“In my estimation, the real value in our cohort is in being among peers who “get it.” Nobody besides a Lead Pastor really understands, at an experiential level, what it’s like to be a Lead Pastor—the joys, the burdens, the unrelenting nature of the role, the exhaustion, the privilege, the heartache, the toll it takes on the family. Having a small group of guys who get it, where we can be known and understood, is invaluable. It’s also a safe space for us to take off our mask, admit we don’t have it all figured out, and learn from one another.” (Rev. Josh Moody, Pastor)
Learning communities of Pastors
Thriving in Ministry Cohorts are groups of eight to ten pastors who gather regularly for learning, support, encouragement, and friendship. Two mentor pastors guide the group with a focus on developing life giving practices in three key areas: spiritual formation (rooted and grounded in the love of Jesus,) pastoral formation (leadership learning through study and discussion,) and friendship formation (developing life-giving relationships through mutual sharing, encouragement, and prayer.)
Key elements of the group include:
- Shared Spiritual Practices: sharing spiritual practices together such as prayer, meditating on the Word, reflection, communion and other practices to deepen relationship with the Lord.
- Study and Learning: each peer cohort is a structured community focused on facilitating growth and learning in the key areas for thriving and resilient ministry including spiritual formation, self-care, emotional intelligence, cultural intelligence, marriage & family, and leadership & management. Guided conversations might include case studies, discussion provoked by a book, or a special guest speaker. Typically, the mentor facilitators, in collaboration with group members, will select a book as a basis for group conversation and learning.
- Friendship and Encouragement: establishing a safe space and safe time with safe people where each one can share high points and low points in personal life, family life, and ministry life. Each meeting will have structured time to listen to one another’s stories, helping each other listen to what God is saying and look for where God is moving.
- Meal: enjoying food and fellowship around the table, most in person groups will include a lunch that is provided.
- Retreat: In addition to the regularly scheduled gatherings, each cohort has the option to get away for a retreat allowing for a quieter pace to deepen relationships with each other and the Lord.