Terminology

Friends (Quakers) use specific terms and sometimes retain the language of mid-17th century England.

Meeting: a gathering of Quakers

Meeting for Worship: a gathering of Quakers for worship

Meeting for Business: a gathering of Quakers to discuss issues and practical matters such as meetinghouse upkeep (“business”), such meetings held in the context of waiting worship.

Friend: Quakers use the term Friend to refer to other Quakers

Religious Society of Friends: The Religious Society of Friends is the official name for “Quakers.”

Meetinghouse: a physical structure where Friends worship. The Greek word in the Bible translated as “church” basically means an assembly of people. For Christians, it means those gathered by Christ for His service. A physical building is just that – a physical building, not a “church.” Friends have called such often highly ornate places “steeple houses” in contrast to our “meeting houses,” which contain noting more than the space and seating necessary for us to meet.

Unprogrammed Meeting: A term used more often by “Liberal” or non-Friends to describe worship without a human pre-planned agenda or program.

Waiting Worship: This term is used by “Conservative” Friends to describe how we sit quietly and wait – wait for Christ to speak to or through us, but also to wait upon Christ as a servant waits and watches diligently to respond to the Master’s slightest wish.