Six Steps to Initiation

A Guide to the Candidate Selection Process
Revised Edition — 2025
(Originally developed October 2012)

Background

Keeping Brothers involved and engaged in the Lodge is an ongoing and sometimes challenging process that demands constant attention and evolution. With the ever-increasing demands on a man’s attention in the 21st century, it is more important now that before, to ensure a strong suitability of potential Candidates coming into Freemasonry. Like it or not, young men have higher expectations on life, particularly in the areas of career, social engagements, money, spirituality and family. What kept our Brothers, born before 1975, active in a Masonic Lodge is completely different than those born after 1975. Many young men these days are looking beyond what organized religion and society can offer them. The difference now is they place a higher demand on reciprocity than did previous generations. The benefits for the individual far outweigh the benefits for the collective in these later generations. We must accept, face and address this fact if we are to survive as an organization. Freemasonry will still and always remain a vital, integral and continual moving piece in the society around the globe.

However, in order to evolve with Society and remain strong, certain changes outside of the constitutions, ritual work, and traditional customs need to happen. An important step of competently attracting new members and retaining them is managing expectations. Typically, in the past, a Masonic Initiation was kept secret as the Candidate was not told of any memory work.

All too often, a newly initiated Entered Apprentice would suffer poorly due to inconsistent Lodge Mentorship and active involvement. In fact, many Lodges in the area would put the Candidate through the three degrees only never to see him again because of system overload.

Furthermore, in today’s world, due to the Internet, social media, and population of many centers, we can no longer sponsor a man into Freemasonry over a couple of cups of coffee, or after a few beers on some social nights. These aforementioned “criteria” are totally derisory and do not reveal a man to be good “mason material.” First impressions set the stage for engagement and retention!

The Grand Lodge of Washington State uses the 6-step program quite diligently across most of their districts with great results. https://freemason-wa.org/six-steps-initiation/

Examples to engage and retain Entered Apprentices include, but are not limited to:

Place photo and short bios of new Entered Apprentices in the Lodge.
Have the candidate complete the skills and interests questionnaire so we can get to know a little.
Invite the Entered Apprentice to numerous Lodge events and Installations.
New member orientation – share the mission statement, provide an “education binder” are all examples.

The 6-step program has proven useful when employed properly. However, the largest complaints about it are: too much paperwork, too cumbersome, “scary,” a lack of consistent usage, and unfamiliarity.

This revision, based on the original Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon 6-step Program has been revised, simplified, and stripped of all non-essentials – reducing committee chairman, officer and secretary paperwork burden together with refining the standardized questions, checklist, and memory test to the advantage of the Candidate and the Lodge. It is the intent of the author to improve and facilitate a healthier recruitment process, together with improved Lodge harmony, and promote more vigorous membership within the Craft.

Fraternally,

WBro. Robert W. Sault (Worshipful Master 2018, Miriam Lodge No. 20, Vernon BC)

Purpose and Overview

This guide is designed to assist Lodges in the pre-screening and evaluation of potential candidates before a Petition for Initiation is issued. Its purpose is twofold: (1) to help the Lodge determine a man’s suitability for membership in Freemasonry, and (2) to help the seeker decide whether the principles, expectations, and way of life in Freemasonry align with his personal values and circumstances.

Freemasonry is not for everyone, and it is our responsibility — for the good of both the individual and the Craft — to ensure that only well-informed, sincere, and qualified men are invited to join.

Lodges are encouraged to follow this guide fully, completing each of the six steps before issuing a petition. Upon completion, the Candidate Summary Report should be presented to the Lodge officers for review. If acceptable, the petition may then be issued and forwarded to the Investigating Committee along with the completed guide.

The Six Steps to Initiation

Initial Contact — First phone call or email response. (Setting the meeting)
First Meeting — Introduction and “homework” discussion.
Second Meeting — Deeper discussion and reflection. (More homework)
Third Meeting — Introductions to other members.
Social Meeting — Participation in a Lodge or family event.
Petition & Sponsorship — Final assessment and signatures.

Each step is explained below with recommended discussion points and sample questions. Steps Two and Three include a two-page handout for the candidate, which should be returned and included in the Summary Report.

Step One – The Initial Contact

Initial phone call made and logged.
The candidate appears serious about Freemasonry.
Candidate asked to prepare a list of questions for discussion.
Record notes on what the candidate already knows and his motivations.

Step Two – First Meeting (“Homework”)

Discuss reasons for seeking membership and answer the candidate’s questions.
Explain the Traditional Approach and provide the First Meeting Handout.
Clarify expectations regarding commitment, time, finances, and values.
Assign homework: review ‘The Address to the Brethren’ and the Grand Lodge Booklet.

Step Three – Second Meeting (Learning and Reflection)

Discuss the candidate’s reflections on ‘The Address to the Brethren’.
Review Lodge structure, offices, degrees, and etiquette.
Introduce memory work and confirm comfort level with learning.
Assign a light research topic from the Grand Lodge website.

Step Four – Third Meeting (Introductions)

Introduce the candidate to a second Brother (potential co-sponsor).
Review any assigned recitation or discussion topic.
Discuss Lodge life, participation, and upcoming social opportunities.
Plan attendance at the next social or festive board.

Step Five – Social Engagement

Candidate and spouse attend a Lodge social event or festive board.
Candidate engages comfortably and respectfully with members.
Collect feedback from members regarding social fit and sincerity.
Ensure the atmosphere of harmony and brotherhood is maintained.

Step Six – The Petition

Both sponsors are satisfied and prepared to sign the petition.
Candidate appears fully informed and suitable.
The petition is presented to the Lodge Secretary for processing.
If not suitable, record reasoning and forward details to the Grand Secretary.

Candidate Handout – Traditional Approach

Becoming a Freemason is not simply joining a club. It is offering oneself for acceptance as a member of an ancient fraternity committed to personal growth, morality, and brotherly love.

Historically, candidates were introduced by friends or family who could vouch for their character. Today, many seek Freemasonry online; this process fosters understanding and mutual respect.

Key Points to Understand

Freemasonry is not a business network; it is a moral and spiritual path.
Joining Freemasonry is a process requiring patience and sincerity.
It is a lifelong commitment to learning and service.
Regular attendance (two meetings per month recommended) is expected.
Financial obligations include initiation fees and annual dues.
Family support is essential; Freemasonry should complement family life.
Participation in social and charitable events is encouraged.
Members uphold the highest moral and ethical standards.
Belief in a Supreme Being is required.
Candidates undertake memory work as part of their Masonic journey.
No one is ever solicited to join; the desire must come from within.

After the first call and initial meeting, it is the candidate’s responsibility to follow up. This demonstrates initiative and genuine interest in Freemasonry.

Reference Materials

Final Note

The Six Steps to Initiation are designed to build confidence, trust, and understanding between the Lodge and the potential candidate. Through honest dialogue and reflection, both parties ensure that initiation will be meaningful, lifelong, and rooted in friendship, morality, and brotherly love.