Four Doors to Meeting for Worship (Pendle Hill Pamphlets Book 306)

The concept of the Stream, not original with Bill, first appeared in his conscious mind during a Pendle Hill conference on the future of Quakerism about 1968 and has continued to have a powerful place in his consciousness ever since. This pamphlet’s metaphor of the four doors grew out of his awareness of a need for a more contemporary explanation of “what happens” in a Quaker meeting.

He feels this lack of instruction in method has become an increasing problem as modern Friends move farther and farther away from the more pervasive Quaker culture which in earlier generations played such a powerful teaching role, allowing both birthright and convinced Friends to learn the nuances and spiritual methodology of Quakerism largely through osmosis. ln sharing this essay Bill hopes to help nurture a traveling, teaching, and prophetic ministry which could reach out and touch people into spiritual growth just when they are ready to receive the teaching.