For Faith Leaders & Communities
Some of you are looking for a community that will push your own preaching and leadership deeper. Others want to bring Scripture Circles into your church, staff, or team. We do both.
Pastor’s Learning Community
Most pastors get sermon feedback and denominational meetings. Almost none get a place to actually wrestle out loud with what they believe and why. This is that place. There are three ways in.
The Pastor’s Cohort.
A five month learning community for pastors and faith leaders ready to preach and teach with more clarity and courage in this moment. We meet twice a month, the first Monday and third Friday, from 9am to 1pm, January through May. There is curriculum. But it isn't homework due before you show up, it's built to deepen what happens in the room. This is a community for pastors pushing back against Christian nationalism and working to build communities that are just, inclusive, and doing good in the world. Alongside group conversations, participants can meet and get support Lisa and Stephanie, the kind of time pastors rarely get for themselves.
This space is designed for faith leaders who are committed to preaching and teaching in ways that nurture justice and hope. If you’re licensed, ordained, or guiding other leaders, you’ll likely find it a fit. Curious but not sure? Reach out and we'll talk it through.
Fee: $1600. Cost shouldn't decide who gets to be here. Limited scholarships are available, and we can help you build a fundraising plan.
Interested? Contact Steph or Lisa
Fall Open Circles.
Two gatherings each fall, open to any pastor or faith leader, cohort member or not. A chance to experience how we work before committing to the full cohort, or to stay connected if you've already been through it.
Dates: TBD
Fee: $30 per person
Winter Retreat.
A gathering for current cohort members and alumni. Time to go deeper together, out of the twice-a-month rhythm and into shared space.
Open to current pastor cohort participants and alumni only.
Church & Community Partnerships
We can bring 40 Orchards into your church staff, your home group, your team.
Some of our longest running circles didn't start with us. They started with someone who asked us in. We lead with the same format every time: rooted in text, held in communal wisdom, open to more than one perspective. There is no hierarchy or answer key. Every voice in the room teaches us something about who God is and what it means to be human.
One Time Open Circle
A single gathering that meets your community where they are. We check in first, offer three or four passage options, and the group chooses where to go. A good entry point if your community is curious about a different way of reading Scripture.
Length: 2 hours · Virtual or in-person (Twin Cities) · $300
Thematic Circles
The same format as an open circle, but with a chosen focus. This could be a one-time deep dive or an ongoing monthly or quarterly series.
Suggested themes: Justice, Shalom, Chesed, Rhythm and Rest, Human Goodness and Mutual Flourishing, Queerness.
Length: 3 hours · Virtual or in-person (Twin Cities) · $500
Formation Day for Your Leaders
A full day Scripture Circle, with a shared table and leadership development. We do the work, and we also talk about how we're doing it: how to ask better questions, how to hold communal wisdom, how to create conditions for honest conversation. It is built around a theme or left open, and works best when it includes a meal together. Built for leadership teams, elder boards, and staff cohorts ready to go deeper together.
Length: 7 hours, including a meal break · In-person (Twin Cities) · $1000
Most communities start with an Open Circle and come back for a themed series. We're happy to think through what fits your community. To start a conversation, contact Steph or Lisa.
As a 501(c)3, all fees paid to 40 Orchards are tax-deductible.