Keys To Success

Our desire is that you are set up for success throughout your cohort journey. Here are some things that will help you get the most out of the experience.

  1. The full support of your church/ministry leadership team and your spouse/family

  2. A personal commitment to attend and participate in all monthly meetings and retreats

  3. Agree to unplug from work related ministry activity while attending meetings and retreats

  4. A commitment to prayerfully support and network with fellow peers in your cohort

  5. A commitment to completing all assignments including exercises, assessments, and reading

 

What Cohort Participants Are Saying

“For the past few years, I have been attempting to untangle a large knot of personal, spiritual, vocational, and psychological issues, all while serving the local church in full-time ministry. The Center for Pastoral Flourishing Cohort has provided the opportunity to explore these things in a tight-knit, raw, and transformative small-group environment, and I have already begun to experience a variety of positive developments through exercises, reading, and discussion. I am more aware of my emotional health, and how it impacts every issue I've been working through. The lessons I am learning will not just stop with me; this summer, I will be reworking our entire small group leader training curriculum to include this material. Taking part in this cohort has impacted every aspect of my life, and our meetings are the highlight of my month. Your ongoing support of the Center for Pastoral Flourish impacts not only individuals like me, but whole communities through the dissemination of concepts and culture.”

“I began my job as Children's Minister at my church only one month before the cohort started. Being new to this area of ministry, I had been looking for a way to equip myself to step into my new responsibility. Even knowing I was called to this position, I faced several fears including being alone, feeling inadequate, and ill-equipped. By God's beautiful and sovereign design, I was invited to this cohort and every woman in it "happened" to be in Children's Ministry. My fears and concerns have been met with new friendships with women who have been wise and encouraging. I now have a trustworthy community outside of my church with whom I can share the joys and difficulties of ministry. I have grown in confidence as I have learned more about myself and ways I can grow in my leadership and ministry. This cohort has been a sweet and vital mixture of learning and growth: spiritually, relationally, and emotionally. By His divine mercy, the Lord is using the Center for Pastoral Flourishing to melt my fears away, equipping me for the work set before me, reminding me that He is trustworthy and will provide, and delighting me with supportive friends along the way. Flourishing in ministry is beautiful, and I believe, God's design. Unfortunately, it can also be hard to come by. I am grateful to CPF for putting me in the path of God's grace and helping me flourish so that I can better live out what the Lord has called me to.” 

“The Lord provided me with the opportunity to participate in the Center for Pastoral Flourishing exactly when I needed it. Having served in vocational ministry for 15 years in various roles, from foreign missions to church planting and revitalization, I have known the joys and sorrows, true community and real loneliness that accompany the pastoral calling. CPF was a breath of fresh air. While the content was a blessing, helping me learn to navigate my own soul in deeper ways, the greater blessing was the brotherhood we forged within our cohort. The out-of-town retreats provided a safe and supportive place to share openly and honestly with fellow pastors who truly “get it”.

Bill is a pastor to pastors, and a true shepherd of the heart. I recommend CPF to any and all ministers who are hoping to stay engaged in their vocation for the long-haul—I know it’s added years to my ministry and life to my years.”