Cohort Opportunity Available for Christian Leaders
Leading and managing change is complicated, demanding, and often lonely work. That’s why Calvin Theological Seminary launched their first Adaptive Leadership Cohort in July 2023. Their goal was to support, connect, and equip leaders, especially during times of significant change.
“The Cohort is a six-month experience designed to equip and support Christian leaders while navigating significant change in their organizations,” explained Aaron Einfeld, director of the program. The seminary is now accepting applications for a second cohort opportunity.
Each cohort consists of 12 people who get together for a three-day, in-person workshop to start their journey together. They then meet monthly via video conference for five months.
“Often in leadership we don’t make the time we need to really look at the bigger picture and what God is doing,” said Jennifer Baham, a teaching principal at San Jose Christian School in Campbell, Calif., and a participant in the 2023 cohort.
“We are looking at tasks, responding to people’s needs, or trying to solve problems. But taking time to step back as a community of people who are mission-minded is important to help us clarify our own purpose and vision, and to fill us and fuel us to pour out into other people.”
Dan Vander Plaats, another cohort participant, also sees the value of bringing people together for this kind of experience. He is the vice president of advancement, marketing, and communications at Elim Christian Services in Crestwood, Ill.
“That leadership role, however many people are around you, can feel like a lonely spot,” he said. “It can feel like there is nobody who really has an answer to the questions you have. To connect with people who are also walking through Christian leadership and trying to steward and serve their organizations, churches, and schools well is really essential for a Christian leader.”
In addition to offering community, the Adaptive Leadership Cohort equips participants with new skills and tools that they can use in their own contexts.
“Leadership is constantly evolving, so we are always going to need new equipping for the new situations we are facing,” said Wendy Fisher, cofacilitator of the cohort and lifelong learning coordinator at the seminary.
Throughout the six-month program, participants experience significant personal development while gaining new insight on how to overcome barriers to change: in their own lives and in their organizations.
“Gaining a better understanding of our own relationship to change helps us better to lead others through processes of discovery, change, and renewal,” explained Einfeld. “In the end, personal and organizational change leads to thriving anew.”
The first cohort is wrapping up soon, and Calvin Theological Seminary is now seeking new participants for a second cohort. These can be pastors, heads of schools, nonprofit executives, or anyone involved in Christian leadership.
The cost for the six-month program is $350 USD, and the next cohort will begin in April 2024. To learn more or to apply, visit calvinseminary.edu/academics/lifelong-learning/cohorts/.
