The United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance, the charitable arm of the Pension Boards, is pleased to announce that the application season for the next cohort of pastors to participate in the Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI) is open. NGLI is a leadership development initiative that equips, energizes, and empowers younger United Church of Christ local church pastors to build vibrant congregations that change lives and further God's mission in the world. If you don’t know much about the initiative, please watch this video to see and hear participants describe the transformative experience.

Each year about 15 pastors are selected through a competitive application process to form a cohort and begin a multi-year learning journey together. Participation in NGLI includes:

• Six years of advanced training, education, and field trips to hone pastoral leadership skills and gifts for service to the Church
• A cohort of colleagues that encourages, challenges, and reflects on the life of a local church pastor in these rapidly changing times
• A financial incentive—a $6,000 seed contribution to the participant’s Annuity Plan account, which should have a value of approximately $45,000 at the end of a 35-year career

The ideal candidate is someone who is:

• 35 years of age or under by June 1, 2021
• Authorized for ministry in and on behalf of the UCC by an Association/Conference
• Served a total of five years or less as an authorized minister in a parish
• Hold a called position of 20 hours per week or more in a parish setting
• Committed to long-term ministry in local churches of the United Church of Christ

The intent to apply form and supporting documentation deadline is February 1. The video application deadline is March 1. For more information about the application process, please go here. For questions, please contact Rev. Krista Betz, Director of Leadership Initiatives at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..