Reflection meeting

Since the Bahá'í world was divided into clusters, for teaching, consolidation and expansion purposes, a meeting of the Bahá'ís within each cluster has been introduced. Often on a three-monthly basis, the Bahá'ís within the area are invited to a (Cluster) Reflection Meeting. At this meeting, the cluster reflects on its recently-completed cycle of activity, and considers plans for its next cycle. The Universal House of Justice recommends that these Reflection Meetings be more occasions of "joyous celebration" rather than unremittingly serious administrative gatherings. The "cycle" referred to consists of several stages:

• The Expansion Phase of perhaps two weeks, in which the Bahá'ís in the cluster are concentrating on reaching out to new people, launching new activities, etc.
• The Consolidation Phase of perhaps two months, during which the Bahá'ís are ensuring that such new people as have been reached in the Expansion Phase are now more involved - perhaps enrolled in a study circle, or children's classes started for their offspring.
• Reflection - of which, obviously the Reflection Meeting is a major part. The resulting planning for the next cycle could be seen as a fourth stage.

In most cases, the Area Teaching Committee is the body responsible for ensuring that the Reflection Meeting takes place, for setting goals and so on. However, in some clusters the Local Spiritual Assemblies take turns to host the Reflection Meeting.