine, Light Within, Christ, Spirit, Seed and Inward Teacher. [1] X Research source Accept that Quakers believe that all human beings should have a relationship with God, and there is a “little of God in everyone”. Recognize the differences between Quakerism and other religions, including Christianity and Judaism. Invest in spiritual books, including the bible, to learn what inspires the Quaker faith. Ask questions. Begin by asking yourself why you want to become a Quaker. Take a look at your own morals and values. Do they fit with the Quaker thought process? Quakers believe that everyone is loved, guided by and has access to a direct relationship with God.

[2] X Research source Additional questions to ask yourself: Is becoming a Quaker right for me, or even something I want to do? Am I capable of adapting Quaker beliefs and applying them to my life? Talk to yourself about how you want to proceed. Talk to a Quaker. Find a Quaker to talk to about your interest. Ask them to share their experience about being a Quaker with you. Ask them direct, detailed questions about what made them decide to commit. For example, why did they make the decision to become a Quaker? Also, what has been the most rewarding part of being a Quaker for them? Use their answers to gain some insight into real life experiences being a Quaker. Join an interest group or forum online for people interested in becoming a Quaker. Participate in visitor's board discussions for prospective Quakers from a recognizable Friends group. In the forum, ask questions about living and serving as a Quaker. For example, How does one best serve God as a Quaker? And, what sacrifices will I need to make in order to properly honor the Quaker faith? Follow Quaker or Religious Friends groups on Facebook, Twitter and other social media. Choose a Quaker worship home close to you. Seek a

Quaker worship center or faith-based community in your area. Be open to suggestions, and feel at liberty to try more than one. Decide whether you want to join a “programmed” Quaker meeting, led by a pastor or a non-pastoral one; one that is group-centered. [3] X Research source In the meeting, observe as much as you can about how Quakers pray, meditate and worship. Write a letter expressing your interest in joining. State in your letter to the clerk of the Quaker congregation why you made the decision to become a Quaker, as well as what you’re prepared to do to honor the faith. In your letter, ask the clerk about the membership process. Follow up with the clerk after you’ve turned in your letter. Be persistent and friendly, as Quakers are typically reserved, and may not approach you first about your decision to become a Quaker. Attend worship services regularly. Join in silent waiting [4] X Research source during the Quaker worship service by standing in silence with your group of fellow Quakers. Expect that one or more people will feel moved by the Spirit to break the silence and share what they believe has been placed on their heart, or spoken into them. It’s okay not

to contribute or feel the need to talk, but do make sure you’re aware and respect the silence. Get involved in Quaker meetings. Participate in once-a-month town hall or business meetings from your Quaker congregation. Start with learning important issues affecting your local Quaker community, including but are not limited to conflicts with human rights, social justice, peace, freedom of conscience and community life. Prepare yourself to voice concerns with fellow Quakers. Sign up for community service. Take on volunteer projects, or mentorship projects that help you to improve your local community. Apply the five core testimonies of being a Quaker; simplicity, integrity, equality, community and peace in your efforts. [5] X Research source Focus your volunteer efforts in non-profits for social injustice, education, community involvement and environmental conservations, as these are highly important to the Quaker faith. Make time for prayer. Find a quiet place, either on your own or in a group with Quakers, to pray to God, also known as “the Divine, Light Within, Christ, Spirit, Seed and Inward Teacher”. [6] X Research source Listen for the voice of God, and pay attention to

anything that is being said. As a Quaker, you will always seek out the “small voice within”. [7] X Research source Tip: If you have difficulty starting a conversation with God during prayer, use words and images, or recite a passage from the bible or other spiritual writings to help. Be kind to others. Practice making others feel valued and respected by “holding a light”. [8] X Research source This means giving love, support and prayers to anyone that is sick, struggling spiritually or adjusting to major life changes such as the loss of a loved one, a new move or a new career venture. Be patient with others. Always be truthful, and refrain from judgment. Dress accordingly with Quaker expectations. Dress and wear clothing that is comfortable, but above all is simple. Steer clear of wearing fancy clothing or flashy jewelry. Be sure not to wear too much make-up, as to look unnatural or disingenuous. Be authentic with the way you look. Opt to wear business casual clothing, at best, when attending Quaker meetings and worship services. Make God-centered decisions. Seek approval from God in your daily decision-making. Focus on living a life that God and the Quaker community would

be pleased with. Pray and meditate before making a life-altering decision, such as when to get married, or whether or not to change careers or relocate. Keep the community up-to-speed with both your personal desires and struggles, as well as anything you feel God has shared with you.