Combining Pastoral Formation and Cultural Engagement

The Center for Pastor Theologians is now accepting applications for our new One-Year Learning Cohorts. These cohorts provide a unique opportunity for ministry staff and congregational leaders to engage in a theologically rich and collaborative conversation around topics significant to the life of the local church.

Because of generous support from the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative, successful applicants will incur little to no cost. Resource materials are provided, meals during the retreat are covered, and members can apply for a travel and lodging reimbursement ($400 - $500 depending on cohort size).

Space is limited. Priority will be given to church leaders who demonstrate the relevance of the topic for their congregational context or ministry role. Groups of two or three leaders from the same congregation are encouraged to apply together, but individuals may also apply by themselves. Any church staff or lay leader is eligible.

We are offering two cohorts for the ‘24/’25 academic year. See more information below.

The application deadline is October 1, 2024.

 

This cohort will explore the topic of digital technology and its formational impact on the Church.

Featuring:

Nathan Barczi
COhort Leader

Felicia Wu Song
Expert Consultant

CPT Fellow, Rev. Dr. Nathan Barczi (Octet Collaborative, MIT) will lead the cohort, with sociologist Dr. Felicia Wu Song (author of Restless Devices) serving as the expert consultant. Members will explore the interplay between digital technology and the foundational Christian concepts of human identity, community, and flourishing, seeking insight on the formational practices needed in the Church of the digital age.

The cohort will meet virtually on a seasonal basis during the 2024/25 academic year, with one in-person retreat scheduled in Portland, OR (Sunday evening, March 30 - Monday afternoon, March 31).

This cohort will explore the topic of the arts and their role within the life of the Church.

Featuring:

David McNutt
Cohort Leader

Andrew PetersoN
Expert Consultant

CPT Fellow, Rev. Dr. David McNutt (Zondervan, Wheaton College) will lead the cohort, with author and singer/song-writer Andrew Peterson serving as the expert consultant. Members will explore the theological and historical arguments for the creation of art by and for the Church, as well as the necessity for the flourishing of ecclesial art in our time and culture.

The cohort will meet virtually on a seasonal basis during the 2024/25 academic year, with one in-person retreat scheduled in Nashville, TN (Sunday evening, March 16 - Monday afternoon, March 17).

The application deadline for the 2024/25 cohorts has passed. Please look for information on cohorts for the 2025/26 academic year in the summer of 2025.

For more information on CPT’s One-Year Learning Cohorts, contact Steve Williamson, Manager of Church Programming (swilliamson@pastortheologians.com).


Learning Cohort FAQs

  • A: The cohort will meet 3 times virtually (late Fall, January, and early Summer) and once in-person for a Sunday/Monday retreat. Members are asked to prioritize these meetings, especially the in-person retreat.

  • A: Readings will likely include one full-length book (or equivalent) as well as a selection of additional articles or chapters from other books.

  • A: The purpose of these cohorts is to provide theological undergirding and thoughtful context for issues relevant to your current ministry context. Examples of relevance include a current need for further discipleship, vision, funding, or ministry development in your local church, the relevance or challenges of this topic in your community context, or a need for better educating your leaders on the topic. It is helpful to include a specific story or circumstance that connects your church or ministry to the topic.

  • A: Almost none. There is no entry fee, the reading resources are provided, meals during the retreat are covered, and you can apply for reimbursement of your travel expenses for the retreat. The only cost would be if your travel costs exceed the reimbursement amount (which will likely be $400 - $500 per person, depending on the size of the group).

  • A: We want these cohorts to be small enough for deep, relational conversations. Cohorts will likely include 8 - 12 individuals (representing perhaps 4 - 6 churches), as well as our host, consultant(s), and a CPT staff member.

  • A: Consider applying with a group or 2 or 3 leaders from your church. Depending on your church size, polity, and the relevance of this topic in your context, the ideal applicants could be the senior/lead pastor, a staff member over this area, a key lay leader, a board member, or somebody else passionate about or influential in relation to the topic.

  • A: No formal training or experience is required. We would like to hear about any resources you have consulted or experience you have had prior to this cohort for the sake of context, which you will notice on the application form.