The authors describe in fresh language some of the traditional ways to tell if you're being used by the Spirit to minister to the meeting or if you're in the grip of a human desire to speak. They include a clear list of queries to ask yourself before standing up. What is new and not at all traditional are the examples that contrast prophetic ministry with partisan political speech, and a section on how to address racist and homophobic messages delivered during worship. A diagram lays out in visual form the steps for discerning whether to speak. Discussion questions included.

Were I to title this pamphlet, I'd call it "Dealing With Problem Messages." There are many pamphlets and articles describing how to determine if one's message is spirit-led. This pamphlet seems directed to those on Ministry & Worship (or whatever name your Meeting uses) needing to deal with the fall-out from problem messages, and/or with hurtful, non-Friendly messages (which I suppose could be said to be not spirit-led).

I think it is a timely pamphlet in that it helps us understand how to phrase our criticism in terms that are not accusatory--by giving the speaker a chance to explain exactly what they were trying to say. And if they were actually meaning to be hurtful, then it gives the elder a chance to tell them that their views are not welcome. I guess in that case, the "all are welcome" signs need to be edited.... ( )

Crossno and Bill offer us a very useful guide to when and how to speak in vocal ministry in our Quaker meetings for worship. Much of this will be familiar to many Friends, but new to many others, especially but not only to newcomers. This pamphlet can be an excellent way to introduce, or review, these understandings and guidelines. It can be used for discussions, or even just handed to a Friend to read.
The pamphlet includes not only guidelines for discerning whether a message is truly for vocal ministry in meeting, but also particularly helpful discussions on the difference between a prophetic message and partisan political speech, on clarifying the particular culture and expectations of ministry in each meeting, and on addressing hurtful or harmful messages spoken in meeting.
Friends meetings will find this pamphlet truly useful for the essential task of educating Friends new and old about the basic understanding and practice of the Quaker way of vocal ministry. ( )

The authors describe some of the traditional ways to tell if you’re being used by the Spirit to minister to the meeting or if you’re in the grip of a human desire to speak. The authors include a list of queries to ask yourself before standing up. They contrast prophetic ministry with partisan political speech, and include a section on how to address racist and homophobic messages delivered during worship. A diagram lays out in visual form the steps for discerning whether to speak.