Youth Ministry workers are at the core of a successful, vibrant youth ministry.  The cohort works to strengthen the lay leaders and staff within congregations, by designing a ministry plan and growing congregational support of children's and youth ministry.

Ministry Architects and the Leadership Development staff have designed the Children and Youth Ministry Cohort to assist congregations in creating healthy, sustainable youth ministries. The cohort receives priority funding from the youth ministry leadership development budget, to minimize the cost for local congregations.

Cohorts of churches are selected annually to participate in training and develop a plan to implement. Each cohort participates in quarterly workshops and coaching calls led by Stephanie Caro, of Ministry Architects, each year. Through training and planning, each church creates a culture of call for young people and develops youth leadership to make disciples.

Steph Caro of Youth Ministry Architects presenting at Dakotas Annual Conference on June 7, 2018, in Sioux Falls, SD.

Cohort 1 - 2016: Bowman, Hettinger,  Huron First,  Miller,  Rapid City Canyon Lake, Sioux Falls Sunnycrest, Winner, Washburn,  Watertown First and Yankton.

Cohort 2 - 2017: Beresford Zion, Highmore / Harrold / Blunt,  Jamestown St. Paul, Milbank Central, Mitchell First, Mitchell Fusion, Selby / Mobridge, Spirit Lake, Valley City Epworth.

Cohort 3 - 2018:  Arthur, Bismarck Calvary, Bismarck McCabe, Brandon Celebration, Fargo First, Grace UMC, MN, Highmore/Harold/Blunt, Hitchcock, Plankinton, Vermillion.

Cohort 4 - 2019:  Faulkton, Groton, Madison, Marion/Dickey/Jud, Sioux Falls First, Sioux Falls Hilltop, Spearfish, and Sturgis.

To have your church considered for the next cohort, please contact your district superintendent.

What people are saying:

“Right from the first cohort training, we confronted the fact that, with Jesus, even a small group of disciples can impact the world. So, our size doesn’t give us a pass in terms of expectations nor take away the possibilities for a difference-making ministry in our community.”  - Rev. Duane Coates, Hettinger UMC.