Leader Track FAQs

Local LAB is an eight-week, local leadership-development experience that happens at your specific New Life location. It helps emerging leaders grow in practical ministry skills, self-awareness, and calling alongside their current responsibilities and local church community.

Leadership Cohort is a one-year, structured and relational journey for leaders from across New Life. It brings together a consistent peer group from multiple locations for deeper formation, coaching, and shared learning over time.

Pastoral Residency is a one-year, immersive, hands-on pathway for those discerning or preparing for vocational pastoral ministry. It is a centralized New Life experience that brings together participants from across our church. Residents receive intentional mentoring, ministry experience, and development in the core competencies needed to serve as a pastor.

In short, Local LAB is an eight-week experience that helps you develop where you serve; Leadership Cohort is a one-year experience that helps you grow alongside leaders from across New Life; and Pastoral Residency is a one-year practical apprenticeship that prepares you for pastoral ministry.

Yes—there are prerequisites for some of the Leader Track experiences.

Local LAB is open to anyone. Your Location Pastor may invite you to participate, or you can ask them about joining an upcoming LAB.

Leadership Cohort requires completion of Local LAB.

Pastoral Residency requires completion of the Leadership Cohort.

Rare exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Talk with your Location Pastor or reach out to Pastor Dan Leverence if you have questions about your next step or eligibility.

Local LAB meeting times are determined by each New Life location. Your Location Pastor can give you the specific schedule and details for your campus.

Leadership Cohort and Pastoral Residency meet on Monday nights. Most gatherings take place on Zoom, with in-person meetings approximately once per month.

The right program depends on where you are in your leadership journey and what God may be inviting you into next.

Local LAB is a great fit if you want to take the next step in leadership development at your New Life location through an eight-week experience.

Leadership Cohort is for leaders ready to make a one-year commitment to deeper formation, coaching, and growth alongside leaders from across New Life.

Pastoral Residency is for those who are discerning a call to vocational pastoral ministry or actively preparing to pursue it through a one-year, hands-on apprenticeship.

If you are unsure, start by talking with your Location Pastor. They can help you discern the best next step based on your calling, current season, and leadership goals.

No. You must secure your own housing in order to participate in our programs.

No. These experiences are developmental opportunities, and participants are not compensated.