Calling all Gen Z leaders in the Southeastern US!
Do you want to live out your faith in a supportive community? You’re invited to apply for the next cohort!
For nearly two decades, CCDA’s Leadership Cohort has been developing leaders around the country. This program has helped participants deepen their faith, grow their leadership, and live more meaningfully in their communities.
2-Year Program
18-29 Year Olds
Southeast Region
The Leadership Cohort provides an opportunity for you to step back from the daily to-do list and look at where God is moving and leading in your life and ministry. It is a special community of encouragement, new ideas and perspectives, and true growth as a leader. – Sarah Quezada
Learn from Others in the Region
This cohort will bring together up to 30 participants, ages 18-29, to learn together in a collaborative environment tailored to the Southeast region.
Live Out Your Values in Community
Grow in your understanding of Christian Community Development theology and practice through a space of belonging, purpose, and faith.
Connect With Others Who Get You
Connect to a regional network of CCD leaders with practical skills, resources, and relationships that promote community flourishing in the Southeast.
Learn from Experienced Leaders
Learn from the experience and knowledge of CCDA cohort alumni who will serve as facilitators, deepening connections between past and present cohort members.
A Tailored Learning Process
Attend localized retreats, CCDA’s National Conference, and tailored learning opportunities to build personal and professional growth.
Ongoing Leadership Support
CCD leaders will invest in you and your spiritual and professional development. During this program, expect to make connections to better serve your community in the years ahead.
The Leadership Cohort provides a context for you to build deeper relationships with other CCDA practitioners from across the country. Cohort participation expands your sphere of experts (by way of the other cohort members) to draw from throughout the year, and it provides you with valuable face time with some of the key established leaders of the movement. – Ryan VerWys
Cohort 9 will bring together leaders ages 18–29 from the Southeast region who have different levels of experience in Christian Community Development. This cohort is designed for those who are ready to grow, connect deeply with others, and invest in their development as leaders committed to community transformation.
The Commitment
Each cohort member commits to making attendance a priority, being fully present during gatherings, and engaging in ongoing leadership development opportunities.
National Conference
Find authentic community, experience inspirational worship, and gain practical tools at the CCDA Conference with other leaders and community organizers from around the nation.
Cohort Retreats
Get away for four days of leadership development, personal investment, and connection. You’ll leave equipped, encouraged, and refreshed, ready to return to your community.
Ongoing Development
Throughout this cohort, there will be opportunities to learn from leaders in the region. This includes retreat preparation, learning activities, group chats, self-reflection, and community engagement.
Value
- CCDA Conference
- Richmond, VA – October 7–10, 2026
- Madison, WI – November 17–20, 2027
- Registration for both conferences is provided by CCDA.
- In-Person Cohort Retreats
- Retreat #1: Atlanta, GA – January 1–4, 2026
- Rooted in Christ, Connected in Community: Uncovering Our Identity as Leaders
- Retreat #2: Hampton Roads, VA – June 3–6, 2026
- Leveling Up Together: Owning Our Strengths for Community Growth
- Retreat #3: Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina – March 3-6, 2027
- Justice in Practice: Cultivating Faith and Flourishing Where We Are
- Retreat #4: Knoxville, TN – June 2-5, 2027
- Lead What’s Next: CCD Leaders Driving Community & Civic Change
- Retreat #1: Atlanta, GA – January 1–4, 2026
- Guided leadership journeys with CCD practitioners
Cost
- A Cohort Participation Fee of $2,000, which helps cover lodging, local transportation, food, and admin support for the retreats
- Personal travel to and from the four retreats
- Travel, lodging, and meals for the two National Conferences
- Please contact Mary Beth Meadows if you have questions about the cohort costs at marybeth[at]ccda.org
Application Process
Interested applicants can apply for CCDA Leadership Cohort 9 by completing the following steps:
- Submit a completed application form, which includes essay questions that may be answered in written or video format
- Email three recommendation letters to marybeth@ccda.org by August 15, 2025, with the subject line: Cohort 9 – YOUR NAME
- Applications and letters of recommendation must be received by August 15, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST.
Selection Process
The Leadership Cohort is selected through a blind review process by a Cohort Selection Team. The blind review process allows a focus on fairness, equity, and minimizing reviewer bias. This process ensures that selection is based on alignment with cohort applicant qualifications rather than personally identifiable information or relationships.
Up to 30 applicants will be selected for Cohort 9, 12-15 for ages 18-24, and 12-15 for ages 25-29. Applicants will be notified by email of their application status by October 10, 2025.
FAQs
What are the application requirements?
- Applicants must be between 18 and 29 years old (18 years old and completed high school by July 1, 2025)
- Maintain an active membership in CCDA from the time of application through the culmination of the cohort
- Serve in a primary leadership capacity with a CCDA church/organization or a local community organization
- Have a history of participating in CCDA events or activities (i.e., attending the National Conference, Immersion, Workshop presentations, etc.)
- Nominated or referred by a CCDA member, Local or Affinity network member, or CCDA member organization (see recommendation letter requirements for more information)
- Applications must be accompanied by 3 recommendation letters, which should be emailed directly to Mary Beth Meadows at marybeth@ccda.org. The recommendations should be from each of the following:
- a personal recommendation from someone who has personal knowledge of your ministry and serves in a primary leadership capacity in a CCDA member organization;
- a pastoral recommendation (pastor, small group leader, or spiritual director);
- a professional recommendation, that can also be a professor (or mentor for ages 18-24). Please instruct the letters to include the following email subject: Your Name – Letter of Recommendation, and send to Mary Beth Meadows
What is your selection process like?
The Leadership Cohort is selected through a blind review process by a Cohort Selection Team. The blind review process allows a focus on fairness, equity, and minimizing reviewer bias. This process ensures that selection is based on alignment with cohort applicant qualifications rather than personally identifiable information or relationships.
When is the application deadline?
Applications and letters of recommendation must be received by August 15, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST.
When will I know if I have been selected?
Applicants will be notified of their application status by October 10, 2025.
What states are included in the Southeast region?
AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, WV, VA
