Introducing a Women in Youth Ministry Cohort

Some of my best learning in leadership has been in a cohort experience. I've had the privilege to be a part of several cohorts over the years with Jr. High Pastors, Fuller Youth Institute, and coaching groups. Many of my deepest transformations and dearest friends have come from these experiences. There's something about a shared learning environment that expedites our growth in personal, highly relational, loving, and aggressive ways. It's because of my past experiences that I'm incredibly excited about launching a cohort for women in youth ministry, launching in January 2014. The Youth Cartel is sponsoring this brave endeavor and are passionate about seeing women flourish in ministry. Already 3 of the 8 women have committed to the cohort. I'm anticipating a full house before Thanksgiving and there's already talk of a second cohort.

The Youth Cartel

Here's a little bit about the big picture of the cohort and logistics included...

DESCRIPTION:

This 10 month whole-life coaching program is all about developing and empowering you as a woman in leadership. Being a woman in youth ministry is different. It demands unique skills and awareness as we approach the challenges and opportunities due to our gender. We will learn across a scope of subjects including theology, practical life realities, leading men, and issues defined by this group. This specialized cohort has 8 women in leadership, and meets twice for 2 days plus 4 times online (2-3 hours each). Each time is very intentional and structured to provide encouragement, challenge, and transformation. This cohort provides customized attention to your specific context and needs as a woman in youth ministry.

DETAILS:

  • We journey together for 10-months and the group chooses exact dates based on our schedules.
    • January - face-to-face
    • February - online
    • April - online
    • June - online
    • August - online
    • September - face-to-face
  • Two 2-day, face-to-face meetings in Orange County, CA (at Newsong Church)
  • Four online meetings of 2-3 hours (via Google Hangout)
  • Participants get four 30-minute phone calls with April Diaz
  • Access to a private Facebook group for ongoing support, connection, and interaction
  • Cost - $1750 (+ participant travel costs)

We'll do a fair amount of reading and cross-disciplinary learning, as well.

Some may  look at the cost and discount their participation. I've come to believe, "where there's a will, there's a way." If this is something you'd benefit from, let's find a way! I've also participated int similar cohorts and paid a lot more. It's one of the best investments, in my opinion, you can make in your leadership. The learning you'll have from the other women and myself will be beyond a conference and these detailed bullet points! And you are worth the investment. Our churches, families, and students desperately NEED the voices of women pouring into them, making decisions, and engaging each other.

Already, the women committed to this cohort are proving we will be learning from across life stages, time zones, denominations, educational backgrounds, and ministry experiences. This is the context by which we are ripe for change!

Interested? Questions? Ready to apply? Connect with me.

2 Comments

April L. Diaz

April has been a visionary activist her entire life. She has made it her mission to lead high performing teams and develop leaders in the margins of society while caring for our bodies, mind, and spirit. Secretly, she’s a mix of a total girly girl and a tomboy, and is still crazy about her high school sweetheart, Brian. Together, they co-parent 3 fabulous kiddos and live in Orange County, CA.

The Power of Asking for Help

A while back I was asked to guest blog for youth ministry veteran Jen Bradbury on a transformational moment in my leadership journey.

HERE is what I wrote for her. I would love for you to read my story - this may be important for you to do today. Jen's also blogged quite honestly about her miscarriage the pain that brings.

Comment

April L. Diaz

April has been a visionary activist her entire life. She has made it her mission to lead high performing teams and develop leaders in the margins of society while caring for our bodies, mind, and spirit. Secretly, she’s a mix of a total girly girl and a tomboy, and is still crazy about her high school sweetheart, Brian. Together, they co-parent 3 fabulous kiddos and live in Orange County, CA.

Tributes this Mother's Day

This day. This day is chock full of emotion. I get it.


  • Prior to 2007 :: Mother's Day was only to be celebrated because I am blessed with a most incredible mother and two amazing grandmas.
  • 2007-2008 :: We were in the thick of infertility treatments. I was aching to be a mom. Mother's Day plain sucked and I wanted to die in a hole.
  • 2009 :: Hope emerged as we began our adoption journey. I also spoke at our church that Sunday. (The message can be found HERE)
  • 2010 :: It was still just Brian and me.
  • 2011 :: Then there were 4 Diaz's. My first Mother's Day.
  • 2012 :: Then there were 5 Diaz's. Asher joined our family and actually came HOME from the NICU on Mother's Day. Well played, God.
  • 2013 :: Celebrating motherhood with 3 healthy children.

On this day, I recognize those women who have forever changed me as a woman and as a mom.

Mom, you truly have shown me how to mother because of your never-ending sacrifice and love for your children. You always have time for us. Constantly celebrate with us. Pray diligently for us. Faithfully correct us. And you still love our Dad. Thank you for loving me in such a way that mothering has come natural to me. I love you.

Grandma Getz, since I was a little girl, you've shown me that it's okay to be me and have applauded my gifts, strengths, and passions. I hope I make you proud. Grandma Neukomm, you've loved your family faithfully and diligently. Thank you for your committed love for us and our God.

My mother-in-law - Laura, you've given me the greatest gift - your son! He is the most upright, loyal, strong, dedicated, loving, and faithful man I've ever known. Thank you for your part in raising him to be the man he is to me and our children.

My sisters-in-law - Zobeida, Liz, Vivian, and Sarah Beth. You are all, sincerely, amazing mothers. 11 kids between the 5 of our families. I'm deeply grateful that my kids get to call you "aunt". I love you all.

The women who long to be called "mom" - SK, BSM, KPS to name a few. I see you today and pray with you. This is not the end.

To the working moms all around me - Rebecca, Jeanne, Kara, Julie, Hana, Tara, Mindy. The way you love your children and are obedient to your calling takes my breath away and pushes me. You help me believe I, too, can do this. You inspire me to kick down walls for our daughters.

To the adoptive/foster care momma's who fill me with hope and joy and compassion, especially Erin. You remind me I'm not crazy. You validate, instruct, and give grace to my "kiddos from hard places" and remind me that parenting them isn't "just like" parenting my bio son. You affirm the great calling that is adoption and love me on the good and hard days.

Finally, to the mothers who made me a mom - Judah and Addise's birth mothers. I weep when I think of the necessary sacrifice you made for your son and daughter. It is my greatest privilege and pleasure to mother Abebayehu and Tarike. They would make you proud and filled with joy. We love them as our own, no matter what. You have my greatest respect and affection.

And now, a few pictures of the wonders that make today a very, very good day...

I love how they love each other.


The ones who call me "mommy".
The sunglasses hide my tired eyes, my tears of gratitude, and the sparkle in my eyes that they bring to my life.
It really is unfair how cute my kids are. :)


Brian surprised me by taking us back to where 1-year ago we celebrated Mother's Day while Asher was in the NICU. This Mother's Day he partied with us.


Flowers from a friend who thanked me once again for giving that "real" Mother's Day talk 4 years ago.  A reminder that our whole stories are worth sharing. Always. And that sharing our pain really can become a platform for transformation.
Mother's Day 2012. Asher came home from the NICU!


2012 :: Leaving the hospital. The little nugget in the background is Asher.
One year later. Pure goodness.