Rest & Reimagine Cohorts + Retreat

2025 Cohort Programs

Reimagining ministry, church, & preaching through rest, communal care, and innovative, collaborative learning guided by experienced, visionary leaders.

Cohorts meet monthly beginning September 2025. Applications are due May 30, 2025. Decisions will be announced via email on July 1.

Achieve More Together: Discover Your Ideal Cohort

The Peacock

Community, Solidarity, and Care for Queer Clergy

  • The Experience: Support | Community | Solidarity | Care

    With its vibrant feathers and unapologetic presence, the peacock reminds us of the power of showing up fully as ourselves. For queer clergy navigating ministry spaces, the Peacock Cohort offers a place to be seen, supported, and celebrated. It’s a space where your sacred brilliance is not just welcomed but affirmed, and where connection, care, and solidarity help you thrive in your calling.

    Are you a queer woman, non-binary, or genderqueer clergy member looking for a supportive space to heal, grow, and connect? The Peacock Cohort offers a 5-month experience designed to foster community, solidarity, and care. This cohort is open to anyone comfortable in a predominantly female-centric setting, with a special welcome to non-binary and genderqueer folks.

    Who Should Apply?

    • Queer clergy (female, non-binary, genderqueer) seeking connection, community, and renewal.

    • Individuals navigating the unique challenges of queer clergy identity.

    • Clergy interested in tangible tools for ministry sustainability and self-care.

    What's Included?

    • 6 Virtual Sessions with an experienced facilitator for deep learning and connection.

    • Special guest speakers who will share their expertise on queer clergy experiences.

    • Invitation to the NSP Cohort Retreat at Lucky Arrow Retreat Center (Oct 6-9, 2025).

    • Access to a supportive and affirming community with curated resources.

    • One discounted session with a spiritual director.

    Spots Available: 8

  • Your Rate: $500
    (Value: $3,000)
    Payment Schedule:

    • $100 deposit due July 15, 2025

    • $200 second payment due August 15, 2025

    • $200 final payment due September 15, 2025

    • Or pay in full at the time of acceptance. 

    If applicable, flights to Austin for in-person retreat should be booked by September 1, 2025.

  • Tuesdays, 5pm - 6:30pm CST via Zoom

    • September 16, 2025

    • September 23, 2025

    • October 14, 2025

    • November 18, 2025

    • December 16, 2025

    • January 13, 2026

The Social Weaver

Reimagining Church Practices

  • The Experience: Sacred Disruption | Creative Reconstruction | Shared Exploration

    The Social Weaver bird holds a revolutionary instinct— to build vast, interconnected nests that house entire communities- reflecting a way of life that values collaboration over hierarchy and interdependence over isolation.

    In the same way, the Social Weaver Cohort teaches participants to "queer" church practices—rethinking and reshaping how faith is embodied. This space is dedicated to reimagining church through practices that share power, challenge limitations, and honor creativity.

    Who Should Apply?

    • Clergy and ministry leaders eager to innovate and transform church practices.

    • Individuals interested in breaking down hierarchies, expanding inclusivity, and rethinking sacred rituals.

    • Those passionate about engaging with diverse, liberative approaches to faith.

    What's Included?

    • 6 Virtual Sessions for in-depth dialogue and shared exploration.

    • Guest speakers offering perspectives on decolonizing faith and creating inclusive spaces.

    • Invitation to the NSP Cohort Retreat at Lucky Arrow Retreat Center.

    • Access to a community of like-minded individuals passionate about reimagining church.

    • One discounted session with a spiritual director.

    Spots Available: 8

  • Your Rate: $500
    (Value: $3,000)
    Payment Schedule:

    • $100 deposit due July 15, 2025

    • $200 second payment due August 15, 2025

    • $200 final payment due September 15, 2025

    • Or pay in full at the time of acceptance. 

    If applicable, flights to Austin for in-person retreat should be booked by September 1, 2025.

  • Fridays, 11am - 12:30pm CST via Zoom

    • September 12, 2025

    • September 26, 2025

    • October 17, 2025

    • November 14, 2025

    • December 5, 2025

    • January 16, 2026

The Nightingale

Exploring the Art of Conversational Preaching

  • The Experience: Engaged | Non-Hierarchical | Transformative

    The Nightingale sings responsively, in harmony with its surroundings, and teaches us how to tune our preaching voice to communal wisdom.

    Join us for The Nightingale Cohort, where we will explore the art of conversational preaching—a practice that moves away from monologue and embraces dialogue, shared wisdom, and community learning. This non-hierarchical approach to preaching creates a deeper connection between preacher and congregation.

    Who Should Apply?

    • Traditional and non-traditional preachers seeking to engage in communal, conversational preaching.

