Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the requirements for participation in the program? 

The program is open to both ordained and lay ministers, who:

  • currently serve in a Wisconsin congregation;

  • Hold an M.Div. (or equivalent) degree from an accredited seminary or pastoral ministry program; and

  • have approximately 5-10 years of experience in ministry since graduation or ordination.

If you have questions about whether you meet these requirements, or have special circumstances you would like us to consider, we encourage you to contact us to discuss them.

What are the time requirements of the program? 

 

Pastoral Leadership in a Cultural Context is a two-year program; it requires participation in each of the summit meetings (approximately 8 meetings over the two year period). The summit meetings will be either two or three days in length, scheduled either Monday-Tuesday, or Monday-Wednesday.

In addition to the time spent in the summits themselves, we will ask you to do a some reading or other activities in preparation for the summit discussions. In the interest of building community among the cohort members, we will facilitate other informal meetings between summits that are helpful, but not required. Two projects are required: a homily or sermon on a subject intersecting with program activities, preached both to the participant's own congregation or parish and to the cohort during one of the summit meetings; and at the end of the program an essay reflecting on the experience.

Lastly, the program emphasizes contemplative prayer and spiritual formation as a means for discernment. Some time will be dedicated to the practice of contemplative prayer during the summits, but cohort members may wish to continue this practice on their own.

What is the cost of the program? 

There is no cost to cohort members for participation in the program. Meals and lodging for the summit meetings are provided. In addition, a stipend of $3000.00 (first half paid mid-way through the program; balance at the end) is offered to cohort participants who successfully complete the program.

When are applications due? 

We will be forming a fourth cohort, whose program will run from 2021 through 2023. We will begin accepting applications for Cohort 4 in spring 2021. Check back here for more information as it becomes available. In the meantime, if you are interested in being part of our fourth cohort, consider applying. 

Im a little outside of the 5-10 window. Can I still apply? 

The program is designed for educated, early-career ministers with some pastoral experience. The window of 5-10 years of experience since ordination or graduation is a good guide, but not absolute. If you are interested in the program and fall a little outside this window, submit an application and tell us your story: the path of your calling and career thus far, your interest in the program, what you can bring to it and hope to gain from it. We'll consider this in light of the other applicants and prayerfully discern if the program is a good fit for you at this point in your ministry.

More questions? Contact us.