• FIRST COHORTS

  First cohorts are designed for individuals in the first three years of their vocational ministry role. These groups will be comprised of 5-7 peers partnered with an experienced mentor-coach (this will be an OCC faculty/staff member or seasoned ministry leader). These groups will be determined by ministry role, and will focus on tackling real-world ministry challenges throughout a two-year commitment, including:

  · Monthly zoom group meetings

  · Bi-monthly one-on-one coaching sessions

  · An in-person retreat during your second year

  These cohorts are scheduled to launch September 2026 and will last through September 2028.

  This format will be an active coaching dynamic, not a lecture series, accountability group, or counseling.

  Investment

  $50/month (includes the retreat)
  *Cohort Launch Special: Pay only $25/month (September 2026-February 2027)

  Scholarships: Financial assistance is available (Many churches will also cover this from their development budget!)

  For the Pastor’s Wife

  We recognize the unique position of a pastor's wife. So we are offering a specific cohort for wives of new pastors. If you both join, your spouse gets the first 5 months for free. Her cost is $25/month after that.

  Ready to invest in your longevity? Apply here by August 21, 2026.

  Interested in future First Cohort launches? Send “FIRST” to [email protected]

• FLOURISHING COHORTS (LAUNCHING 2027)

  Flourishing cohorts are designed for individuals who have been in ministry for over three years. This group will be made of 5-7 peers paired with an experienced ministry coach. You will work through both ministry and personal challenges and goals over a one-year commitment.

  Interested in future Flourishing Cohort launches? Send “FLOURISHING” to [email protected]

• FOCUSED COHORTS (COMING SOON)

  Focused cohorts are designed to serve as a consulting group to develop leaders in a specific ministry area. This group will include 20-25 ministry leaders who will receive teaching from and ask questions of a ministry expert. Each group will have a topic of emphasis and run for 4-6 sessions.

  We’d love to hear from you!

  Interested in future Focused Cohort launches? Send “FOCUSED” and any topic(s) of interest, to [email protected]

Upcoming Focused Cohorts

• Preaching Focused Cohort

  

  Preaching Focused Cohort
  Coaches: Jon Weece and Damien Spikereit
  When: Starts Sept 17
  Cost: $150

  REGISTER TODAY

  A cohort from Ozark Christian College for preachers, pastors, and biblical communicators to explore important topics around preaching. Jon Weece and Damien Spikereit are both experienced preachers who want to help you grow in your preaching.

  Over four sessions, you’ll hear on topics like:

  · Building the best application for your audience

  · Handling criticism and compliments

  · How to find and tell great stories

  · How to drive mission every week

  · What does it look like to hear from God and change the direction of your sermon?

  Format:

  · 4 live, 60-minute online Zoom sessions

  · Each session features teaching from Jon Weece and Damien Spikereit with Q&A time

  About Your Coaches:

  Jon Weece: Jon graduated from OCC, served 4 years in Haiti, and then 26 years preaching at Southland Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky. He now leads a non-profit called Boone Brothers. If he’s not in the woods bow hunting, you will find him with his wife Alli, their two adult children Ava and Silas, along with their dog Charlie. And it also won’t take you long to realize that enjoying good food and good music in good weather with good friends is how Jon is preparing himself for heaven.

  Damien Spikereit: Damien is the Chief Financial and Operating Officer and Biblical Communication professor at Ozark Christian College. He is also a teaching pastor at Carterville Christian Church and has taught preaching for twenty years.

• Global Impact Leaders Cohort

  

  Global Impact Leaders Cohort
  Coaches: Rob Maupin and Jim Dalrymple (with special guests)
  When: Starts October 5
  Cost: $100

  REGISTER TODAY

  What does it look like to lead a church toward a healthy, effective, and sustainable global impact? Join other pastors focused on missions and outreach to learn more about and discuss this exact question.

  Hosted by Jim Dalrymple and Rob Maupin, Director of ICOM, this cohort will bring together church leaders responsible for their church’s global impact ministry. Together, we’ll explore current trends, share practical strategies, and discuss how churches can maximize their impact in God’s mission around the world.

  Over four sessions, we’ll explore questions like:

  · What are the emerging trends shaping global missions today?

  · How can churches build a culture of global mission?

  · What strategies are helping churches effectively mobilize people for global impact?

  · How do we develop healthy, meaningful partnerships with missionaries and global ministry leaders?

