Cohorts

A powerful vision to revitalize preaching and nourish the spirits of pastors

Approximately 10 months of monthly cohort gatherings to help you find a healthy rhythm of rest, work and play.


Through our Cohorts 10 months of monthly Cohort gatherings, 1 significant Renewal Trip, 1 significant Storytelling Immersion Trip and curated Congregational Resources we aim to renew, restore, and inspire pastors, equipping them to continue their ministry of preaching.

COHORT 1

January 2025 - Cohort full


Opening Renewal Trip to Belize Jan 14-21, 2025

Closing Storytelling Immersion Trip to Lancaster, PA Nov 6-9, 2025 


I'm Interested
I WANT TO JOIN THE COHORTS
  • What does the trip look like?

    Here is a sample of our January 2025 Cohort trip:

    Explore Belize 2025
  • Who can partipate?

    To participate in a Cohort you must be a clergy or lay person who currently preaches at least twice a month at a church or ministry of the United Methodists of Upper New York.

  • How much does it cost?

    We anticipate asking Churches to make a financial investment of the following for participating preachers. 


    Less than 25 persons Average Worship Attendance (AWA) total in appointment - $400 total


    Less than 60 AWA total in appointment - $500 total


    Less than 100 AWA total in appointment - $550 total


    100+ AWA total in appointment - $650 total


    Optional: Investments of up to $1,500 will be used to support other clergy in their participation 


    The Conference is investing $10,000 in each participant through the funds gifted through the Lilly Endowment grant. This investment supports 10 months of monthly Cohort gatherings, 1 significant Renewal Trip, 1 significant Storytelling Immersion Trip and curated Congregational Resources.

  • Does it have a waiting list?

    We anticipate hosting 5 Cohorts of approximately 12 preachers each beginning in 2025-2027. This totals about 60-75 preachers. All preachers who do not participate in Cohort 1 will be retained for a waiting list for future Cohorts. 

Meet our first cohort

Opening Renewal Trip Belize 2025 | Monthly Cohort Gatherings | Preaching Workshops | Closing Storytelling Immersion Trip


COHORT 2

April 22-29

Our Opening Renewal Trip to Savannah

Take a moment to imagine: seven days in beautiful Savannah, Georgia. Walking through historic Forsyth Park , worshipping at Wesley Monumental UMC , and reflecting by the riverfront. Our Opening Renewal Trip to Savannah is your opportunity to pause, restore, and connect with a community of preachers who understand the highs and lows of ministry life.

I WANT TO JOIN THE COHORTS
  • What does the trip look like?

    Seven days in beautiful Savannah, Georgia. Walking through historic Forsyth Park , worshipping at Wesley Monumental UMC , and reflecting by the riverfront. 


    You can also download the full itinerary:

    Download Itinerary
  • Who can partipate?

    To participate in a Cohort you must be a clergy or lay person who currently preaches at least twice a month at a church or ministry of the United Methodists of Upper New York.

  • How much does it cost?

    We anticipate asking Churches to make a financial investment of the following for participating preachers. 


    Less than 25 persons Average Worship Attendance (AWA) total in appointment - $400 


    Less than 60 AWA total in appointment - $500 


    Less than 100 AWA total in appointment - $550 


    100+ AWA total in appointment - $650 


    Optional: Investments of up to $1,500 will be used to support other clergy in their participation 


    The Conference is investing $10,000 in each participant through the funds gifted through the Lilly Endowment grant. This investment supports 10 months of monthly Cohort gatherings (half in person, half on Zoom), 1 significant Renewal Trip, 1 significant Storytelling Immersion Trip and curated Congregational Resources.

  • Does it have a waiting list?

    We anticipate hosting 5 Cohorts of approximately 12 preachers each beginning in 2025-2027. This totals about 60-75 preachers. All preachers who do not participate in Cohort 1 will be retained for a waiting list for future Cohorts. 

Meet our first cohort

Opening Renewal Trip Belize 2025 | Monthly Cohort Gatherings | Preaching Workshops | Closing Storytelling Immersion Trip


COHORT 2

April 2025 - Cohort full


Opening Renewal Trip to Savannah, GA April 22-29, 2025

Closing Storytelling Immersion Trip to NYC


I'm Interested
I WANT TO JOIN THE COHORTS
  • What does the trip look like?

    Seven days in beautiful Savannah, Georgia. Walking through historic Forsyth Park , worshipping at Wesley Monumental UMC , and reflecting by the riverfront. 


    You can also download the full itinerary:

    Download Itinerary
  • Who can partipate?

    To participate in a Cohort you must be a clergy or lay person who currently preaches at least twice a month at a church or ministry of the United Methodists of Upper New York.

  • How much does it cost?

    We anticipate asking Churches to make a financial investment of the following for participating preachers. 


    Less than 25 persons Average Worship Attendance (AWA) total in appointment - $400 total


    Less than 60 AWA total in appointment - $500 total


    Less than 100 AWA total in appointment - $550  total


    100+ AWA total in appointment - $650 total


    Optional: Investments of up to $1,500 will be used to support other clergy in their participation 


    The Conference is investing $10,000 in each participant through the funds gifted through the Lilly Endowment grant. This investment supports 10 months of monthly Cohort gatherings, 1 significant Renewal Trip, 1 significant Storytelling Immersion Trip and curated Congregational Resources.

  • Does it have a waiting list?

    We anticipate hosting 5 Cohorts of approximately 12 preachers each beginning in 2025-2027. This totals about 60-75 preachers. All preachers who do not participate in Cohort 1 will be retained for a waiting list for future Cohorts. 

COHORT 3

beginning January 2026

Opening Renewal Trip to Puerto Rico Jan 29- Feb 4, 2026



I'm Interested
I WANT TO JOIN THE COHORTS
  • What does the trip look like?

    Locations and details are in the works.

  • Who can partipate?

    To participate in a Cohort you must be a clergy or lay person who currently preaches at least twice a month at a church or ministry of the United Methodists of Upper New York.

  • How much does it cost?

    We anticipate asking Churches to make a financial investment of the following for participating preachers. 


    Less than 25 persons Average Worship Attendance (AWA) total in appointment - $400 total


    Less than 60 AWA total in appointment - $500 total


    Less than 100 AWA total in appointment - $550  total


    100+ AWA total in appointment - $650 total


    Optional: Investments of up to $1,500 will be used to support other clergy in their participation 


    The Conference is investing $10,000 in each participant through the funds gifted through the Lilly Endowment grant. This investment supports 10 months of monthly Cohort gatherings, 1 significant Renewal Trip, 1 significant Storytelling Immersion Trip and curated Congregational Resources.

  • Does it have a waiting list?

    We anticipate hosting 5 Cohorts of approximately 12 preachers each beginning in 2025-2027. This totals about 60-75 preachers. All preachers who do not participate in Cohort 1 will be retained for a waiting list for future Cohorts. 

Not from ny?

Help us advocate for the need for cohorts beyond Upstate New York by sending your details.

Non NY Cohort Interest