James 1:27: Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

This verse encapsulates the heart of community engagement. It calls Christians to tangible acts of service toward the most vulnerable in society while maintaining a spiritual purity distinct from other values. It serves as a foundational principle for a church-based community engagement cohort, emphasizing compassion, character, and connection.

The Redeemer City to City Community Cohort is a group of individuals, often from a church or organization, who come together to learn, share experiences, and develop strategies for effectively serving their community. This collaborative community will foster a co-creation space using a gospel-centered approach that aims to deepen understanding of local needs, build relationships with community partners, and create sustainable initiatives that address pressing issues. At the same time, it will deepen the discipleship and vitality of the congregation as they experience their faith in tangible ways.  Cohorts typically involve a structured curriculum, mentorship, and opportunities for practical application. Participants can amplify their impact by working together and creating lasting positive change as a gathered and scattered community.

Church planters and pastors with a team of leaders (lay or staff) seeking to strengthen the Community Engagement practice in their church community, beginning with themselves.

Graduates of the Incubator Program are given priority.

There is no financial cost to participate in the Learning Cohort. However, we ask that participants count the cost in time and commitment to completing assignments.

A gospel-centered vision of mission will encourage you to be shaped over the weeks through theological framing and practical tools each month to practice the shalom in proximity to the community we seek to serve. During the cohort, each church will develop a strategic and sustainable initiative for active community engagement with both church leaders and the congregation.

“I learned profound yet simple lessons from this CE course. The models, graphs, and teachings were so empowering and brilliant. However, one simple line stuck with me throughout the course which is, "community engagement is not programs but relationships.”” — Member of Cornerstone Church

“I would HIGHLY recommend other churches for sure. I think in the midst of serving our churches, we can get off track in why we are serving our community but I feel this cohort not only equips people to serve their community but it is a place to connect with others who are doing it as well. I also think it is very encouraging.”” — Member of Grace Place Church

“I feel I’m already implementing these concepts in my life and ministry already, but would like to improve on outreach to our neighbors by going door to door with renewal prospects.” — Member of Uptown Community Church

“The biggest takeaway for me was the idea of empowerment. As a church serving the marginalized, I learned how important it is to empower the folks we serve with resources to help them become sustainable. Our team is now not only thinking of ways to meet needs but to provide sustainability pathways. I highly recommend the Community Engagement Cohort for any church that wants to make a lasting difference in its community.” — Stephen Perumalla (Grace Place Church)

Reach out to us if you’re interested in getting a free community engagement consultation with a member of our team by visiting our Contact page.

To learn more, contact [email protected]