Cohort Journey

Each learning community will begin their journey together at an Opening Retreat. During this time of respite, introductions and early peer relationships can begin to form while also interacting with the mentor, or wise guide, who will lead them over the course of the next 12 months. During this opening retreat, the Thriving Planters team will also get to know planters better to help support them.

Following this catalytic time, each group will meet on a monthly Mentor Call (virtual) for a time of encouragement and Q&A with their mentor, this time will be focused on personal encouragement, reflection, and group bonding. Individually, planters will have a completely customized 1:1 journey for personal thriving. These monthly 1:1 meetings may involve, but are not limited to, face time with their mentor, strategy sessions with our Initiative Director, a leadership coach, or spiritual director.

In the last quarter of their journey, learning communities will be invited to apply for a personal thriving grant of up to $1,000 to support their continued growth for the 12 months following their participation.

Each cohort will join with their mentor and other leaders for a Closing Retreat. This time will be customized to the groups and complete their formal journey together, though we anticipate the relationships formed within the cohort will continue informally for years to come.

Eligibility

Applications should have credentials in good standing with a Pentecostal tradition, and be considered the “lead church planter” within their respective networks. Church plants take on a variety of expressions. The Center welcomes all types! Each cohort will be set for specific identities (ie. female, African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Rural Lead Planters.)

This designation encompasses those in a public launch pipeline to those who opened churches up to 5 years prior. While many couples co-lead, learning communities are designed for individual ministers because of the level of customization. If each spouse is eligible, both are welcome to apply, but would not be placed in the same cohort. The majority of applicants will be from within the Assemblies of God, the home fellowship of Northwest University and the Center for Thriving Church Planters.

Participant Investment

The program is offered completely free to church planters, including travel for on-site events. We ask that each planter come with an open heart, readiness to build relationships with their peers and mentor, as well as active partnership in their personal thriving journey. Applications must agree to attend a 3-day, 2-night Opening Retreat, monthly cohort gatherings (virtual, 2 hours), monthly 1:1 (virtual, 1 hour), complete brief exercises to measure their baseline and personal growth, and a 4-day | 3-night Closing Retreat. Additional opportunities will be available, but not mandatory for cohort participation.