The Leadership Development Cohort consists of twelve weeks of in-depth, online study about the Bible and LGBTQ inclusion as well as four daylong virtual gatherings to reinforce learning and build relationships among participants.
The cohort equips Christians who love God, love the Bible, and love the church with the tools and theological knowledge they need to be effective advocates for LGBTQ inclusion in the non-affirming church. The program is designed for those who are interested in engaging non-affirming Christians in their community by serving as a local ambassador of The Reformation Project.
As a Bible-based, Christian organization, we are committed to LGBTQ inclusion in the church because, first and foremost, we are committed to the church. That’s why we’re looking for applicants who are passionately aligned with our Statement of Faith and values and whose Christian faith is the driving force in their lives. We particularly encourage straight Christians to apply, as they are often uniquely positioned to reach non-affirming believers.
March 15 - June 24, 2023
The cohort will be all-virtual. Participants will need to be available for four daylong online gatherings throughout that period: March 25, April 29, June 3, and June 24 (all Saturdays).
Join the cohort waitlist
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost and what is included?
There is a one-time, non-refundable fee of $225 for participants. This fee covers the cost of participation in the cohort as well as one license for our new video curriculum, The Biblical Case for LGBTQ Inclusion.
Additionally, while most course materials will be provided at no charge, participants will be expected to purchase four books. The total cost of these books ranges from about $45 (e-book versions) to $65 (paperback versions).
Note: If you are interested in being part of the cohort but cannot afford the participation fee, we have a limited number of partial scholarships available to help make participation possible for you. Please e-mail us at with the subject line “Cohort scholarship request” to share more about your interest in a scholarship, and we will get back to you about how we can help.
What will I learn through the cohort?
The cohort’s 12-week study program is focused on the theological debate about the Bible and LGBTQ inclusion. It is designed similarly to a college course, and participants will read and respond to both affirming and non-affirming writings in order to develop a well-rounded understanding of this theological conversation.
But more than simply gaining theological knowledge, participants will also grow in their understanding of many foundational beliefs and concerns of non-affirming Christians, allowing them to become more effective and persuasive communicators. The cohort curriculum will also foster deeper learning around our organizational values of monogamy and covenant and diversity and inclusion, and it will equip participants for effective and sustainable leadership moving forward.
What is the time commitment?
On average, participants should expect to spend 12-15 hours each week reading the course materials, writing responses, and engaging with other cohort members in online discussions. Weeks start on Wednesdays, with responses to course materials due on Tuesdays. There will be two weeks off during the three-month period: April 19-25 and May 24-30.
Participants must also be available for daylong online gatherings on four Saturdays throughout the program: March 25, April 29, June 3, and June 24. The gatherings will run from 10am-6pm Central.
What do local ambassadors do?
After completing the Leadership Development Cohort, cohort members are eligible to serve as local ambassadors of The Reformation Project. The primary role of ambassadors is to be a resource and guide for Christians who are working through their beliefs about LGBTQ inclusion in the church.
There is no set time commitment for ambassadors; the time investment will vary based on your capacity and how many people reach out for support in your area or interest area. All active ambassadors must affirm that they are passionately aligned with The Reformation Project’s Statement of Faith, mission, vision, and values (love for God, love for the Bible, love for the church, monogamy and covenant, and diversity and inclusion).
Ambassador terms last one year, after which ambassadors can recommit for additional one-year terms based on continued alignment, capacity, and interest.
Can I simply audit the cohort if I want to learn but not serve as an ambassador?
No. Given limited resources, we will select only those who are personally committed to working toward greater LGBTQ inclusion in the non-affirming church by serving as a local ambassador of The Reformation Project.
Can I apply if I’m outside of the U.S.?
Yes. That said, depending on where you live, it’s worth considering time zone differences for the four daylong virtual gatherings, which will take place from 10am-6pm Central (U.S.) time. For those farthest away from the United States (like Asia or Australia), we can make certain accommodations like recording portions of the gatherings for them to watch later, but it will still be important for them to attend the majority of each of the gatherings.
The Impact
What Cohort Alums Have to Say
Hear from some of our past cohort members about the impact the program had on them.
