Adult Formation often serves as the gateway for visitors and newcomers to your congregation. New people will come to the worship service. If they have a good experience there, the next step usually will be to attend a formation event. Good practices of welcoming strangers to Adult Formation are key for evangelism and incorporation of new members.

To be hospitable, you must be sure that people must know how to get where for what. Signs, maps, ushers, greeters, guides, and clearly marked nurseries are basic common sense and practices of a welcoming congregation.

Although I don't always like it myself, in large congregations, nametags are necessary—for both long-term folks and newcomers. Seating people around tables and in buddy groups insures that someone will talk to your newcomers. Always provide coffee, cold drinks, and food at every event. As most churchgoers know, food is basic to providing hospitality. Calling someone by name, creating opportunity for conversation, and feeding people are simple, welcoming practices.

Make sure that the whole congregation knows what formation events and activities are open to everyone (Sunday morning classes), are arranged for specific groups (a workshop for parents of teens), or are closed fellowship (a confidential support group). Also, make clear whether sign-ups are necessary, if a fee is charged, or what might be needed for the event (bring your Bible or come dressed in casual clothes). There is nothing more awkward than showing up at the wrong place, uninvited, and with the wrong stuff. Poor communication about such things makes for inhospitable congregations.

Finally, remember to provide hospitality for your guest speakers or workshop leaders. Speakers should be given clear directions about arrival time, parking, and where they will be speaking. Also, call them about two weeks in advance asking if they have any final questions about their assignment or preparation (or final instructions for the set-up, xeroxing, etc.) If possible, assign them a congregational "shepherd" to greet them and help them around the building and with any needs they might have. Take them out to lunch or dinner as appropriate; give them quiet time as appropriate. Make sure they have enough time to speak or do their presentation. If possible, have the honorarium check in hand—or let the speaker know when the check will be mailed. Write thank you notes.

Questions to consider:

• In what ways do you welcome strangers into Adult Formation?
  
• What are your strengths in hospitality? Your weaknesses?
  
• Walk around your church—are rooms clearly marked?
  
• Do signs lead people to Adult Formation rooms?
  
• Can people get easily from the children's Sunday school or the nursery to Adult Formation?