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.