We increase the opportunity for success by surrounding ourselves with those who raise us up.
Solomon had that in mind when he wrote, "Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17 (CSB)
“I have never felt quite as connected, understood, and appreciated as I have with my cohort. I learned a great deal, and the personal coaching has been valuable and challenging!”
When iron is rubbed against another piece of iron, it shapes and sharpens it. Similarly, leaders help each other improve through their discussions, support, suggestions, and ideas.
Cohorts at Work
Cohorts in the ABNWT are a bedrock initiative in lifting pastors, spouses, young leaders, volunteer directors, chaplains, and itinerant ministers. During the pandemic, cohorts became the buttresses to support leaders under the weight of uncertainty and distress. Cohorts were a context where program leaders, though separated by distance, could virtually show up for each other. Like trees in a forest, roots knitted together to withstand the challenges of ministry and develop strengths found in a shared response to the call and passion to serve God.
Are cohorts working? There is a direct correlation between cohorts and growth, both personal and corporate. Cohorts created a deepened sense of belonging in the ABNWT. Cohorts became a place pastors bring questions about ministry. In cohorts, coaches and peers share new ideas, problem-solving and all types of support that most leaders wouldn't get otherwise.
“I shared a ministry challenge I was experiencing. One of the cohort members provided a practical solution together with the members of his leadership. I was able to focus as I was no longer carrying the burden alone.”
Cohorts indirectly help congregations. Churches where the lead pastor or program departments where the leader is involved in a cohort tend to devote time and effort to outbound community engagement, service, and positive community change. The longer a pastor has actively participated in a cohort, the more likely the congregation or ministry is growing.
“My cohort was instrumental in personal and professional revival and church revitalization.”
Despite the lingering effects of the pandemic shutdown, in 2023, 69% of our ABNWT churches reversed the trend of decline and experienced an increase in attendance, salvations, and water baptisms. Pastors benefiting from cohort involvement outside their churches sparked renewal inside, among the congregation.
Collaboration, Challenge, Support, Relational Equity
Vocational ministry is a privilege. We see lives healed and transformed and accompany people in seasons of growth, joy, and grief. We preach at the intersection of God's Word and the life of our communities. Yet, ministry work comes with times of disequilibrium, loneliness, and weakness. Leaders need a healthy place to share, receive insights and encouragement, and enable mutual accountability.
There is good value in sharing with leaders who are facing or have overcome similar ministry challenges.
Peers help us understand and interpret our experiences. They aid us in recognizing our strengths and support us as we venture to do God's will over the long haul.
Cohorts are a catalyst for:
Mutual understanding, shared identity, and shared experience
Collective action in challenging the status quo of Canadians' need of God
Companionship and friendship
Accessing information and advice
Learning new skills and strategies
Finding a source of hope and optimism
“I encourage every young leader to join a cohort because of the leadership skills they will pick up or sharpen. I guarantee that if you press in, you will make connections with leaders who will continue to “spur you” on in ministry for the rest of your life.”
There is a cohort for you.
Cohorts in the ABNWT
She Leads – For women in vocational ministry
100 Opportunity – For pastors wanting to break the 100 barrier and beyond
Discovery – For Pastors wanting to develop adaptive leadership skills and whose goal is to live and lead relentlessly outbound
Young Leaders – Practical ways to lead and last in ministry
Young Leaders Accelerator – A one-year facilitated development pathway
Children's and Family Ministry – Sharing ideas, programs, resources, and collaboration
Chaplains, Counsellors, Mission Canada – Caring for the caregivers
The Pastor's Soul – The call and care of a shepherd
Worship Pastors – North or South Alberta groups for staff and volunteer worship leaders
North of 60 – For leaders north of the 60th parallel
Leading From the 2nd Chair – For associates, assistants and executive pastors
Pastoral Wives – For women married to the pastor
Pastoral Husbands – For men married to the pastor
Parachurch and Itinerant Ministers – Collaboration and development
The Flourishing Pastor - Unlocking the creative side of your thinking to create a safe space to reach people in your community
"Sustained growth is a function of wise, godly, and visionary leadership. While not every church leader has the same potential, we can all get better—and we can all help one another do it." A Spirit-Empowered Church, Alton Garrison.
If you don't see a cohort that fits your context, why not start one?
Email Bob Jones about a cohort, and he'll respond within 12 hours.
Bob Jones is the founder of REVwords.com, an author, blogger, and coach with 39 years of pastoral experience. Bob is also an Advance Coach with the ABNWT Resource Centre. You can connect with Bob here.