BLACK CHURCH CORNERSTONE COLLABORATIVE

The National Association of the Church of God, in partnership with the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, is offering an eight-month cohort program. This initiative is designed to equip, engage, and empower pastors, women in ministry, and ministry leaders to implement practices aligned with Jesus' mandate to make disciples through evangelism. The goal is to help churches adopt creative and empowering evangelism practices. Additionally, this program aims to empower women in ministry by providing innovative practices that help them find or reclaim their voice and value within the church as leaders. The initiative also seeks to reimagine the future possibilities for rural and small-town ministry.

2026 Cohort of Churches

Cedar Avenue COG, Sharon, Pa

Rev. Charles Johnson, Pastor

Elm Street COG, Statesboro, GA

Rev. Dr. Alexander Smith, Pastor

Evening Light COG, Laurens, SC

Rev. Robbie Shortt, Pastor

Fairview COG, Polkton, NC

Rev. Dr. Donna McNair, Pastor

First COG, Marshville, NC

Minister Sharleen Sawyer

First COG, Bennettsville, SC

Rev. Maggie Richardson, Pastor

Hartland COG, Morganton, NC

Rev. Michael Brittain, Pastor

Sixth Street COG, Hartsville, SC

Rev. Reginald Alford, Pastor

Springdale COG, Springdale, MD

Rev. Jimmy Terry, Pastor

United Faith Fellowship, Meadville, PA

Rev. Sylvia Reid, Pastor

Eligibility Criteria

Attend a Church of God. Participate in congregational or public ministry in a rural or small town (20,000 residents or less).
Participate in monthly cohort meetings.
Identify a project to utilize a $3,000 microgrant for rural and small-town ministry.
Attend a cohort gathering at the 2027 National Association of the Church of God Camp Meeting in West Middlesex, PA (July 26–August 1, 2027).

Next Steps

ATTEND ONE OF THE UPCOMING LISTENING SESSSIONS

NOVEMBER 16, 2026 7PM

DECEMBER 15, 2026 7PM

Start Date

2027 Application Opens December 15, 2026 - January 14, 2027

APPLICATION