ADVANCE COHORT
This one year cohort will train those who are considering church planting within the next one to three years.
This program will develop leaders in 12 critical areas related to church planting. Planters will receive guided instruction and coaching from an Indian perspective and with the goal of seeing Indians reached with the gospel.
COMPONENTS
Monthly Instruction
Collaborative Training with Local Church
Practical Guides
Soul Care
Retreats
Monthly Coaching
THE COHORT WILL EQUIP PLANTERS TO KNOW
- How to Cultivate Spiritual Vitality
- How to Understand Your Story and the Story of the Place
- How to Reach South Asians
- How to Lead Disruptively
- How to Preach the Gospel Among Indians
- How to Lead the Church Evangelistically
- How to Cast a Compelling Vision
- How to Gather a Team
- How to Raise Financial Support
- How to Prioritize Relational Health
- How to Develop Discipleship Strategies
- How to Maintain Organizational Health
F.A.Q.
Who should apply?
The Cohort is designed to specifically coach men who sense a call to church plant as Indian and/or among them.
When are applications for the Cohort accepted and when does the Cohort begin?
There will be a short application process and subsequent follow-up to determine eligibility. Candidates can apply anytime and are considered year round. The Cohort runs each year from January to August. Applications for the upcoming year should be received no later than December 20th. Apply below.
How many participants are selected each year?
The ideal number for the Cohort are 5 men, but the final number will depend on fit of candidates and need.
How is the local church involved in this Cohort?
Cohort participants are expected to be in close communication with their local church leaders as they apply for and participate in the Cohort. After completing the application, a pastoral reference from their current local church will be required to join the Cohort.
Are Cohort participants expected to plant an ’Advance Church’ at the end of the Cohort?
We strongly believe that local churches plant churches and are essential in the affirming of a man’s call to plant. So technically, there are no ‘Advance Churches’ to be planted. However, we will work with your local church or connect you with opportunities to take next steps towards planting.
What expectations are placed on participants during the year?
Attend all overnights and video calls, be prepared and engaged during sessions, complete reading and other assignments, expect to be open with other Cohort participants and leaders, be committed to praying for the other Cohort participants.
Why not join a residency at another church?
We think you should! If you are sensing a calling to plant, residences with a healthy local church are a great next step towards pursuing a call. But we also think that if you are an Indian, as you explore or pursue your calling to plant a church, the Cohort could be an invaluable step in that process as you wrestle with the barriers, challenges, opportunities and uniqueness of planting a multiethnic, gospel-centered churches as an Indian. Additionally, the Cohort could be either a preliminary step or a parallel step in conjunction with a residency. Our hope is encourage you in your exploration, equip you with some practical and theological help, and empower you by connecting you with other churches, networks, and organizations.