Finding the right times for adult formation may be simple—or extremely difficult. While worship and education frequently happen on Sunday morning, some congregations may have informal practices that inhibit quality formation on that day. A choir may practice during the Adult education hour, an outdoor coffee hour in spring or summer may keep people from class, or a congregation with long sermons or announcements may gnaw away at educational time. It is frustrating and embarrassing to host a guest speaker who has only twenty minutes to teach because the service runs over. Help the congregation understand that Sunday morning worship includes sanctuary and formation—and create a congregational culture of thoughtful scheduling and attendance.

Due to busy-ness or time constraints, Sunday morning may be the least effective formation time on the church's schedule. I now consider Sunday morning classes 40-minute "entry points" for evangelism and discipleship. Deeper formation occurs at alternate times—mid-week nights,morning groups, or special weekend events. Although fewer people typically attend those times, those who do are more highly committed and willing to explore faith more deeply. Putting regular, alternative formation times on the church's weekly calendar is key to maturing the congregation. Eventually, people who attend non-Sunday educational events will become themselves teachers, elders or board members, and ministry leaders—in these smaller gatherings, you are truly "equipping the saints" for ministry.

Questions to consider:

• When do people expect to come and learn?
  
• When might they be willing to come?
  
• What factors (difficult rush hours, working mothers, no child care) limit participation?
  
• How might those factors be overcome?