MINISTER COHORTS
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN:
If you have any questions, email us!
Thriving in a Small Church
A 6-Month Virtual Cohort for Small Church Pastors
Pastoring a smaller church comes with unique joys, but it can also feel remarkably isolating. You are not alone, and the size of your congregation does not define the significance of your calling. This 6-month virtual cohort is designed to encourage your pastoral identity, deepen your connection with peers who truly understand your context, and provide a grounded space to process the realities of small church leadership.
Ministry in and after Hard Times
A 6-Month Virtual Cohort for AGNCN Ministers
Ministry leaves its mark on us—especially in seasons of crisis, loss, conflict, and prolonged stress. This cohort will explore how hard experiences shape the way we lead, relate, discern, and care for others, while considering practices that foster healing, resilience, and greater wholeness. Together, we’ll reflect on what it means to lead from an integrated soul rather than simply pushing through.
This space is intentionally designed for ministers in the Assemblies of God: Northern California & Nevada District.
Advent Cohort
A 5-week Virtual Cohort for ministers to pause, center on Christ, and reflect during the Advent Season
Leading during the Advent season can feel like running a marathon in the middle of a whirlwind. As you craft sermons, coordinate services, and shepherd your community through the holiday noise, your own spiritual cup can quickly run dry. This Advent, step into a dedicated virtual cohort designed specifically for ministers. Before you guide others, give yourself the space to be filled, find meaningful connection with fellow leaders, and engage in guided reflection and contemplative practice.
Refreshing instead of resolving: Spiritual Practices in the new year
A 6-Month Virtual Cohort for exploration of Spiritual Practices
Pastoring often leaves little room for your own spiritual nourishment. When you are constantly pouring out, it is easy for your own wellspring to run dry. As a new year begins, your soul doesn't need another rigid resolution—it needs genuine refreshment. You are not alone, and this 6-month virtual cohort is designed to revive your faith, offer a safe space to experiment with integrative spiritual practices, and help you build sustainable new rhythms alongside peers who truly understand the realities of ministry leadership.
OPENING SOON
Female Lead Pastors
Navigating the distinct pressures of being a female Lead Pastor can feel incredibly isolating. This cohort is designed exclusively for women in senior church leadership to step away, find dedicated support, and grow together over a 12-month journey.
Opening Retreat: February 2027 (Dates TBD)
Closing Retreat: February 2028 (Dates TBD)Application Opening Fall 2026
Church Planters
Lead Church Planters (pre-launch through year 3)
Opening Retreat: May or June 2027 (Dates TBD)
Closing Retreat: May or June 2028 (Dates TBD)Application Opening Fall 2026
Pastors in Discernment - Starts Feb 2027
Ministers discerning life and ministry transitions
Opening Retreat: February 1-3, 2027
Closing Retreat: February 2028 (Dates TBD)Application Opening October 2026
First Time Lead Pastors
First time lead pastors, serving in thier first 3 years as Lead Pastor.
Opening Retreat: February 1-3, 2027
Closing Retreat: February 2028 (Dates TBD)Application Opening October 2026
BiVocational Lead Pastors
Juggling a marketplace career alongside pastoral ministry can make finding the space to care for yourself incredibly tough. This cohort is designed exclusively for bi-vocational lead pastors to step away from the constant output, connect with a dedicated circle of peers, and discover the rhythms needed for lasting overflow.
Opening Retreat: June 2027
Closing Celebration: June 2028Application Opening Fall 2026
Cohort Journey
Each cohort community will begin their journey together at an Opening Retreat. During this time of respite, introductions and early peer relationships can begin to form while also interacting with the mentor, or wise guide, who will lead them over the course of the next 9-12 months. During this opening retreat, the Thriving team will also get to know pastors better to help support them.
Following this catalytic time, each group will meet on a monthly Mentor Call (virtual) for a time focused on the four Thriving Benchmarks, encouragement, reflection, and Q&A with their mirror mentor. Individually, participants will have a completely customized 1:1 journey for personal thriving. These monthly 1:1 meetings may involve, but are not limited to, face time with their mentor, strategy sessions with a member of our team, a leadership coach, or spiritual director.
Each 12-mo (and some 9-mo) cohort will join with their mentor and other leaders for a Closing Celebration. This time will be customized to the groups and complete their formal journey together, though we anticipate the relationships formed within the cohort will continue informally for years to come. Past Celebrations have been held in Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Walt Disney World.
Eligibility
Applicants should have credentials in good standing with a denomination, network of churches, or like tradition. Different groups may have different requirements, please review eligibility under each cohort’s FAQ.
While many couples co-lead, learning communities are designed for individual ministers because of the level of customization. If each spouse is eligible, both are welcome to apply, but would not be placed in the same cohort (unless designated for couples). For a co-lead pastor to be considered for a lead pastor cohort, we use the following criteria to determine eligibility:
Carries the mantle of responsibility in four areas (not necessarily alone, but full participation/co-leadership)
1. Vision Casting
2. A Primary Communicator
3. Board Leadership
4. Works with team and discipleship across genders and generations.
If you are unsure of your eligibility for any group, please email our Associate Director, Korista Lewis at korista@thrivinginministry.com.
Participant Investment
Through generous grants, foundation, church, and individual donor partnerships, Thriving is able to offer programs at the lowest cost possible for our participants. At times, scholarships may also be available.
We ask that each minister come with an open heart, readiness to build relationships with their peers and mentors, as well as active partnership in their personal thriving journey. As applicable, participants must agree to attend all pieces of the cohort journey. Typically, this is a 3-day, 2-night Opening Retreat, monthly cohort gatherings (virtual, 2 hours), monthly 1:1 mentoring (virtual, 1 hour), complete brief exercises to measure their baseline and personal growth, and a 4-day, 3-night Closing Celebration. Additional opportunities will be available, but not mandatory for cohort participation.