Theologian Amos Yong has argued that “the Christian mission is nothing more or less than our participation in the hospitality of God.” The Bible is shot through with the theme of hospitality, from Abraham welcoming the three visitors to his tent through the commands to welcome the stranger, the imagery of God as host of a divine banquet to which the poor and marginal are invited, the sheep who, unlike the goats, welcomed strangers, and the reminder to welcome strangers because we may be welcoming angels. This biblical picture of compassionate welcome contrasts with many of our society’s fears and resentments, and also with the kind of hospitality that is mainly interested in displaying affluence or securing advantage. Biblical hospitality is intertwined with the call to love our neighbor as ourself. How might a focus on the biblical call to hospitality frame our work as educators? How might education be an act of hospitality to the young? How – and to whom – are our schools and classrooms welcoming? What kinds of teaching practices might model hospitality for our students and help them to gain the dispositions needed to be hospitable to strangers?

Christian educator, author, and speaker Dr. David I. Smith explored this theme with us over 4 interactive sessions.

Dr. Smith has also graciously provided a series of three devotions to help launch the theme of hospitality in schools' lead up to the Annual Gathering. These devotionals remain free to download, and you're invited to use these with your staff and/or in your personal reflection time.

Agenda for Thursday, October 28, 2021

8:30 am - 9:00 am - Attendees join livestream

9:00 am - 10:00 am - Opening Session: Hospitality and Scripture

10:00 am - 10:30 am - Break

10:30 am - 11:45 am - Session 2: Hospitality and Schooling

11:45 am - 12:30 pm - Lunch

12:30 pm - 1:45 pm - Session 3: Hospitality and Pedagogy

1:45 pm - 2:00 pm - Break

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Session 4: Hospitality and Design

3:00 pm - Closing