The NEW LEAD PASTOR COHORT exists to support and develop new lead pastors in the Northwest District. Cohort monthly meetings include training by an expert on 10 key topics, breakout time in a coach-led small group, and flex time for further dialogue. The cohort is designed so new pastors can join at anytime.
Questions? Contact Molly DuQue, NW Associate Supervisor at mduque@foursquare.org
Year 1 – Required Training, Support and Coaching for all New NWD Lead Pastors
All new NWD lead pastors will join the New Lead Pastor Cohort at or around their time of appointment (or impending appointment). This is required training for all new NWD Lead Pastors, and is communicated when someone is appointed. We have a morning and evening cohort, with the goal of making it as easy as possible to accommodate people’s schedules. Once NWD church planters finish Multiply, we’ll integrate them into the NLP Cohort as well.
Year 2 – Optional, but Encouraged and Wanted!
New lead pastors, spouses and co-pastors can continue to participate for a second year, including the in-person retreat. Year 1 and Year 2 participants will be integrated together. We’re excited for our Year 2 participants to bring their experiences and insights, as support and encouragement. It’s amazing what we learn in a year of leading a church! Lastly, we’ll prioritize grouping pastors based on geography, with the goal of making friendship building and connection outside of the cohort easier.
Topics: Retooled and Refreshed
We’ll approach our 10 topics from new angles with new presenters. The goal will be to provide pastors with fresh and engaging training, adding new dynamics and perspectives to these important and fundamental topics for every lead pastor. The new topic list is below.
2023-2024 Cohort Topics + Dates
These 10 key topics have been identified as foundational for new Lead Pastors. These topics are both practical and theological in nature. In addition, many will influence the culture of Northwest Foursquare, as a community and as a Movement, into the future. Below is a list of our topics for the 2023-2024 Cohort.
August 10, 2023 - “Sermon and Series Planning” - Pastor Bo Stern, Executive Pastor, Beaverton OR
September 14, 2023 - “Pillars of Healthy Leadership” - Dan Mundt, Director of Leader Health + Development
October 4, 2023 - “Dynamics of Successful Teams” – Pastor Steve Mickel, District Supervisor *In-person Breakout at FLC
November 9, 2023 - “Church Structure, Staff Management + Budgeting for Longevity” - Pastor Dave Chandler, Regional Pastor + Lead Pastor, Moses Lake WA
December 14, 2023 - “Teaching and Leading Pentecostalism in Your Church” - Pastor John Fehlen, Lead Pastor, Salem OR
January 11, 2024 - “Navigating Your Church Council” - Pastor Dave Veach, Former Supervisor
February 8, 2024 - “How to Lead Change Thoughtfully + Effectively” - Pastor Sam Rockwell, Organizational Consultant and former Supervisor
February 26-28, 2024 - In-Person Retreat - “Emotional Health and Healthy Rhythms” - Led by NWD Regional Pastors
April 11, 2024 - “Identifying, Training, Empowering and Mobilizing Men and Women” - Stacey Schaub, Co-Pastor + NWD Women’s Mobilizer
May 9, 2024 - “Missional Engagement – Helping Your Church be Part of God’s Bigger Mission” - Matt + Heidi Messner, Lead Pastors, New Life Center, Everett WA
2023-2024 Dates
August 10, 2023
September 14, 2023
October 4, 2023 *In-person breakout at FLC, “Dynamics of Successful Teams” by Steve Mickel
November 9, 2023
December 14, 2023
January 11, 2024
February 8, 2024
February 26-28, 2024 - *In-person “Emotionally Healthy” Retreat
April 11, 2024
May 9, 2024
2024 NEW LEAD PASTOR COHORT RETREAT - Feb 26-28, 2024
(Monday dinner through Wednesday lunch)
Menucha Conference Center - Corbett OR (outside of Portland)
We have an in-person retreat as part of the Cohort. All new lead pastors and co-pastors in the Cohort and their spouses are encouraged to attend. This retreat will be a highly relational time and revolve around the key topic of “Emotionally Healthy.” As part of this, the retreat will include an emphasis on:
Prioritizing courageous, healthy rhythms
Soul care and Sabbath
Marriage and family
Valuing community and friendships
Establishing healthy Foursquare culture (together is better)
You can find more information on the registration page (link above). Questions? Contact Molly DuQue, NW Associate Supervisor at mduque@foursquare.org
Monthly Cohort Meeting Details and Dates
10 monthly Zoom meetings on the 2nd Thursdays, August 2023 – May 2024
Thursday AM Cohort (9-11am PST) or Thursday PM Cohort (6-8pm PST)
This time is divided into 3 segments, comprising 90 minutes with optional 30-minute flex time
o Segment #1 – Topical training by an expert, with Q&A
o Segment #2 – Breakout Small Groups with a Coach
o Segment #3 – Flex time for further dialogue with Coaches about any questions or challenges