Eldering and Ministering Under the Care of the Holy Spirit

A Friends Center Retreat

How does the healing power and guidance of the Holy Spirit flow into our Quaker meetings, and beyond?  Since the early days of the movement, Friends have found that gospel ministry and eldering are interwoven gifts, both of them under the care and guidance of the Holy Spirit. An elder may work privately with a minister, encouraging discernment and trust in God.  When people gather in worship, elders help prepare the spiritual space in which the minister gives the particular message that the Holy Spirit is offering to the listeners.  The elder is midwife to the message the minister bears.

This retreat focuses on these interwoven gifts.  Participants who feel a call to gospel ministry may invite a friend to attend with them in a supportive eldering role.  Likewise, people who feel a gift of eldering may encourage someone with a gift of ministry to accompany them.  During the weekend, worshiping together as elders and ministers, we will open ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, drawing on the six Advices for Ministry and Oversight in the OYM Book of Discipline (p. 35), as we seek deeper understanding and exercise of these gifts under Christ’s care.