Cohorts are about community, learning, networking, resources, and “a space where I don’t feel so alone.”
Cohorts in the Michigan Conference offer leaders regular meeting times with others in similar positions or interests. They have made a profound impact on leaders in Michigan and beyond. Past cohort participants have described the cohorts as a place for “community and relationship with people who do the same thing,” “building networks and resources,” “developing self-confidence to try new things,” and “learning opportunities.” Please get in touch with Rev. Kathy Pittenger for more information.
In 2025, we will be offering short-term cohorts in the winter/spring and starting full-year cohorts in the fall to align with the school calendar.
Winter/Spring Cohorts will include:
- Spiritual Practices for Leaders – learn about and experience a different spiritual practice each month. Leaders TBD
- Book Study on The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt. Leader: Erica Kozlowski
- Adaptive Leadership in Faith Formation Ministries. Leader: Rev. Kathy Pittenger
“The seasoned cohort has been God-sent. For many years, I wished to have a group that I could talk and share ideas with regarding Children’s Ministry. I have thoroughly enjoyed building a community with others in Christian Education. I look forward to continuing to work with the seasoned cohort for many more years.” – Becky Lorenz, Big Beaver UMC, Troy, MI
What’s Included?
All cohorts will be led by trained facilitators. The cohort fee helps support facilitators’ and guests’ honorariums and other expenses. In 2025, cohort costs will be subsidized by the Connectional Ministries budget from local church Ministry Shares to keep registration fees lower.
Book Study
Join with other leaders to discuss the book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by Jonathan Haidt and how it relates to ministry today. We will meet on Zoom.
Facilitator: Erica Kozlowski
Dates: January 30, February 27, March 27, April 24
Time: 10:00am – 11:15am (EST)/9:00am-10:15am (CST)
Cost: $10-$50 and you are responsible for purchasing the book
Spiritual Practices for Ministry Leaders
Ministry leadership is deeply fulfilling yet spiritually demanding. This cohort is designed to nurture your soul and explore different spiritual practices. The time will be led by various guides who will share different practices. Join us to cultivate rhythms of rest, prayer, and creativity as we journey toward spiritual renewal and resilience.
Facilitator: Rev. Kathy Pittenger & Guests
Dates: February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20
Time: 12-12:45pm (EST) or 7:00-7:45pm (EST)
Cost: $10-$50 (sliding scale, you select the amount that works for your budget)
You can join any or all of the sessions as your schedule allows. A Zoom link will be provided after registration and will be the same throughout the cohort.
Adaptive Leadership in Faith Formation Ministries
In a rapidly changing world, faith formation ministries require leaders who can navigate complexity with creativity and resilience. Adaptive Leadership in Faith Formation Ministries is a cohort designed to equip ministry leaders with the tools and insights needed to adapt to evolving challenges while staying rooted in their mission and purpose.
Through collaborative learning, discussions, relevant scenarios, and relevant assignments, participants will explore strategies for leading with flexibility, fostering innovation, and addressing the unique needs of their ministry contexts.
Leader: Rev. Kathy Pittenger
Dates: January 30, February 13, March 6, April 10, May 1
Time: 1:00pm-2:15pm (EST)/12:00pm-1:15pm (CST)
Cost: $25-$100
Contemplative Cohort
Meets on Zoom to practice contemplative prayer in various forms. Participants come when they are able and have varied experiences with contemplative prayer. Contact Lisa Batten for more information.
Young Adult Vocational Discernment Cohort
Oct 2024-May 2025
Participants, ages post-high school 18 – 29, meet virtually to listen to who they are and how they might show up in the world in meaningful ways. Led by trained facilitators, day and times tbd. Contact Lisa Batten for more information.
Ministry with Gen Z Cohort
Possibility for Fall 24 – Spring 25
Facilitator – Lisa Batten
May include Gen Z and Gen Alpha
If you have a suggestion for a cohort or are interested in a listed cohort if it was offered at a different time, please contact Rev. Kathy Pittenger.
Questions?
Contact Rev. Kathy Pittenger