Episode 122 - Cohorts and Christ-Centered Camaraderie

On the brink of Labor Day and the start of a new school year and ministry season, Pastor Brent and Paul discuss ministry cohorts as life-giving and applicable to all Christ-followers. A key element in long-term ministry is consistent, intentional connections with other believers going through (and mentors who have gone through) similar experiences, challenges, and joys. Paul opens this episode recognizing the recent passing of Dr. James Dobson and the influence he’s had on many in the church since the 1970’s. He and Brent then share specific ministry cohorts with which they’re currently involved. When the word “resiliency” is used by the secular corporate world as compared with the Christian world, Pastor Brent asserts that the former uses it merely to apply to life management and burnout prevention while the latter uses it to grow in Christ-centeredness. A good thesis statement for this episode is a quote by one of Pastor Brent’s seminary professors, Dr. Donald Guthrie: “The secret sauce to resiliency is peer groups.”