    • Anyone interested in decolonizing preaching, embracing relational discourse, and engaging with their community in new ways.

    • Individuals from diverse backgrounds, with a percentage of spots reserved for marginalized identities.

    What's Included?

    • 6 Virtual Sessions focused on conversational preaching and communal wisdom.

    • Special guest speakers offering insight on preaching from a queer and decolonized perspective.

    • Invitation to the NSP Cohort Retreat at Lucky Arrow Retreat Center.

    • One discounted session with a spiritual director.

    Spots Available: 16

  • Your Rate: $500
    (Value: $3,000)
    Payment Schedule:

    • $100 deposit due July 15, 2025

    • $200 second payment due August 15, 2025

    • $200 final payment due September 15, 2025

    • Or pay in full at the time of acceptance. 

    If applicable, flights to Austin for in-person retreat should be booked by September 1, 2025.

  • Thursdays from 12pm - 1:30pm CT via Zoom

    • September 4, 2025

    • September 18, 2025

    • October 16, 2025

    • November 20, 2025

    • December 18, 2025

    • January 15, 2026

"The Spirit is so very present in these beautiful, organic moments of recognition, of serendipity, of 'Girl, you too?!' punctuated by head nods of agreements, quiet tears, melodious laughter."

Rev. Kentina Washington-Leapheart, Cohort Facilitator

What to Expect on Your Path

Transformative 5-Month Journey

Each cohort is designed as an intentional, guided journey that fosters deep reflection and transformation. Cohorts will be led by experienced, visionary facilitators and designed for deep discussion and shared learning,

    • Two virtual gatherings in September 2025

    • One in-person retreat October 6-9, 2025, near Austin, TX

    • One monthly virtual gathering will take place from October through January.

    • Opportunity to share learnings at the Participant Showcase in January 2026, open to the entire NSP Community!

Immersive In-Person Retreat at Lucky Arrow in Texas Hill Country

Each participant will receive an exclusive invitation to our 4 day retreat at the Lucky Arrow Retreat Center in Texas Hill Country, October 6 - 9, 2025.

Supportive Community and Curated Resources

You won’t just learn—you’ll join a network peers and mentors who understand your unique challenges. Expect lifelong connections, collaborative learning, and access to carefully curated resources.

Cohort sessions will also feature special guest speakers and facilitators who bring unique perspectives, engaging activities, and expertise on topics relevant to each cohort.

Your Guides Along the Way

Rev. Kyndra Frazier

The Peacock Facilitator

Rev. Kyndra Frazier was recognized by the Root 100 as one of the Most Influential African-Americans for breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations in the field of mental health. She is a licensed therapist and has served as a Baptist clergywoman for over a decade.

Kyndra served as the Associate Pastor of Congregational Care and Wellness at First Corinthian Baptist Church, as well as the Founding Executive Director of the HOPE Center, a church-affiliated mental health facility, both located in Central Harlem of New York City from 2016-2020. During her tenure there she was awarded the American Psychiatric Association's Achievement Award for Innovation in the Mental Health Field.

Kyndra is currently the CEO and Personal and Professional Life Alignment Strategist of KYND Consulting Inc., a mental health and wellness boutique that supports individuals, couples, families and organizations in thriving through therapeutic services, coaching, organizational development and change consulting, and trauma-informed training.

Kyndra has been featured in multiple print and digital publications including Vice Magazine, New York Times, Sojourners Magazine, and VoyageATL Magazine.

Kyndra holds a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology, Emory University, a Master of Social Work from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from North Carolina A&T State University. She is currently a Business Doctoral candidate in Bowling Green State University's Organization Development and Change program.

Rev. Alexis Fuller-Wright (she/her)

The Social Weaver Facilitator

Rev. Alexis Fuller-Wright (she/her) is the Designated Pastor of Salem UCC in Doylestown, PA. She has joyfully served
congregations in New Jersey, Iowa, Maine, California, and Pennsylvania, as well an interim term as the Associate Conference Minister of the Maine Conference, United Church of Christ.

In 2014 Alexis was selected to participate in the Next Generation Leadership Initiative, a decade-long program sponsored by the Pension Boards of the United Church of Christ that works with young clergy committed to parish ministry. Alexis represents a new generation of leadership within the United Church of Christ (UCC) who have been called by the Spirit to bring new life and energy into the church. She frequently consults with congregations on topics related to church revitalization.

Alexis received her Master of Divinity from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA and her certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Phoenix Center of Spiritual Direction. She is married to Liz, a science writer for Princeton University, and they spend their non-working hours keeping up with their two very active kiddos.

Dr. Tiffanie Lanelle Mackey

Nightingale Facilitator Team

Dr. Tiffanie Lanelle Mackey, M.Div, D.Min. is an organizational strategist and policy consultant with a deep commitment to equity, faith-based advocacy, and community empowerment. With extensive experience in policy development, civic engagement, and nonprofit strategy, she brings a unique perspective to the preached word, centering the voices of historically marginalized communities and experiences.

