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What does a New Kind of Quaker look like?

By Scott Wagoner

What does a “new kind of Quaker” look like? Do they look like they always did, but just behave differently? Do they wear different clothes? Worship differently? If they are “new,” what does “old” mean? I don’t know if I can answer these, or even if they are the right questions. But, as I have tried to picture a “new kind of Quaker,” this is what he/she might look like to me:

1. The old kind of Quaker relies on geographical locations and yearly meeting designations to inform their perception and understanding of another Quaker (i.e., “You’re from Indiana, you must be an evangelical” or “You’re from Baltimore, you must be liberal” or “You’re a programmed Friend, you must be evangelical” or “You’re an unprogrammed Friend, you must be liberal”).
   The new kind of Quaker looks past geographical locations and yearly meeting designations and seeks to truly understand and hear the story, spiritual journey and heart of the other person. They don’t put them in any kind of theological container or file. Rather, they seek to see and hear that of God in the other.
2. The old kind of Quaker is pretty sure that pastoral programmed evangelical Friends meetings focus on evangelism and non-pastoral unprogrammed liberal Friends meetings focus on issues of peace and social justice.
   The new kind of Quaker doesn’t see this as either/or but both/and. They see the need for a proclamation of the Good News (evangelism) as well as a demonstration of the Good News (issues of peace and social justice). One is not more important than the other, but both are necessary expressions of God’s active work.
3. The old kind of Quaker works very hard at making sure the institutional form of Quakerism keeps going and stays propped up because if the “central agencies” and “committee structures” and “central offices” cease to exist then Quakerism as we know it would cease to exist.
   The new kind of Quaker is not as focused on the “institution” of Quakerism as they are the “spirit” of Quakerism, and they realize that the Quaker vision and calling can be lived out whether or not you have buildings, committees, a central office or programs.
4. The old kind of Quaker tends to focus on the past and seeks to replicate the past as a way to bring life to the present and the future.
   The new kind of Quaker appreciates the past but seeks to live in the present because the Living Christ is in the present and is providing leadings, direction and guidance as to who we are to become in the future.
5. The old kind of Quaker feels that the future of Quakerism will look an awful lot like the past of Quakerism. The only difference is that we will have somehow convinced more people to get involved and help in making sure this version of Quakerism survives.
   The new kind of Quaker feels pretty sure that the future of Quakerism will not look anything like the past of Quakerism and is both scared and excited as to how the future will unfold for Quakers and what Quakers in the future will look like.
6. The old kind of Quaker wants to make sure we pass on buildings, property and programs to the next generation.
   The new kind of Quaker wants to make sure we pass on a living faith, a demonstration of faithfulness and a heart of integrity to the next generation.
7. The old kind of Quaker secretly believes that their version of Quakerism is the true version and that all the others are not yet enlightened.
   The new kind of Quaker believes that Quakerism cannot be contained within a methodology and that there is no one true version, but that all “versions” have something to offer and gifts to share.
8. 8. The old kind of Quaker believes that Quakerism can best be defined propositionally and relies on “belief statements” and “declarations of faith” to fully describe the living experience of Quakers.
   The new kind of Quaker believes that a propositional faith is not adequate to sustain the Quaker experience and believes wholeheartedly that the word “relationship” best describes what it means to live as a Quaker — to be in relationship with God, Jesus and one another.
9. The old kind of Quaker sees business meetings as a “necessary evil” and something that must be put up with until we get to the good stuff.
   The new kind of Quaker seeks to see the Living Christ moving and leading amidst the business and truly sees it as a meeting for worship with the purpose of conducting business.
10. The old kind of Quaker gets ticked off when they see a list like this because they feel threatened and live out of a spirituality of fear.
    The new kind of Quaker chooses to not fear, but chooses to love and live out a spirituality of love and is willing to hear what truth, if any, might reside in a list like this.

Scott Wagoner is pastoral minister for Deep River Friends Meeting, North Carolina, where he has served for seven years. Prior to that, he served Archdale Friends Meeting in North Carolina Yearly Meeting and Farmland Friends Meeting in Indiana Yearly Meeting. He also served five years as assistant superintendent of Indiana Yearly Meeting. Scott is active on yearly meeting committees and serves as president of the North Carolina Yearly Meeting Ministers Association as well as on the High Point Friends school board. He is also serving as a Companion in Ministry Guide in conjunction with a grant program administered by the Upper Room in Nashville and Eli Lilly. The Companion in Ministry program seeks to train pastors in establishing clergy support groups. Scott is married to Lynda who is a registered nurse. His daughter, Erin, will be graduating from Western Carolina University and his son, Chad, will be graduating from Trinity High School. Scott writes a blog at: www.newkindofquaker.blogspot.com.