NEXT Church is offering several cohort programs to equip leaders for sustainable change and meaningful transformation through connection with colleagues.

Antiracism and Intersection of Our Ordination Vows

Ruling Elders are the heartbeat of our congregations and the most effective change-makers within it. Guided by our ordination vows, join a group of Ruling Elders who are committed to dismantling racism, deepening their leadership skills for the work, and curious about how they might affect change from within a congregation. Participants are asked to watch a 30-minute episode of a recorded series, “Antiracist Practices for Faithful Leadership,”  in preparation for each conversation.  

Time: Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. ET

Dates: October 2, November 6, December 4, January 8, February 5 and March 4

Cost: $375 per participant, including the cohort meetings and one 50-minute individual coaching session

Where Do We Go From Here?

This cohort is for pastors who have been in ministry for five years or more and are discerning a shift in their role, setting or focus – from changing the type or location of ministry, shifting the leadership approach within their current context, or considering retirement. Using the metaphor of a journey, participants will step through exercises and practices intended to expand the imagination of what is possible and, through one-on-one coaching, create an actionable plan to live into what is next.

Time: Thursdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. ET

Dates: October 5, November 2, December 7, January 4, February 1, March 7

Cost: $699 per participant, including the cohort meetings and five 50-minute individual coaching sessions

Enneagram and Leadership

The Enneagram is a personality-type system that illustrates the interconnections between nine core archetypes. Each of us comes into life with a personality we use to make our way in the world. Sometimes it works well for us, and at other times we get in our own way. In conversation with the Enneagram, we can celebrate the gifts God has given us, identify our personality challenges, and put deeper self-understanding into action.

Time: Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. ET

Dates: September 6, October 4, November 1, December 6, January 3, February 7

Cost: $699 per participant, including the cohort meetings and five individual coaching sessions

Roundtable Conversations

These are one-hour bursts of generative discussion around a specific topic. Upcoming conversations include:

LGBTQIA+ Affirming Ministries – 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 20. What does it really take to be an open and affirming space? Register here.

Antiracism Policy: From Words to Embodiment – 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 10. How is your presbytery or session planning to implement the new requirement from the Book of Order to have an antiracism policy? Register here.

Changing Staffing Models – 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 1. As churches shift and change, how is your staffing model adjusting with it? Register here.

People of Color are invited to participate in open roundtable conversations at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. Sessions are scheduled for October 5, November 2, December 7 and January 4. Learn more and register here.