Why the need for ALI Cohorts? So many leaders are trying to figure out how to be effective ministers in the 21st century on their own. They give it their best to chase down solutions, scour the Internet, read books, go to conferences, and draw near the “experts” to solve resolve specific challenges, yet all to often they do not experience the breakthroughs or long term leadership growth, wisdom or authority they seek. Many are willing to work hard and try new things but continue to face ministry and leadership issues that they don’t address or can’t seem to overcome. Many feel stuck, at it alone, and not sure where to turn
How is an ALI Cohort Different from a Conference?
An inherent problem with most gatherings, meetings, and conferences is that they are generally larger than 6 people and are mostly about receiving new information. This creates a context where the social dynamic is that “the expert” speaks and recipients are supposed to synthesize what they heard into their specific context. Rarely are participants afforded the time and space to process and effectively discuss how they might apply new knowledge effectively in their unique setting. Leaders need time to process new information and explore ideas, ask specific questions, and talk through their unique challenges. Furthermore, most conference participants are not asked to share what is working for them and given opportunity to share insights with others.
What is an ALI Cohort?
ALI cohorts are intentionally crafted for leaders to have the space and time to creatively learn and engage in processes that will strengthen leadership and ministry. Participants will be focused solely on learning to apply ideas and concepts with 3-5 others who are in similar circumstances asking similar questions. Participants shape the topics being discussed and the questions that need to be answered.
Around What Topics Do Cohorts Meet and Discuss?
ALI takes leaders through a clarifying process in which the cohort identifies the issues they are interested in discussing. ALI also identifies areas in which members of the cohort have had some success. Finally, ALI helps identify and recruit key leaders from the outside who can speak to these issues and make them available for short times during the cohort retreat.
Here are a few examples of cohort topics:
How can a church grow from 50 to 150 / 150 to 300 / 400 to 600 / 600 to 800/ or 800 to 1,200 asa and how does the role of the leader, staff, and lay leaders change in that process?
How can I identify, train, equip, inspire, evaluate, utilize, build and pastor a staff of 3 / 10 / 15 / or 25?
How can I develop a fellows program / pastoral residency / or church planting internship and what are the structures, resources, and opportunities that are available to help?
As a bishop, how can I develop a leadership development / evangelism / or discipleship plan in my my diocese?
How do I most effectively evaluate the health of my church / conduct a 360 on my team?
How do I develop worship / youth ministry / evangelism / or missions at a church my size?
How can I become a part of a Cohort? We generally start with 2 people in similar circumstances and work with them to get 2 or 3 more people of their choice to gather around an agreed upon topic or topics. Simply contact ALI at team@anglicanleadershipinitiative.com to inquire and set up a consultation.
Where do Cohorts Meet?
Initially cohorts start with an in person meeting at one of our locations (see Below).
Day 1 – Fly in for dinner
Day 2-3 Full working days
Day 4 fly out first thing in morning
Then each cohort decides on the future rhythm of meeting including weather it is in person or Skype/Zoom etc…
Option 1 River House in Charleston, SC (Fly into Charleston)
Option 2 Mountain House in Hendersonville, NC (Fly into Asheville)
Option 3 Farm House in Salters, SC (Fly into Charleston)
Cost
$275 plus travel – ALI raises money to underwrite this cost. We ask churches to put ALI in their Missions Budget.
What are they saying about ALI Cohorts?
~I wanted to express my gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of an ALI Cohort. I cannot tell you what a blessing it was to get together with other like minded pastors to share our lives, ministries, victories and challenges. I walk away from our time together: Encouraged in my calling, Strengthened in my leadership, with clear direction in the initiatives before me. With a Brotherhood to collaborate with Renewed excitement for the work that God is doing in our congregation. – Rev. Robert Cook
~I just concluded my first ALI Pastor’s Cohort, and it was fantastic. It was one of the most encouraging, spiritually enriching times I have had in many years. We all bonded together as brothers, friends, and colleagues very quickly. I returned home more clear about who I am, what my gifts are, and specifically what God is calling me to do. To those who made it possible, in all sincerity, thank you! Your generosity made a significant difference for the kingdom in the lives of pastors. I highly recommend the ALI cohort experience to all Anglican pastors desiring to grow in their leadership! -The Very Rev. Patrick Wildman
~I am so grateful for this ALI cohort. It helped me identify the source of my current ministry frustration. It also helped me see that planting a new church was the wrong move right now. This insight spared my church and me a lot of hardship and likely also spared us a failed church plant. I now have clarity on my next three years of ministry. As for the church plant, we can discuss that at the next cohort. I now truly see the incredible value of the Cohort experience! – The Very Rev. Mike McDonald
~The ALI cohort allowed me the opportunity to engage creatively with other missionally-oriented large church Rector’s. It provided me with the chance to learn from others who understand the unique challenges I’m dealing with. As we shared best practices and mistakes we’ve made along the way, I gained key insights that I’m now using to engage with my leadership team to develop next steps in several areas of ministry for our church; including staff issues, communication needs, and multi-campus initiatives. I’m grateful for the space, hospitality and intentionality ALI provided us. I left our time refreshed, inspired and with a strategy for moving forward. Thank you! Rev. Chris Warner
~In 13 years as a rector this was hands down the best learning environment and structure for practical leadership growth that I have participated in. Spending time with 4 other leaders facing similar challenges and asking the same questions was not only refreshing but also eminently practical for moving Resurrection forward in ministry. Sharing best practices, hearing from experts in the field, and processing specific ministry challenges produced practical outcomes for me as a rector and for Resurrection. I look forward to seeing the fruit played out in the months and years to come.” – Rev. David Drake
For more information please contact ALI at team@anglicanleadershipinitiative.com to inquire about ALI cohorts or set up a phone call with a member of the ALI Program staff.