  · How can we evaluate our missions strategy and maximize the impact of our resources?

  Format:

  · 4 live, 60-minute online Zoom sessions

  · Each session features discussion with Rob Maupin and special guests.

  · Ask your pressing questions on outreach and missions to Rob and guests.

  About Your Coaches:

  Rob Maupin: Rob grew up farming and ranching on the Nebraska/Wyoming border. He met his wife, Shannon, while attending Ozark Christian College.

  Rob has served on the mission field in Mexico City, as a faculty member at Lincoln Christian University, on staff at Compass Christian Church in Dallas, Texas, and is now the Executive Director of ICOM (International Conference on Missions).

• Elders Focused Cohort

  

  Elders Focused Cohort
  Coach: Jim Dalrymple
  When: Starts October 9
  Cost: $100

  REGISTER TODAY

  What does it look like to be a faithful elder in today’s church? Join fellow church elders for a four-session online cohort designed for honest conversation, shared wisdom, and practical encouragement.

  Hosted by Jim Dalrymple, this cohort will bring elders from different churches together to talk about the character, responsibilities, and challenges of shepherding God’s people.

  Over four sessions, we’ll explore questions like:

  · What does healthy elder leadership look like?

  · How do elders shepherd, lead, and protect the church?

  · How do we navigate difficult people and difficult decisions?

  · How do elders cultivate spiritual health in themselves and their churches?

  Come ready to listen, share, ask questions, and grow alongside other men who are committed to faithfully serving the local church.

  Format:

  · 4 live, 60-minute online Zoom sessions

  · Each session features teaching from and discussion with Jim Dalrymple.

  · Ask your pressing questions about serving as an elder to Jim and the group.

  About Your Coaches:

  Jim Dalrymple: Jim is the Chief Advancement Officer and teaches New Testament at Ozark Christian College. Jim also serves as an elder at his home church in Oronogo, Missouri.

Ministry Cohorts FAQs

• Which cohort is right for me?

  The main difference between a First and Flourishing cohort is the length of time you’ve served in vocational ministry. We recommend a First Cohort if you’ve served 3 years or less and a Flourishing Cohort if you’ve served over 3 years.

  Focused Cohorts are great for any ministry leader who wants to improve in a particular area of ministry.

• What if I’m interested in serving as a mentor or coach?

  Complete this short form to introduce yourself to us. We carefully recruit our coaches and do so once or twice a year. We’ll hold onto your information and reach out when the timing and fit are right.

• What is the time commitment for the monthly group meetings and bi-monthly one-on-one coaching sessions?

  Each meeting and coaching session will typically last 60-90 minutes.

• What if I missed the application deadline?

  We will launch First and Flourishing cohorts throughout the year. Check back often for updated application deadlines.

• Are scholarships available?

  Scholarships are available for First Cohorts based on financial need. A link to the scholarship application can be found inside the First Cohort application.

  Consider asking your church or organization to help cover the cost of your cohort. A professional development or conference budget can go towards this.

• What does the in-person retreat entail, and are travel costs included?

  Your monthly investment to participate in cohorts will cover your lodging, food, and all activities during the in-person retreat. You’ll just need to arrange and cover the cost of your own travel.

• Who will be my coach?

  A trusted ministry leader who believes in you and is equipped to partner in your growth.

• What if I don’t like my cohort?

  We understand the importance of feeling safe and connected with your cohort. We do our best to match you with the right people from the start. If it turns out it isn’t a good fit, we will work with you to find a solution.

• Can I continue participating if my ministry role changes during the two-year commitment?

  We understand that transitions happen. We will work with you to navigate any role transition to ensure you don’t experience a lag in support.

• I see that Flourishing and Focused cohorts are ‘coming soon’. Can I join a waiting list?

  We would love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected] to be added to our waiting list for future Flourishing or Focused cohort opportunities.

• What happens if I miss a monthly Zoom meeting or individual coaching session?

  We understand that ministry emergencies happen. We also know that a healthy community thrives on consistency. To protect the organic, high-trust environment of our small groups, we ask that participants make every effort to prioritize our meetings. If regular, non-emergency lapses in attendance occur, your coach will reach out so you can look at the commitment together. We want to make sure this is the right season for you to participate, and if it isn't, we can discuss gracefully releasing you from the cohort so the group's close dynamic remains intact.