Three new lifelong faith cohorts designed for a broad audience begin soon: an online book study on The Anxious Generation, a cohort exploring tools and strategies for adapting to evolving ministry challenges, and a cohort learning different spiritual practices that are nurturing.
Cohorts offer faith formation leaders regular meetings with others in similar positions or interests. For winter/spring 2025, the Michigan Conference will offer three new short-term cohorts geared toward a broad audience, not just children’s ministry. In the fall, full-year cohorts will be created to align with the school calendar. Click to learn more about all cohorts.
Rev. Kathy Pittenger, Connectional Ministries Team staff member of the Michigan Conference, is organizing these exciting offerings. If you have questions about any of them, email her directly at [email protected].
Cohorts in the Michigan Conference have profoundly impacted leaders in Michigan and beyond. Past participants have described cohorts as a place for “community and relationship with people who do the same thing,” “building networks and resources,” “developing self-confidence to try new things,” and “learning opportunities.”
What’s Included?
Trained facilitators will lead all cohorts. The cohort fee helps support facilitators’ and guests’ honorariums and other expenses. In 2025, the Connectional Ministries budget from local church Ministry Shares will subsidize cohort costs to keep registration fees lower.
Winter/Spring 2025 Cohorts
Book Study on The Anxious Generation
Join other faith formation leaders via Zoom to discuss Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness and its relevance to ministry today.
Facilitator: Erica Kozlowski
Four Sessions: January 30, February 27, March 27, April 24
Time: 10:00 am to 11:15 am (EST)/9:00 am to 10:15 am (CST)
Cost: Sliding scale, so choose the amount that works for your budget: $10 to $50. You are responsible for purchasing the book ahead of time.
Click here to register. Register by January 29 to reserve your spot. You will be provided a Zoom link upon registration.
Adaptive Leadership in Faith Formation Ministries Cohort
In a rapidly changing world, faith formation ministries require leaders who can navigate complexity with creativity and resilience. Adaptive Leadership in Faith Formation Ministries is an online cohort designed to equip ministry leaders with the tools and insights needed to adapt to evolving challenges while staying rooted in their mission and purpose.
Through collaborative learning, discussions, relevant scenarios, and relevant assignments, participants will explore strategies for leading with flexibility, fostering innovation, and addressing the unique needs of their ministry contexts.
Leader: Rev. Kathy Pittenger
Five Online Sessions: January 30, February 13, March 6, April 10, May 1
Time: 1:00 pm to 2:15 pm (EST)/12:00 pm to 1:15 pm (CST)
Cost: Sliding scale, so choose the amount that works for your budget: $25 to $100.
Click here to register. Register by January 29 to reserve your spot. You will be provided a Zoom link upon registration.
Spiritual Practices for Leaders Cohort
Ministry leadership is deeply fulfilling yet spiritually demanding. This online cohort is designed to nurture your soul and explore different spiritual practices. The time will be led by various guides who will share different practices. Join us to cultivate rhythms of rest, prayer, and creativity as we journey toward spiritual renewal and resilience.
Facilitators: Rev. Kathy Pittenger and guests
Four Sessions: February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20
Two Time Options: 12:00 to 12:45 pm (EST) or 7:00 to 7:45 pm (EST)
Cost: Sliding scale, so choose the amount that works for your budget: $10 to $50.
Click now to register. You can join any or all sessions as your schedule allows. The Zoom link, provided after registration, will be the same throughout the cohort.
Last Updated on January 15, 2025