Liturgy and Leadership Field Education Cohort Program

In an ever-evolving religious landscape, the church needs leaders who can navigate complexity with resilience and adaptive leadership skills. To equip the next generation of leaders with these qualities, Methodist Theological School in Ohio has developed the Liturgy and Leadership Field Education Cohort Program.

Funded with an Innovative Institutional Development Grant of $295,538 from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church through the Ministerial Education Fund, the program is presented by United Methodist pastors Rachel Billups and Matt Rawle, built upon their deep-rooted dedication to creativity and innovation within the church.

Who will participate

Over the course of three academic years, we will convene three cohorts of seven promising ministry candidates to immerse them in the methodologies that foster church growth and community impact. The program’s first two cohorts will consist of MTSO students in their second or third year of the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Public Theology or other graduate theological degrees that meet the academic requirements for ordination in the United Methodist Church and include field education as a core component. The third cohort may include students from another United Methodist seminary or theological school.

To encourage innovative thinking and collaboration, each cohort will include ministry candidates from varied backgrounds. To ensure an equitable approach to leadership development, MTSO will compensate cohort participants for their time and contributions. Grant funds will be allocated to cover the costs of travel, educational materials, expert guidance and project resources.

Recruitment for the program will focus on identifying students who demonstrate progress in the United Methodist candidacy process. We welcome students who are currently involved in ministry settings and wish to strengthen and expand their reach through the resources provided by the cohort, as well as those looking to establish new ministry settings supported by our funding and guidance.

MTSO will create a supportive environment that encourages persistence and strengthens the resolve of our ministry candidates as they navigate their spiritual journeys alongside one another. This approach will enhance their individual capabilities while cultivating a community that uplifts one another in the face of challenges.

Timeline

Participants will benefit from monthly online gatherings, supplemented by individual coaching sessions with seasoned leaders in the field. Our cohort co-learners will be encouraged to experiment with discipleship and outreach that resonate with contemporary communities. At the close of each academic year, MTSO will host a virtual culmination event for each participant to showcase their outreach prototypes and allow for peer feedback.

Phase 1 of the Liturgy and Leadership Field Education Cohort Program will run from March 2025 through May 2026, with phases 2 and 3 following similar timelines starting in 2026 and 2027. Unless otherwise indicated, gatherings will be online. For on-campus events, MTSO will cover participants’ travel expenses.

Phase 1 timeline

• March-May 2025: Recruiting students, confirming their ministry settings and defining project goals.
• August 2025: In-person kickoff meeting at MTSO to introduce field education goals, outline the program plan and establish a covenant for collaborative engagement.
• September 2025 through April 2026: eight Zoom cohort meetings focused on areas including:
  • accountability and goal setting;
  • networking and entrepreneurship;
  • emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills;
  • and creating a culture of innovation.
• May 2026: In-person celebration gathering at MTSO for final reflections and feedback.