Rural Lead Pastors

Leading a rural church takes relentless intentionality—but small-town pastors are often left to figure it out alone.

Our 2026 Rural Lead Pastors Cohort gives ministers:

🌾 Shared understanding of unique small-town dynamics

👥 True community with a dedicated circle of rural peers

🧭 Seasoned mentorship and customized 1:1 care

🌱 Rhythms for spiritual resilience and emotional health

Invest in your own well-being so you can move from constant output to lasting overflow.

Apply Here

  • Retreats & Travel

    • Opening Retreat:

      A 3-day, 2-night retreat (October 19–21, 2026) focused on respite, introductions, forming peer relationships, and getting to know your mentor and the Thriving team.

    • Closing Celebration Retreat:

      A 4-day, 3-night celebratory retreat (October 18–21, 2027) to complete the formal journey. This cohort may travel outside the United States.

    • All-Inclusive Travel Costs:

      All costs for both required travel events are fully covered.

    Mentorship & Relationship Support

    • 12 Months of Invested Mentoring:

      Provided by experienced ministers who are personally committed to helping you develop the spiritual rhythms needed to truly thrive.

    • Monthly Group Mentor Calls (Virtual):

      Cohort-wide video calls focused on the four Thriving Benchmarks, encouragement, reflection, and Q&A with a mentor.

    • Customized 1:1 Journey:

      Monthly personalized meetings with mentors.

    • Peer Support & Community:

      Dedicated space to build lasting relationships with other ministers.

  • This cohort is for Rural Lead Pastors of local congregations. In general, rural locations have populations of fewer than 10,000 residents.

    The applicant must hold credentials in good standing with a denomination, network of churches, or like tradition.

  • Opening Retreat: October 19-21, 2026

    Closing Celebration: October 18–21, 2027


  • The total investment for the 12-month journey is $3,550.

    $50.00 non-refundable application fee

    •  Note: If you are not selected for this cohort we will waive your application fee for 1 year for any other cohorts you apply to.

    We offer an interest-free payment plan:

    • Payment 1: $500 due August 21, 2026

    • Payment 2: $500 due October 1, 2026

    • Payment 3: $500 due December 1, 2026

    • Payment 4: $500 due February 1, 2027

    • Payment 5: $500 due April 1, 2027

    • Payment 6: $500 due June 1, 2027

    • Payment 7: $500 due August 1, 2027

  • We want to do everything we can to get you into this cohort! Because of the generous backing of Lilly Endowment, Inc. and our Thriving in Ministry donors, the registration cost is already heavily subsidized for all participants.

    If the remaining cost is still a hurdle, we highly suggest approaching your church leadership or denominational networks—investing in your thriving is a win for your entire community! Additionally, we offer an interest-free payment plan to make the financial commitment as smooth and stress-free as possible.

    If you aren't sure how to start that conversation, you don't have to do it alone. Please reach out to our Associate Director, Korista (korista@thrivinginministry.com), who can provide you with language, resources, and ideas on how to approach your networks for support.

  • Apply Here


    $50 non-refundable application fee submit here

    Application Closes: August 9, 2026

    Final Intake Interviews: August 10-13, 2026

    Acceptance Letters: August 14, 2026

    First Payment Due: August 21, 2026

    Application Process:

    Apply Here

    Once Thriving Staff receives your application, we will reach out to schedule an interview with you to learn more about you. We will also be checking your references.

    Final interviews for all applicants will be completed by August 13,2026. Thriving staff will then notify all applicants of decisions by August 14, 2026.