The Friends Vocal Ministry Project will cultivate innovative research about Friends Preaching to develop and publish new resources and training for programmed Evangelical Friends.

Programmed evangelical Friends are distinguished from other groups within the Society of Friends (Quakers) by their use of sermons within the context of their worship services. To our knowledge, there has never been a significant focus of research and resources dedicated to the craft of preaching and communicating the Gospel through vocal ministry among programmed evangelical Friends. 

The Friends Preaching Initiative at Barclay College will serve as the innovation hub for preaching among Friends of the evangelical tradition. It is important for Barclay College to undertake this research so that the unique nature of Friends vocal ministry may be explored and shared. The uniqueness of Friends includes the concepts of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9), sacramental living or letting your life preach/speak to the work of Christ (Matt. 5:16), the power of the Holy Spirit in our midst that can change a worship service or sermon as needed (Rom. 8), and the spiritual gifts that are equally valuable for the Body of Christ (Eph. 4:11-13). Therefore, undergrad and graduate students will be encouraged to explore research on the history and current practice of vocal ministry (preaching) among Friends. As a result, the Friends Vocal Ministry Project will seek to publish research findings, resource, and training materials for Friends Preachers.

The Friends Vocal Ministry Research Project hopes to also investigate novel ways to adapt the programmed Friends’ rich history of vocal ministry to new technologies and media formats frequently consumed by the public. In doing so we hope to identify effective methods for delivering God’s message, drawing people into relationship with God, and engaging the church through traditional and non-traditional outreach.

We are currently conducting Focus Groups and Interviews among Friends leaders asking the two questions:

• • • What is unique about Friends preaching?
    • What needs do Friends preachers have?

Contact Katy Moran if you are interested in assisting with this research or having the Friends Preaching Initiative share at your gathering or event.

The Friends Preaching Initiative at Barclay College is currently seeking a part-time research assistant who is interested in assisting with the Friends Vocal Ministry Project and with the evaluation of the Friends Preaching Initiative.

Contact Katy Moran for more information and a job description.