In theory, just about every mainline congregation is on board with the idea of working together to build God’s kingdom of love and grace in the world. In reality, most local congregations spend their time, energy, and resources focused internally on the programs and ministries within their own local congregation. This has been our paradigm of congregational leadership for a very long time. But what if this model is actually limiting our ministry and holding us back from ways we could grow God’s kingdom?
It’s time for our paradigm of congregational leadership to shift toward collaborative relationships and collaborative ministry shared within local communities and beyond. When we do, the possibilities for healing, transformation, and growing God’s kingdom of love and grace are endless. In our time together, we will explore how collaborative ministry is a unique model for congregational leadership, tease out some theological underpinnings for it, and imagine together how we might begin to make this paradigm shift in our local contexts.
Module 1- Collaboration: What Is It? And Why Does It Matter?
Module 2- Theological Underpinnings for Collaborative Ministry
Module 3 - Collaborative Ministry: How Does It Work?
Cohort content created and co- facilitated by Rev. Dr. Laura Mignerone
Rev. Dr. Laura Mignerone was born into and nurtured in faith at Ivy Chapel UCC (Chesterfield, MO), graduated from Elmhurst University in 2008, graduated with her Master of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary in 2011, and received her Doctor of Ministry degree from Eden Theological Seminary in 2025. Fresh out of seminary, she served Zion UCC (Troy, MO) for 3.5 years, and then found St. John UCC (St. Clair, MO), where she has served as pastor and teacher since 2015. In 2022, Laura began also serving as pastor and teacher at St. Philip’s UCC (St. Louis, MO). She lives halfway between these two incredible congregations in Eureka, MO with her son. When not in the church, Laura enjoys theatre, bicycling, camping, having all the fun adventures she can with her son, and getting mixed up in all manner of shenanigans along the way.
Cohort co-facilitated by Rev. Hunter Zyriek-Rhodes
Hunter comes to St. Louis and Kirkwood UCC by way of Memphis, where he spent most of his life. After hearing a yearning towards ministry in high school, he received his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Philosophy at University of Memphis, and later his Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School.
Originally growing up in two different denominations, he is ordained in the United Church of Christ and is eager to bring a spirit of love and justice to extend God’s tent as wide as possible. When he isn’t doing his various pastoral duties, Hunter is spending time with his wife and daughter. He also likes to build furniture, lift weights and run, and find whatever corner the tastiest food is in, especially if there is dessert on the menu!
Dates: 6-7:30pm CT, Jan. 25, Feb. 22, Mar 22,, and Apr 19, 2027
All Cohort meetings will be online
Ministry Cohorts
Ministry Cohorts allow you to sample many theological themes, offering peer learning with your ministry context in mind. Scholars have chosen a specific lens on a particular topic and share their expertise through digital content you watch on your own time. Four monthly online meetings are interspersed, where you and your Cohort members gather for facilitated discussion with an experienced church leader.
Cohorts support lifelong learning and are for anyone- authorized clergy, chaplains, Christian educators, lay leaders and anyone interested in the topic. UCC members will recognize the Marks for Ministry woven throughout the cohorts, though anyone from any denomination, or no denomination, is welcome to attend.
Completion of this Ministry Cohort provides 9 contact hours of continuing education, subject to approval by the participant's credentialing body.
