Pastors and clergy aged 40 and under who are in their first 2-7 years of congregational ministry are eligible to apply.

Applications are due January 15, 2027. You will be notified of your acceptance by February 15, 2027.

• Opening Retreat: April 19-22, 2027, Epicurean Atlanta

• Closing Retreat: May 1-4, 2028, Epicurean Atlanta

All expenses for participation will be covered by FTE including airfare, hotel stay, meals, snacks and event materials. FTE does not cover alcoholic beverages, room service, or additional snacks or meals outside of those provided by the event.

In addition to the opening and closing retreats, cohort members will gather monthly in virtual small groups led by one of our mentors. These dates and times will be determined by your small group, and you will be asked to commit to attending all meetings.

Participants are expected to:

• Attend and fully participate in the opening retreat, monthly virtual gatherings, and closing retreat

• Submit grant proposals and grant reports by the assigned deadline

• Approach the experience with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn

• Participate fully in the cohort experience by engaging thoughtfully in discussions, activities, and learning opportunities

• Foster a culture of trust, confidentiality, and mutual care by listening generously to others and honoring their stories and experiences

• Invest in relationships that extend beyond the formal cohort experience, building a growing network of support while encouraging, supporting, and holding fellow cohort members accountable

• Engage consistently in the cohort’s Mighty Networks community by participating in discussions, responding to peers, and staying up to date with shared resources and communication

This cohort is designed for young clergy who:

• Are actively serving in a congregational context and have 2-7 years of experience in pastoral leadership and congregational life
  
• Are committed to exploring and deepening their pastoral identity and sense of call alongside peers who will encourage, challenge, and support them throughout their ministry journey
  
• Are willing to learn from experienced clergy mentors and each other, recognizing that growth is enriched by engaging a diversity of perspectives, experiences, and approaches to ministry.
  
• Seek meaningful connections with peers who understand the opportunities and challenges of ministry and are committed to exploring questions related to leadership, vocation, congregational life, and the future of the church together.
  
  

This cohort may not be a good fit for individuals who:

• Are unable to commit to the full 12-month experience, including participation in retreats, virtual gatherings, small group sessions, and regular engagement with an assigned mentor.

• Are primarily seeking grant funding rather than active participation in the cohort experience.

• Are looking for consulting services, professional training, or coaching focused primarily on congregational growth.

• Prefer to participate as observers rather than actively contribute to the learning community.

• Are unwilling to engage respectfully and constructively with peers from diverse denominational, theological, and ministry.

For the purposes of this cohort, professional ministry includes compensated ministry service in a congregational or faith-community setting where an individual exercises recognized leadership responsibilities such as preaching, teaching, pastoral care, administration, worship leadership, spiritual formation, or community engagement. Time served in these roles, whether full-time or part-time, counts toward the participant's years in ministry.

Please contact Marissa Akery at makery@fteleaders.org.