TCP Cohort

The TCP Church Leadership Cohort is an 8-month training program (October–May) that gathers 20–30 Chicago leaders one Saturday a month to learn from seasoned pastors and ministry leaders. Led by Brian Dye and Larry Perez, sessions cover theology, personal formation, contextual ministry, disciple-making, and leadership development—all in a city-focused, locally grounded community designed to equip leaders for long-term, sustainable ministry in Chicago.

Street-Level Leadership. City-Wide Vision. Theology with a Bus Pass.

  • The Year One cohort is open to applicants currently serving in or pursuing church leadership in Chicago. The program meets on the first Saturday of each month from October through May, 8:00am–1:00pm. The cost is $800, which covers materials and meals; scholarships may be available.

  • The Year Two cohort is open to applicants who have completed Year One. The program meets on the second Saturday of each month from October through May, 8:00am–1:00pm. There is no cost to participate.

  • The Year Three program is open to applicants who have completed Year Two and are called to local church planting or revitalization. Support is customized based on the needs of the individual and their mission.

FAQs

  • Anyone active in a local church that affirms their call toward church planting, church revitalization, or church leadership in Chicago.

  • Topics include Chicago history, Gospel Theology, Culture & Contextualization, Community Engagement, The Personal Life of a Minister, Culture of Discipleship, Leadership Development, and Emotional Health.

  • Graduates on the Year One cohort who have a clear sense of calling toward church planting, church revitalization, or church leadership in Chicago and has completed the Year One training.

    Applicants must be supported by a local church that vouches for their calling. If church planting, an assessment must be completed and passed by a reputable organization.

  • Meeting with the Leadership Cohort for 8 months. Approximately half of the time will be spent together discussing the content the other half spent breaking into one of three appropriate tracks (Church Planting, Church Revitalization, or Church Leadership) to discuss application.

    Potential topics include: Leading Through Difficulty, Church Polity, Gospel Preaching, Pastoral Counseling, Leading the Church to the Next Level, Organizational Leadership, and Team Dynamics.

Ready to Apply?

Please submit your application by September 30th for the Fall 25/26 cohort.

Missed the deadline? Fill out the application and we’ll keep it on file and check back in with you for Fall 26/27.