As we journey with Christ into new creation together, one of the three Lanes in which we go is called “Gaining Strength” - defined as “helping and encouraging every leader and every congregation to find partners that can share resources and combine strengths.” Over the last four years, “Gaining Strength Cohorts” have brought together small groups of pastors and deacons to connect and strengthen their leadership and ministry, and to go back to their congregations and lead them to more vitality and collaboration in Christ. We are now ready to move into our fourth Cohort this Spring.
The Gaining Strength Cohorts paused last fall, as we brought on board Dcn. Chelle Huth, our new Director for Leaders – who will now serve as the new point person for the Cohort process. In this role, she will connect with leaders across NEPA and work with them as they create their own individual plans for gaining strength through self-care, peer connections, and continuing education – including GS Cohorts. With Dcn. Chelle taking point, Dcn. Kat Tigerman (Director for Evangelical Mission) and Pr. Jennifer Hope-Tringali (Director for New Ministries) will still participate in Cohorts, partnering with leaders and their congregations to develop new ministry or collaboration ideas that the Spirit has been raising up throughout the Gaining Strength Cohort process. We thank Dcn. Kat for her leadership in expanding the Gaining Strength Cohorts across the synod. As Director for Evangelical Mission, she also continues in her leading role in the “Gaining Strength” Lane, by guiding congregations to explore new ways to become stronger together - including shared ministry and mission in 6261 Bundles. Deacon Chelle will also collaborate with Pastor Doug Hill, who will continue as a mentor and occasional facilitator for the Cohorts.
We look forward to Gaining Strength Cohort 3 completing its final retreat this April and for Cohort 4 to begin with its first retreat also in April. There are still a few openings for pastors and deacons to join Cohort 4 – should you be interested in learning more or participating, go to godslove.org/gaining-strength. You can also contact Dcn. Chelle Huth.
