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Children's Minister Leadership Cohorts
Creating space for trying new ideas and processing learning with other children's ministry/faith formation leaders. The cohort will be geared for ministry with children, but anyone who is interested in the topics is welcome to join. In 2022, we have two different cohort options. Each will be facilitated by Rev. Kathy Pittenger, Children's Initiatives Coordinator for the Michigan Conference. Learn about the options below. If you have questions, contact Kathy Pittenger.
Cohort Information
Purpose:
The children's ministry leadership cohorts will equip, encourage, support, and inspire leaders in children's ministry/faith formation and leadership.
Facilitated by:
Rev. Kathy Pittenger, Children's Initiatives Coordinator for the Michigan Conference
Options:
You can choose the cohort that is right for you. Both are offered on Zoom. There are no pre-requisites for either.
Cohort 1 - Foundations for Children's Ministry Leaders
Cohort 2 - Seasoned Children's Ministry Leaders
Cost:
The registration fee includes books, guest speakers, and expenses related to the cohort. Scholarships are available for leaders in Michigan Conference UM churches. You can apply for a scholarship here.
$250 for Leaders of a Michigan Conference UMC
$350 for Leaders of churches outside the Michigan Conference of the UMC
Free option: Access to the training (video/slides) after each session. Many of the content sessions will be recorded. No other benefits of the cohorts will be available to free members.
COHORT 1 - Foundations
- Cohort 1 will focus on the foundations of children’s ministry, overview of The United Methodist Church, working on a team/staff, and more. It is designed for those who are new/newish to children’s ministry or who want a refresher on the foundations of children’s ministry.
- Monthly Meeting: 90 minute Zoom January - November (no meeting in July or December); possibility for at least one in-person meeting (subject to several factors)
- Check-in: Monthly phone call with Kathy Pittenger around whatever topic you choose
- Access to a private Facebook Group where you can ask questions or share resources/ideas in a smaller space
- On-site Visit (optional, MI only): Kathy will come to your church for an on-site visit (subject to change based on current health recommendations)
- Mentor (optional) - be paired with a seasoned children’s ministry leader as a mentor for the year.
- Planning Your Faith Formation Ministry Year Event - your registration fee is included
- 3 books related to our monthly meetings
COHORT 2 - Seasoned
- Cohort 2 will focus on deeper opportunities and challenges in children’s ministry and church leadership. It is designed for seasoned leaders with more experience who are curious about new paradigms, deeper learnings, and leadership components.
- Monthly Meeting: 90 minute Zoom January - November (no meeting in July or December); possibility for at least one in-person meeting (subject to several factors)
- Check-in: Monthly phone call with Kathy Pittenger around whatever topic you choose
- Access to a private Facebook Group where you can ask questions or share resources/ideas in a smaller space
- On-site Visit (optional, MI only): Kathy will come to your church for an on-site visit (subject to change based on current health recommendations)
- Planning Your Faith Formation Ministry Year Event - your registration fee is included
- 3 books related to our monthly meetings
Dates/Topics
Generally, the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 9:30am - 11:00am (eastern)
January 11 - Welcome & Systems
February 8 -UM101/ Working on a team/staff
March 8 - Curriculum
April 12 - Volunteers
May 10 - Milestones
June 14 - Preparing for the Fall
August (hybrid - no formal meeting - on your own work with discussion starters for the group) - Courageous Conversations
September 13 - Including Children in Worship
October 11 - Leadership (we will discuss the book we are reading on leadership)
November 8 - Caring For Your Soul
** If there is enough interest, we may be able to schedule an additional cohort time including one in the evening. If you are interested and the Tuesday morning time does not work for you, please contact Kathy.
Dates
Generally the 4th Thursday of the month from 9:30am - 11:00am (eastern)
January 27 - Welcome & Systems
February 24 - Hybrid Ministry
March 24 - Holy Wondering
April 28 - Children's Discipleship Pathways
May 26 * - Ministry with Parents
June 23 * - Themes from Bridging Theory & Practice in Children's Spirituality
August (hybrid - no formal meeting - on your own work with discussion starters for the group) - Courageous Conversations
September 22 - Children's Literature in Children's Ministry
October 27 - Leadership (we will discuss the book we are reading on leadership)
November 17 or December 1 * - Avoiding Burnout
* dates subject to change depending on cohort members
** If there is enough interest, we may be able to schedule an additional cohort time including one in the evening. If you are interested and the Thursday morning time does not work for you, please contact Kathy.