The Michigan Conference is launching seven new cohorts to give leaders peer support as they navigate faith formation in their churches or start new ministries.

Cohorts offer church leaders regular meetings with others in similar positions or interests. These small groups have profoundly impacted leaders in Michigan and beyond through a sense of community and mutual support.

The Michigan Conference is launching a series of seven new online cohorts in 2024, with several focusing on faith formation. The cohorts begin meeting in January or early February, so click the button below to learn more and register.

Cohorts are about community, learning, networking, resources, and providing “a space where I don’t feel so alone.” Most cohorts have a minimum required registration of 6 people and a maximum of 12. Cohorts will meet via Zoom, so no travel is required. Additional cohorts may be added if needed. Trained facilitators will lead all cohorts and include relevant resources and/or a book. Most will also include guest presenters to give insight on a specific topic.

There are fees associated with participating, but scholarships are available for Michigan United Methodist leaders. Please contact Rev. Kathy Pittenger at [email protected] for scholarship information. The fees cover the costs of resources/books, honorariums, and technology fees.

Past participants have described the 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.”

Foundations of Children’s Ministry Cohort

Begins February 13, meeting second Tuesday of every month, through November (break for summer), 10 am to noon, Eastern, via Zoom

This cohort focuses on the basics of children’s ministry. There will be a blend of presentations on topics and cohort discussions. Topics may include choosing and working with curriculum, planning and organizing your year, milestones, etc. Click here to learn more and register.

Seasoned Children’s Ministry Leader Cohort

Begins February 22, meeting fourth Thursday of every month, through November (beak for summer), 10 am to noon, Eastern, via Zoom

This cohort is designed for leaders with 5+ years of ministry experience. There will be guest presenters and time for discussion among cohort members about specific topics and general ministry. Click here to learn more and register.

Seasoned Faith Formation Leaders Cohort

Begins February, meeting second Thursday of every month, through November (break for summer), 10 am to noon, Eastern, via Zoom

This cohort is for experienced faith formation leaders who work with all ages (emphasizing ministry with children, youth, and families) with a blend of guest speakers and discussion. Click here to learn more and register.

Lifelong Faith Formation Cohort

Six Wednesday sessions: January 10, February 7, March 6, April 10, May 8, and June 5, 10 am, Eastern, via Zoom

This cohort is designed to guide churches in envisioning and implementing a lifelong faith formation plan. Author John Roberto will walk cohort members through different models and approaches, building blocks for a plan, and resources for capacity building. Click here to learn more and register.

Timely Topics & Faith Formation Cohort

Begins February 1, meeting first Thursday of every month, through November (break for summer), 9:30 to 11:30 am, Eastern, via Zoom

This cohort will focus on topics like Trauma Informed Ministry, Anti-Racism, Enneagram and Ministry, Mental Health, and Neurodivergent Ministry. Each month will be a different topic with a presentation and discussion. Click here to learn more and register.

Ministry with Gen Z Cohort

Begins January 11, meeting second Thursday of every month, through May, 1:30 to 3:30 pm, Eastern, via Zoom

This cohort is for those who are passionate about young people and who would like to be in ministry with Gen Z, the generation born between 1999 and 2015 (ages 8 to 24). Cohorts will hear from those in ministry with Gen Z who will share their experience, knowledge, and ideas for faithful ministry with Gen Z. Click here to learn more and register.

Seed to Harvest Cohort

Meets monthly, January through November (no July meeting), via Zoom with two in-person gatherings, day and time to be determined based on availability of those who register

This cohort is for individuals and small groups from congregations who have a seed of an idea for a new ministry or adapting an existing ministry. The cohort will be able to hear from experienced ministry incubators about the joys and challenges of launching something new. Click here to learn more and register.