Let’s get started…
It is with great excitement that I can officially say, Welcome to the very first Ministry Strong Cohort!
As I’m sure you already can tell, a great deal of prayer, planning and coordination has gone into creating this cohort. All the applications, surveys, emails, and confidentiality agreements have finally brought us to this place – a place that I’m hoping will become a very special and sacred community for you to grow, inspire and encourage one another in a deeply meaningful way.
I’m sure you have a lot of questions as we get started, so this first monthly post will mostly focus on “housekeeping announcements,” but in the future - we’ll share much more than that. (That said - if you have a burning question that isn’t answered in this post, feel free to comment below or email team@lisawhittle.com.)
About the group meetings
On your homepage dashboard, you’ll find the dates for all our online group meetings, so go ahead and save the dates on your calendar and set a reminder on your phone to attend. As mentioned in the “Cohort Agreement” you signed - we really want to make these group gatherings a priority. Each month, we’ll be focusing in on one of the topics I mentioned in my post “12 Things that Hinder Women in Ministry” so get ready for some powerful discussions! Each meeting will last 45-60 minutes, so come ready to listen, ready to share, and ready to receive!
About the group chat
In between our monthly group meetings, we wanted to provide a private space where you can continue to chat, encourage and connect with one another on a regular basis. (After all - that’s what this group is all about!) In order to facilitate this, we’ll be using the app, GroupMe. This allows us to ensure your phone numbers and emails are kept private, but you can easily chat from your mobile device at any time. After the cohort is over, feel free to exchange contact info with other members if you wish, but during our 6-months together, let’s keep all communication on the app to ensure ease, safety, and no one is excluded.
Additionally, this was mentioned briefly in the Cohort Agreement everyone signed, but as you chat on the app, let’s keep in mind what this cohort is all about. Create a space that’s safe, Christ-centered, and focused on conversations that inspire and challenge one another to serve Jesus with integrity for the long-haul.
What does that mean on a practical level?
Be real. Be relational. Be yourself. But be intentional. Not every message in the chat needs to be a Bible verse, prayer request, or ministry-related question, BUT it’s also not the place for funny cat memes, recipe swaps or political opinions. Be mindful of each other’s time zones, quiet hours, and how often you text. You can always customize your notifications, but let’s be respectful as well. Deal? :)
Below you’ll find instructions on how to download the app, and in your email, you’ll receive instructions on how to join your specific cohort group chat. (*Yes! We actually have not one cohort - but three! We had so many incredible women apply, we simply couldn’t turn away any more, so be sure to join the right group chat!)
About your first assignment
Once you’ve joined your GroupMe chat, we’ve got some [fun!] homework for you. Before our first group meeting, we’d like everyone to introduce themselves to the group by sending a short video.
For those who are camera-shy or tech-challenged, we know this can sound like a daunting task, but we promise - it has purpose and is worth your time!
Believe it or not, 6 months will FLY BY, so we want to make the most of our time together and jump-start the “getting to know you process” before that first group call.
Here are a few simple guidelines for your video:
In GroupMe, tap the (+) icon beside the chat bar to add photos or videos to your message. Depending on your preferences, you can "MANAGE” your photo settings to “ALLOW ALL” or “SELECT SPECIFIC” ones.
Keep it simple! Camera phone is fine. No fancy setup is needed. (You don’t even have to dress up if you don’t want to!) Let’s keep it real.
In your video greeting, be sure to answer these 5 questions:
What is your name/city/state?
Who do you do life with?
What is your ministry role(s)?
What’s something you’re praying for?
What’s something you’re celebrating?
Once you’ve shared those things, hit send & feel free to start chatting with the other gals!
About the retreat
Last but not least, I know the burning question on everyone’s mind is: When is the retreat?
We are looking forward to gathering in person with as many cohort members as can join, so based on everyone’s survey responses, we’re allowing more time for planning and travel prep by scheduling a retreat in February 2026. We’ll discuss specific dates on our first call, but for now - save the date for February 20-21st!
Again - I cannot say enough about how excited I am to begin this journey with you, and whatever the next 6-months hold, I know God can do great and mighty things through women who are unified in community and completely surrendered to His will, His purpose and His plans. Let’s go, ladies!