The series continues. On June 5th, I began a series in which I asked "What has [fill in the blank] tradition gifted the larger Church?" The one rule was the answers had to be edifying, which twitter people are (mostly). You can find the results of this twitter series on my blog or using the hashtag, #GiftingTheChurch (thanks for the idea Pastor Daniel).

I have limited exposure to the quaker tradition but what I've learned I've loved. If we're called to be a holy people, that certainly means we should appear set apart. The quakers do this better than just about any group I know. Here's an article I wrote about my first quaker service, last winter.

Here's a quote from that article, and from Brent Bill, who I reference:

In Brent Bill’s book Holy Silence, he paints a vivid picture of how God has spoken in moments of silence throughout his lifetime; on Sunday mornings, in his home, at weddings, when he leads moments of holy silence at ecumenical services in their vacation town. There’s more to corporate silence I need to explore. Bill writes, "The deep silence of the soul is our Eucharist.” Maybe that explains my deep hunger for silence. I am thirsty for a word from the Spirit. I love the idea of Him speaking corporately in communion of another kind. The Quakers are teaching me. We need each other. We really do.

Click here to read Day One - Methodist

Click here to read Day Two - Lutheran

Click here to read Day Three - Mennonite

Click here to read Day Four - Assemblies of God

Click here to read Day Five - Southern Baptist

Day Six - Quaker

• Pacifism.

• Ministry of all believers.

• Church document "Advices & Queries."

• Clearness Committee (unique style of committee meetings).

• The Shakers (here's the difference).

• "Importance of listening to still small voice both in individuals and as a faith community; evidence of connection with God in consistent peace and justice work." (Shirley F)

• Open spirituality.

• Meditation. Contemplative peace.

• Working for consensus.

• Religious same-sex marriage.

• Christians who treated Native Americans with respect and kindness.

• Silence.

• Unprogrammed worship.

• Harmony.

In the colonies, they seemed to be the ones making space for other faith traditions (in Pennsylvania colony). Seemed to be way ahead of their time. (Bruce C)

• Stood against slavery first.

• Instrumental in the unground railroad.

• The tools to consider and fight our own complicity in destructive policy.

• Under George Fox's leadership, highlights the authority of scripture as disclosed by the Spirit of God.

• Profoundly democratic governance structure.

• Social responsibility.

• The idea that communion doesn’t have to be physical or distributed by a person in a pastoral role to be real.

• Priesthood of all believers; no segregation of clergy and laity.

• Holiness and honoring your fellow man.

• The lack of a creed means you have the freedom to connect with God on your own terms.

• Simplicity in their fear and judgment.

• The theme of the inner, or inward light.

• Richard Foster quote:

The desperate need today is not for a great number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but deep people.

• A song by the late Rich Mullins, "Creed."