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Questions? Contact Kathy Pittenger
Children's Minister & Faith Formation 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 2023, we have three cohort options. Each will be facilitated by Rev. Kathy Pittenger, Children's Initiatives Coordinator for the Michigan Conference, with guest speakers throughout the year.
Jump down to the Cohort you are interested in or scroll down to read about each one.
Seasoned Leaders Cohort - FULL
Faith Formation Cohort - Canceled
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
FOUNDATIONS COHORT
SEASONED LEADERS COHORT
Dates/Topics
What: Designed for leaders who want to build connections with other leaders across Michigan and learn or refresh on basics of Children’s Ministry. This cohort will feature a balance of guest presenters on various relevant topics and learning and working together.
When: 2nd Tuesday of the month from 9:30am – 11:30am (January-June, September-November)
Registration Fee: $200 (non Michigan UMC church $300)
Includes 9 meetings (on Zoom or hybrid), 2-3 books related to the topics, summer faith formation leader event, and more.
Topics May Include:
Protection Policy, Choosing and using curriculum, budgeting, Planning for the Seasons, Intergenerational Ministry, Trauma Informed Ministry, ministry in the first three years, UMC 101, pastoral care with children
The 2023 Seasoned Leader Cohort is full and no longer accepting new registrations. If you would like to be on a wait list, contact Kathy Pittenger.
Dates/Topics
What: Designed for experienced leaders who are looking to grow in their knowledge of ministry and build connection with other leaders. The cohort will feature guest presenters on various relevant topics, idea incubation process and systems with opportunities to share ideas and provide support and feedback, and time for building connection and sharing ideas.
When: 4th Thursday of the month** from 9:30am – 11:30am, January-May, August-November (**except January and November will be the 3rd Thursday)
Registration Fee: $200 (non Michigan UMC church $300)
Includes 9 meetings (on Zoom or hybrid), 2-3 books related to the topics, summer faith formation leader event, and more.
Topics May Include:
Ministry "by" children, Enneagram, Children's Spirituality, Bridging children into youth ministry, Stewardship, Courageous Conversations
FAITH FORMATION COHORT
This cohort did not have enough interest for 2023 and has been canceled.