Cohort Testimony: More Than Information, True Care
I wanted to learn more about implementing gospel care in the local church, so I reached out to Sojourn Church Midtown. Even though I was from out of state, Robert and Karen Cheong availed themselves to me and a friend when we were attending a conference nearby Sojourn.
What happened that day with the Cheong’s was significant for us; not only did they share lots of information (which we came in search of), but they personally cared for us with the love of Christ (which we didn’t ask for, but needed).
The care we were shown that day didn’t end when we drove away from our meeting. Robert invited me to a group that would come to be known as the Care Cohort. Consisting of 10 care pastors and ministry leaders from across the nation, we connected for a series of months to support one another, develop a philosophy of care ministry for our local contexts, read helpful books and articles, and grow in the Lord. I didn’t know it then, but our Cohort would become an opportunity for me to experience the Lord’s presence, through His Word and His people, during difficult times ahead.
Over time, I’ve noticed a theme in my life that when I want to “get myself together” or “tighten up” for ministry, God tends to break me and minister to me instead. Though those times feel like fallow ground, my prayer is that fruitfulness will grow out of them, strength will come from weakness. This is what happened while I was in the Cohort.
Now 3 years removed from it, I can see how pivotal it was to my own life and calling. Are you a pastor or ministry leader who desires to be comforted, equipped to develop a discipleship and care framework for your church? If so, I highly recommend applying to the Care Cohort, and watching how the people you care for in your church or ministry are comforted in their troubles by the comfort you will receive from Christ.
Morgan Heberle
Cleveland, OH
Want to learn more about Cohorts? Start with our ABIDE Cohort, step one for leaders who want to center their ministry around discipleship and God. Learn more before registration closes May 31st!
