"Informed insiders" and "called newcomers" may be either ordained or lay persons. All congregational educators should take their own spiritual formation seriously; it is the wellspring of service and ministry. It is especially important in the role of an Adult Formation Director. As one who helps to shape others, you must model a formed adult faith.

Spiritual formation for congregational leadership includes:

• personal prayer, spiritual guidance, quiet time, retreat, and study;
  
• biblical and theological education, whether formal or informal;
  
• a working knowledge of congregational development, adult education, and stages of faith development through reading, workshops, or continuing education; and
  
• collegial friendships with others in ministry.

As an adult educator, you are a life-long learner, a teacher, and a disciple. You are a leader who is also on a journey, one who ministers in a community. Few positions call for as much vision, creativity, flexibility, re-flexibility, energy, organizational savvy, pastoral skills, and personal warmth as does this one.