Neighbourhood Activities Bahá’í teachings emphasize that each person is endowed with the capacity to conduct his or her own independent investigation of spiritual truth. While institutions do exist to guide and encourage, the status of a clergy does not, so the initiative for spiritual growth rests with each individual.
Baha'is promote spiritual development through service and worship which are at the heart of Baha'i community life in every locality around the world where Baha'is reside. These two distinct, yet inseparable activities (service and worship) propel the life of the community forward. Some common activities are shown below. |
Devotional Gatherings
Inspirational readings, music, prayers, and story-telling may all be part of a devotional gathering. These quiet occasions are hosted in private homes where Baha'is, their friends and neighbours meet to pray for healing, courage, peace, justice or whatever theme may have been requested. Sometimes devotions include readings or prayers from several faith traditions... One God, one people, one sense of devotion.
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Firesides = Q+A
A "fireside" is an opportunity to meet with Baha'is in a comfortable environment and explore the Bahai Faith in relation to topics of interest to you. Formats are flexible and the momentum follows the interests and questions of those who are looking into Baha'i teachings.
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Adult Study Circles
These learning groups focus on workbooks which apply Bahá'í principles to the analysis of social conditions found in daily life. A facilitator assists each group of 3-10 participants. Study methods build from discussing concepts in the abstract, to seeing how they might apply in daily situations, to looking for practical ways to benefit the local community where feasible.
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Children's Classes (age 3-10)
Bahá’í teachers believe in the nobility of every student, that each one is “a mine rich in gems of inestimable value”. Parents of all backgrounds find benefit for their children in these classes.
During their training, teachers study the nature of spiritual qualities and learn to appreciate the talents and capacities of children, so they can help their small students discover these gems in themselves actively polishing them with songs, games, stories, prayers, art and activities. |
Junior Youth Programs (age 11-14)
Regardless of their social or cultural situations, young people everywhere aspire to grow in mind and spirit so they can contribute to improving the world around them.
By engaging in service projects for their community, youth and junior youth find both personal growth and an increase in their ability to participate in social progress. Baha'i teachings affirm that “Service to humanity is service to God”. As youth learn to infuse their day-to-day activities with a spirit of generous giving, and find ways to increase the well-being of others, they attract the assistance and confirmations of God into their lives. |
