In January 2014 I'm launching a cohort for women in youth ministry. And I cannot wait. I've lead similar groups of women in the past. I called it Eden because I wanted to re-orient ourselves around what was intended in the Garden. We were meant to live in full freedom, equality, and partnership from which God created us. The church is far from what she needs to be to bless women with leadership gifting. Literally, every woman I know with a gift of leadership that's served in the church has experienced some measure of: oppression, pain, minimization, sexism, and even illegal activity. Some have experienced harassment. Others alienation because of their gender. We must be better than this. The world needs our gifts fully expressed, not subjugated to "the fall's" curse.

Last month The Youth Cartel announced the launch of my cohort HERE, and since then there's been such encouraging interest and enthusiasm about this group coming together. I literally needed to create an excel spreadsheet to keep track of responses!! Clearly, there's a need for women to come together for training, support, and connection.

This 10-month whole-life coaching program is all about developing and empowering you as a woman in leadership. Being a woman in youth ministry is different. It demands unique skills and awareness as we approach the challenges and opportunities due to our gender. We will learn across a scope of subjects including theology, practical life realities, leading men, and issues defined by this group. This specialized cohort has 8 women in leadership, and meets twice for 2 days plus 4 times online (2-3 hours each). Each time is very intentional and structured to provide encouragement, challenge, and transformation. This cohort provides customized attention to your specific context and needs as a woman in youth ministry.

A Few Details...

Limited to 8 women (+ April)
From anywhere in the country
Women do not need to be in point leadership roles or even full time, but they must be in youth ministry in some fashion
Two 2-day, face-to-face meetings in Orange County, CA
Four online meetings of 2-3 hours each
10 month schedule (group chooses exact dates based on their responses)
- January - face-to-face
- February - online
- April - online
- June - online
- August - online
- September - face-to-face
Participants get four 30-minute phone calls with April Diaz during the year
Private Facebook group for ongoing support and interaction
Cost is $1750 (+ participant travel costs)

We'll do a fair amount of reading and cross-disciplinary learning, as well.

I've participated in similar cohorts and paid significantly more. It's worth it. It's one of the best investments, in my opinion, you can make in your leadership. It has been for me. The transformation you'll experience from the other women and myself will be beyond these bullet points!

The group is still forming, but so far 3 women have committed and 6 more are strongly considering, so I'm expecting this cohort to fill in the next month. Already, the women who've committed and are strongly considering are from all parts of the country, different denominations, different life stages, and different experiences in ministry. I'm VERY excited about our "differences" because it will make our learning that much richer and more profound!!

If you're interested in this cohort or a future one, contact me HERE. I'd love to figure this out with you.

Wanna just apply? Complete this YMCP application and contact me HERE for my email!