Public Friends is a new nonprofit founded in 2024. Quakers believe that God may call anyone into ministry. But not everyone is called to sustained public ministry. The mission of Public Friends is to ensure the future of Friends in North America by supporting and developing Quaker ministers to a professional standard.
Public Friends is currently working on three projects: (1) The recording process: Public Friends will offer a recording process that monthly and yearly meetings can use. The process will be available for free on the website. This project is funded by a grant from the Louisville Institute. (2) Mutual support for ministers: This currently includes monthly Zoom meetings for ministers and ways to connect on social media. As Public Friends grows, it will offer affinity groups, mentoring, and spiritual friendships. (3) Matching funds for ministry projects: Public Friends is working to provide matching funds for ministry projects, to raise the level of financial support for ministers within the Religious Society of Friends.
Public Friends supports Quaker ministers of all kinds, not just pastors. The ministry can take many forms, including chaplaincy, pastoral work, traveling ministry, speaking, writing, or working with groups leading workshops or retreats.
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