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Leadership
Cohort

A community setting that allows leaders to receive coaching, resources and tools necessary to flourish in faith, life and long term ministry.

New Session Coming September 2026!

What is a Leadership Cohort?

The Leadership Cohort exists to help youth leaders flourish in their faith, life, and ministry through intentional coaching, meaningful community, and practical leadership development—equipping them for a lifetime of faithful ministry.

The Leadership Cohort consists of 3 retreats, 5 all-day Friday intensives and a closing celebration dinner. The total cost is $1,800, which includes the cost of everything, except a few books. Your payment can be broken up over the year into four quarterly payments if you prefer.

Sign Up!

Primary Themes

1) Faith

Healthy ministry begins with a healthy soul. We will focus on your relationship with God through spiritual practices, soul care, and tools to better understand your calling and giftedness.

2) Life

Your personal life shapes your leadership. Whether you are single or married, we will explore how to build a healthy life outside of ministry, navigate relationships well, and pursue balance so you can flourish both personally and relationally.

3) Ministry

Develop the skills needed for effective, long-term ministry, including a biblical philosophy of student ministry, discipleship strategies, mission and vision, outreach, parent engagement, and navigating conflict and disappointment.

Beginning September, 2026!

The Leadership Cohort consists of 3 retreats, 4 all-day intensives, the Southeast Youth Leaders Conference and summer breakfasts/lunches. The total cost is $1,800 per person, plus travel and a few books. Your payment can be broken up over the year if you prefer.

Contact Zach Wyatt at zach@youthleadercollective.com to sign up or for more information!

3 Retreats

Our retreats all focus on the 3 legs of Faith, Life and Ministry, particularly focusing on our personal walk with God and personal life.

1) September 24-26, 2026
Speakers: Matt Brinkley and Jason & Lori Pittman (PACT Ministry)
Location: Camp Ocoee

2) December 3-5, 2026
Speakers: Robert Row (seeJesus)
Location: Ocoee Ridge

3) April 8-10, 2027
Speakers: Joe Novenson (Retired Pastor, Lookout Mtn Presbyterian)
Location: Fort Bluff

One Day Intensives

1) October 9, 2026

2) November 6, 2026

3) January 22, 2027

4) February 26, 2027

5) March 12, 2027

Here are a few of the sessions for our intensives:

  • Recruiting and Developing Volunteers
  • Discipleship Strategies
  • Community and School Engagement
  • Youth Culture
  • Ministering To and With Parents
  • The Youth Leader and Their Personal Finances
  • Ministering to Students and Families dealing with Sexual Brokenness

A few of our speakers include Doug Franklin, President of LeaderTreks, Michael Savadge, YLCo North Georgia, Patrick Oellerich, Elbow Tree Counseling, Mickey Rector, Mile Straight Baptist, Dr. Jason Engle, Southeastern Baptist Theological Baptist Seminary, and Dr. Ben Mitchell, Retired Professor.

Other Events

1) Saturday, August 29, 2026 – Southeast Youth Leaders Conference (SYLC)

2) May 1, 2027 – Celebration Dinner

"The greatest gift of the Cohort has been the community. I gained a group of leaders who encourage me, pray for me, and walk with me through the joys and challenges of ministry."

Graham SutherlandCity Church, Chattanooga

"Being part of the Cohort has deeply shaped both my personal life and ministry. It has helped me focus on equipping students to take ownership of their faith and leadership, rather than carrying everything myself. I honestly don’t think I could put a price tag on how much of a blessing the Cohort has been—it has been invaluable."

Brian GardnerThe Chapel, Cleveland