Imago Leaders Cohort

The Imago Leaders Cohort is a nine-month ministerial formation experience designed for emerging pastors and ministry leaders committed to gospel-centered, multiethnic leadership in the church and the world. Rooted in the pastoral rhythms of reading, writing, preaching, and embodied practice, this residency cultivates spiritual maturity, theological imagination, and vocational clarity.

Upon successful completion, each resident will receive a formal ministry assessment and vocational recommendation from the pastoral leadership team, which may include suggested paths such as ordination, seminary enrollment, church planting, or placement in vocational ministry.

What you’ll get

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    In-depth theological learning environment led by practitioners, pastors and theologians

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    Cohort experience with shared learning and group collaboration.

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    You will be equipped as a leader to understand Scripture, Culture and the Church.

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    Mentorship modules in order to put practice to learning objectives and studies.

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    Leadership and gift direction. Understanding the leader that God has wired you to be. Gospel-centered and Spirit-led.

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    An understanding of Multiethnic ecclesiology and discipleship for the ever changing world we are called to engage.

Program Details

Course Format

The Imago Leaders Cohort will be delivered in a hybrid synchronous format. Monthly teaching sessions will be conducted both in person at Renew Church (Westmont, IL) and simultaneously via live online video conferencing. Mentor group meetings will be held primarily online, with limited in-person options based on mentor availability and participant proximity.

The program integrates multiple modalities of learning, including interactive lectures, small group mentoring, theological readings, facilitated discussions, and guided self-reflection through writing. This integrated approach is designed to foster deep theological engagement, vocational discernment, and spiritual formation.

Schedule & Location

The cohort will run from September through April, meeting twice per month on Thursday evenings:

  • Teaching Sessions: Once monthly, 7:00–9:00 PM CST (hybrid – in person and online)

  • Mentoring Groups: Once monthly, 7:00–9:00 PM CST (online only)

Attendance at all sessions is expected as part of the formation journey and communal learning process.

Journal Reflections

Each month, participants will complete two written reflections (500–700 words each) in response to the assigned readings and themes. These assignments include both pre-session and post-session reflections and are intended as tools for critical self-examination, theological integration, and spiritual discernment.

Reflections function as written meditations, offering space for participants to articulate personal growth, wrestle with core ideas, and document how the Holy Spirit is shaping their character and calling through the cohort experience.

Cohort Retreat

The program will conclude with a two-night residential retreat hosted in the Chicagoland area. The retreat serves as a capstone experience, providing a sacred space for corporate worship, personal reflection, storytelling, and communal affirmation.

During the retreat, participants will engage in spiritual practices, reflect on their journey, and share insights and testimonies regarding the formation that has taken place throughout the program.

Teaching Team

The Imago Leaders Cohort is facilitated by a diverse and experienced team of theological educators, practitioners, and spiritual leaders. The primary instructor and cohort guide is Greg Armstrong, Lead Pastor of Renew Church Chicago, who will provide theological instruction, pastoral oversight, and ongoing mentorship throughout the program.

In addition to Greg’s leadership, participants will benefit from interactive sessions led by guest instructors—seasoned pastors, ministry practitioners, and scholars—who bring expertise in pastoral theology, spiritual formation, justice, and multiethnic ministry. These voices will provide a broad and enriching perspective to support each participant’s growth in vocation and leadership.

Program Investment

The total cost for participation in the Imago Leaders Cohort is $500. This fee includes:

  • Instruction and facilitation by the teaching team

  • Monthly mentoring sessions

  • Select program materials and resources

Renew Church members are eligible for a tuition discount, which will be communicated directly upon registration.

Please note: The cost of required books, the two-night retreat, and travel expenses to and from the retreat location are not included in the program fee and will be the responsibility of each participant.

What is expected of participants?

  1. That you will fully engage in the 9-month formation journey, actively embodying and nurturing the five core values throughout every aspect of your life and leadership.

  2. That you will honor your own story and the stories of your cohort peers, showing up with presence and respect in all teaching sessions, mentoring gatherings, and the scheduled retreat.

  3. That you will thoughtfully complete all journal reflections, read the assigned materials, and approach each spiritual practice with intentionality and openness.

  4. That you will lean into courage—embracing both vulnerability and discipline—as essential postures for growth and transformation.