thriving in church ministries

Thriving in Church Ministries Program

Strengthen your Pastoral Leadership and Spiritual Life

Leading a congregation is both profoundly gratifying and seriously challenging. There may be days you feel like you’re living on a spiritual mountaintop, but there are also long weeks, months, or even years that can feel like you are wandering in a valley, alone and isolated. Where do you go when you hit a low point? How can you move from surviving church ministry to thriving?

Connect with Pastors and Learn New Tools

The Thriving in Church Ministries Program is designed to equip pastors and ministry leaders to thrive in their personal and professional lives, for their sake and the sake of the congregations and communities in which they serve. We focus on personal, professional, and spiritual development in the context of authentic community and mentorship.  When you start this program, you join a community of peers and experienced mentors. Together you will explore tools and discover practices that will allow you to go from surviving to thriving in your ministry.

What to Expect

Each Thriving in Church Ministries cohort is uniquely designed to foster leadership, enhance wellbeing, promote emotional and spiritual wholeness, and equip participants to thrive in all areas of life and ministry. We leverage virtual meetings to enhance accessibility and ensure affordability. We craft in-person gatherings with intention as opportunities to further foster transformative relationships and experiences. Experienced leaders and mentors walk alongside participants to provide personalized support throughout the program.

Cohort options include:

  • Brethren Leadership Cohort: Serving leaders in the North Central Region of the Brethren Church, this year-long cohort opens and closes with retreats on the Ashland, OH, campus, and meets online for the balance of the year.

Next cohort launches – May 2024

  • Ecumenical Hybrid Cohort: Open to leaders of all Christian traditions and geographic regions, this 9-month cohort opens and closes with retreats on the Ashland, OH, campus, and meets online for the balance of the year.

Next cohort launches – September 2024

  • Spanish-speaking Virtual Cohort: This 9-month cohort serves Hispanic and Latinx pastors and ministry leaders.  All cohort meetings and mentoring are done virtually with some additional optional events hosted in Cleveland or Ashland OH. 

Next cohort launches – September 2024

  • Certificate in Transitional Leadership: This 9-month cohort targets people looking to serve as Intentional Interim Pastors, Church Revitalization Specialists, or those looking to transition from full-time ministry into flexible forms of service. Learn a wide variety of skills to assess the health and vitality of a local church and develop strategic plans to lead it into a healthy future.

Next cohort launches – September 2024

Spots are limited.  Apply Now.

Discover How You Can Thrive in Ministry

Testimonials

Kellen B

Lead Pastor-Mentor

Thriving in Church Ministries offers a safe, non-judgmental space for sharing and empowering pastors. The relationships and instruction afforded by the program are an unbeatable combination! I highly recommend it.

Korderro B

Lead Pastor and New Church Planter

The Thriving in Church Ministries cohort gave me new breath and life. I experienced sanctuary and comradery while connecting with other pastors who are like-minded, understand my pain and share my passion.

Renee H

Lead Pastor

My experience in the Thriving in Church Ministries cohort changed my life forever! I am humbled and so very grateful to have participated. The most valuable topics to me were self-care, learning how to have a healthy mindset and gleaning from other seasoned pastors.

Stancy A

Associate Pastor

The Thriving in Church Ministries experience gave me new insight into my leadership style. We experienced in-depth discussions that pastors and leaders need to discover how leadership style impacts relationships.

Norflette S

Lead Pastor

The Thriving in Church Ministries program gave me new friendships, fresh insight and encouragement to continue moving forward in the work of ministry.

Request More Information

We’re here to support you as you follow God’s call on your life. When you complete this form, we will personally reach out to discuss our Thriving Church Ministries program. We’re here to support you as you discern which path of ministry at Ashland Theological Seminary is right for you.

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