The CCDA Leadership Cohort is designed to bring together CCD leaders who are demonstrating leadership in their local communities and beyond. Each Cohort consists of 20 diverse leaders who journey together for two years developing deep friendships shaped by mentor-to-peer and peer-to-peer relationships—much like the original founders of CCDA.

Requirements for Cohort #7

• Ages 25 - 40
• Active membership in CCDA.
• Serving in a primary leadership capacity with a CCDA organization or a local community.
• Have a history of participating in CCDA events or activities (e.g. attending the National Conference).
• Characterized as a person "above reproach" (I Tim. 3:1-10). 

Expectations

During cohort years:

• Read all assigned materials
• Full preparation and participation in four 4-day retreats.
• Full participation in two National Conferences over a two-year period. Cohort members will be expected to volunteer and are encouraged to submit a National Conference Workshop Proposal.
• Serve on a CCDA Board Committee when assigned.
• Continued relationship building between formal activities/retreats.
• Payment of a one-time $750 Leadership Cohort Fee within 30 days of notification of your acceptance to the Cohort. Arrangements for a payment plan are available upon request.

After completing the program:

• Represent CCDA as "ambassadors" for Christian Community Development through activities including, but not limited to: hosting CCDA events (e.g. CCDA Cafés), continuing to serve on a CCDA Board Committee, and investing in the growing network of Cohort Leaders.

Schedule

Cost

Each Cohort participant is responsible for paying their $750 Leadership Cohort Fee (covers room & board for four retreats) and covering their own transportation, lodging, and food costs related to two National Conferences. We have estimated the costs in the table below. These costs will vary based upon individual travel expenses to the gatherings and lodging/meal choices for the two National Conferences.

Application

To apply for the next CCDA Leadership Cohort (Cohort #7) please apply online or download an Application Form and submit a completed application by Monday, Febrary 15, 2016. A completed application consists of:

1. Application Form (Personal information and Reference information)
2. Essay Questions answered in written or video format (essay questions are found in the Application Form): Written format should be 300-500 words per question; Video format should be no longer than 7-10 minutes. We are providing the options of either written or verbal formats for the responses because we recognize that some people will be stronger in composition while others are stronger orally.
3. Recommendation Letter: Send one letter of recommendation to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . This should be from a leader who has known you for several years and fulfills the following requirements: 1) Has personal knowledge of your ministry 2) Serves in a primary leadership capacity (i.e. Senior Pastor, Executive Director, Board Chairperson, etc.) in a partner organization.

How to Submit

We are offering several ways to submit your application. You can complete the application online or send a hard copy of the application to the attention of Dave Clark. You may also submit the responses to the essay questions by video.

• Click here to access online application
• Download a PDF of the application
• Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Mail: CCDA (Attn: Dave Clark), 3827 W. Ogden Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623
• Fax: 773.475.6303 (Attn: Dave Clark)
• Videos: upload your video to YouTube (create an account if you do not have one) and email the link to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Applications must be dated or postmarked by Monday, February 15, 2016.