Over the years, we have found that clearly communicating our policies and ministry culture to our guests is helpful to everyone. Because we have the joy of hosting families and friends from many cultures and ministry networks, each with their own practices and expectations, under-communicating often leads to misunderstandings which undermine our collective goal of seeking the Lord and worshipping Jesus together.

In that spirit, we ask that our guests honor these policies even if they are different from the ministry environment that they are used to.

Ballroom Etiquette

For the duration of the event, we consecrate the ballroom space for worship and ministry.

Worship will begin on time each session. When arriving, please honor those worshipping the Lord by not socializing or using phones in the ballroom. Food and sodas will not be permitted in the ballroom.

Most sessions will conclude with worship or ministry. When leaving the session, please do not disturb those who are still enjoying the worship or ministry time. We ask that there be no after-session conversation or socializing in the ballroom out of respect for those engaging with the Holy Spirit during those times.

At certain times during the day, the oceanfront terrace adjacent to the ballroom will be available to guests. The terrace is intended to be an alternative worship site. We ask that guests come into the ballroom when testimonies are being shared or a speaker begins the teaching portion.

Photography & Recordings

All rights to content presented at Homeward are reserved by Alabaster Group. Livestreaming is not permitted. Photos and audio/video recording is strictly prohibited during all conference sessions. We will make recordings of all the sessions and may release it to attendees after event.

Guests may freely take photographs or recordings of their experiences outside of sessions, but please do not record or post to social media any content depicting another attendee or staff member without their consent.

Cell Phone Usage

To minimize distractions to yourself and others, use of cell phones is prohibited in the ballroom.

We strongly prefer that cell phones not be brought into the ballroom at all, but if guests do bring their phones, they should be turned off or at least silenced. If at any time you need to check your phone (even to send a text), please step outside the ballroom to do so. Thank you for honoring the Holy Spirit’s presence and work in those around you and helping us minimize distractions.

Seating

Seating in the ballroom is generally first-come first-served. Attendees may sit on the floor in the altar space. Seats may not be held between sessions. After you claim a seat, you may leave your personal belongings there and use the seat for that session. Aside from the few seats reserved for our ushers, there is no special or privileged seating.

Personal Belongings

All personal belongings must be kept with you at all times and may not be placed or stored on an empty seat, in an aisle, against a wall, on the stage, or anywhere else that is intended as public space. If you have a purse, bag, backpack, or other personal item, please place it under your own seat during sessions. Belongings left in the ballroom between sessions or overnight may be discarded or held as lost & found until the conclusion of the conference. We and the resort staff are not responsible for your personal possessions.

Worship Etiquette

Some expressions of worship – such as flagging, dancing, use of shofars or other instruments, etc. – may be distracting to others. Therefore, please help us minimize distractions to others as follows:

• Dance, especially with props such as flags, is only permitted in the altar space 5+ feet from the stage and at the back and sides of the room 10+ feet from any doors, seats, and walking alleys.

• Flagging is not permitted in any walkway or alley or in the seating sections. Please be mindful to not accidentally hit guests or objects around you.

• Do not stand on the stage or place personal belongings on the stage.

• Please do not bring any musical instruments - including tambourines and shofars - to sessions.

• We do not permit easels to be set up for painting.

Restrictions on Personal Ministry

Guests may not minister to other guests unless they have received permission from that guest. Please do not assume that someone wishes to receive prayer because they exhibit a physical illness.

There may be times when speakers will ask all attendees to lay hands on the people next to them. If you do not wish to participate, please let the people next to you know. If you respond to an altar call or move to the front of the room during ministry time, this will signal that you wish to receive prayer ministry from those authorized to do so.

Safety

The resort is highly secure in a gated community isolated from other hotels, developments, and the city of Cancun. Guests may explore the entire resort complex at their leisure, including to jog or walk. However, guests should not leave the resort complex without notifying their Guest Relations Coordinator (except for our scheduled excursions).

In the very unlikely event that you have a security incident, notify resort security staff immediately.

Media Waiver

By participating in the conference, you acknowledge that you may be photographed and recorded and allow for us to use your image for any legitimate purpose.