Rev. Kyndall Rae Rothaus

Nightingale Facilitator Team

Rev. Kyndall Rae Rothaus is a preacher, poet, feminist theologian, spiritual director, and preaching coach. She is the author of Thy Queendom Come: Breaking Free from Patriarchy to Save Your Soul (2021) and Preacher Breath (2015). She is the cofounder and Executive Director of Nevertheless She Preached, a national conference designed to elevate the voices of women on the margins and the founder of Kindle Your Soul Fire where she works with individuals healing from religious trauma. 

Testimonials

"These foundations of community and transparency offer grace to heal my own woundedness as well as hope as we step forward as co-creators in ecumenical relationships."

Rev. Janie Koch, 2024 Cohort Member

"My time with the cohort is time to actually breathe. Time to be, time to heal, time to laugh, time to slide deeper into who I am. I'm so deeply grateful for this space of liberative community."

Rev. Angela Wells, 2024 Cohort Member

"Being queer in the clergy role is unique, and it is something truly special when we can connect as clergy and queer. It is a very different experience than some of our colleagues have in their lives."

Rev. Courtney McHill, 2024 Cohort Member

Lucky Arrow Retreat Center

Nestled in the picturesque Texas Hill Country, Lucky Arrow Retreat Center offers stunning natural surroundings perfect for relaxation and inspiration. Participants will enjoy comfortable lodging and delicious meals while connecting and building community with their cohort.

The Timeline

    • Applications Open: April 15

    • Applications Due: May 30

    • Decisions Announced: July 1

    • Deposit of $100 Due July 15 (your deposit counts towards your full payment)

    • Book Travel to Austin by September 1 (if applicable) 

    • Cohorts Commence in September with two virtual sessions

    • In-person Retreat at Lucky Arrow Resort in Dripping Springs will be held October 6-9, 2025. 

    • Monthly virtual session from October 2025 through and January 2026

    • Opportunity to share learnings at the Participant Showcase in January 2026, open to the entire NSP Community!

  • Cost: $500 Per Person (Value:$3,000)

    • Pay in full by July 15 or in monthly installments as follows: 

      • $100 Due July 15

      • $200 Due August 15

      • $200 Due September 15

    • Need assistance with your cohort fee? We have curated a sample letter that can be sent to potential donors, family, friends, employers, deans, and anyone who might be willing to contribute toward your fees.

  • Complete the online application linked below, which includes:

    1. Uploading a Virtual Video Cover Letter

    2. Answering Three Short Essay Questions (300 words or less)

    3. Signing the Commitment Letter

    4. Requesting Two Reference Letters- to be submitted here:

    Apply Here!

Let’s Rest & Reimagine Together—

Are You Ready?

FAQs

  • We are asking all participants to be willing to show up authentically and ready to learn, share, and grow! In order to make this happen all participants are required to attend ALL online gatherings and the in-person retreat, fulfill their financial requirements on the due dates, and participate in the final showcase. Please read the commitment letter for more details and ensure you are aware of the level of commitment required.

  • Applications close on May 30, and we cannot accept late submissions due to the selection process. Be sure to submit everything on time to be considered!

  • Each cohort is designed with a unique focus:

    • Peacock Cohort: For queer female, non-binary, or genderqueer clergy seeking a supportive, affirming space for growth, solidarity, and self-care.

    • Social Weaver Cohort: For those interested in reimagining church practices and challenging traditional structures of power, leadership, and liturgy.

    • Nightingale Cohort: For preachers and teachers who want to explore conversational preaching—a non-hierarchical, collaborative, and transformative approach to preaching.

    If you’re still unsure, consider your personal goals: Are you looking for personal support, church transformation, or a new way to preach?

    You are permitted to apply for more than one cohort, but you will be asked to indicate your order of preference within the application.

  • We understand your concern. If we didn’t think it was safe, we would not invite you! However, please follow your own instincts. You will be arriving at the Austin airport. Austin is a very queer-friendly city. After that, you will ride by shuttle with other cohort members to the retreat center in Dripping Springs, so you will be with the NSP community from the time you exit the airport to the time you return.

  • Absolutely! Each cohort welcomes traditional and non-traditional clergy, faith leaders, seminary students, and teachers who are actively engaged in ministry or church spaces.

  • Due to the generosity of the Carpenter Foundation, Lilly Foundation, and various sponsors, EVERYONE’S fee has been discounted by $2,500! If the remaining scholarship fee of $500 is still not affordable for you, we have provided a template you can use to ask your congregation, community, or organization to sponsor you.

    Template here.