Formation Cohorts
How we are spiritually formed matters.
Covenant’s Formation Cohort is a nine‑month journey rooted in the conviction that how we are spiritually formed as followers of Jesus truly matters. We believe deeply in the role that spiritual practices play in making our faith richer and more meaningful.
Learning and sharing together in the disciplines Christians have exercised for thousands of years makes them accessible and real in the everyday.
What is a Formation Cohort?
The cohort consists of 20–30 participants and requires full engagement across multiple forms of gathering: four in‑person retreats, both online and in-person small group meetings, and regular spiritual formation assignments. These rhythms of gathering—both in person and online—are intentionally designed to help participants integrate their sacred and secular lives, as we practice formation in our everyday contexts. Participants should expect that engaging in these spiritual practices will require attention and time in their daily lives.
The four in‑person retreats are foundational and require 100% attendance, serving as the primary space for shared formation and community building. This nine-month journey builds relationships across the Covenant community, and allows us to prayerfully discern and strengthen each other’s unique calling and purpose in God’s kingdom.
Testimonials
“If someone told me to spend a year growing spiritually, I don’t know that I would’ve anticipated it being a fun project. But the past several months have been wonderful. I’ve benefited from closer Christian community; I’ve developed more of a longing to know Christ and feel much more comfortable in my prayer life, too. To go through a purposeful process for growing spiritually has been absolutely wonderful. It is a wonderful chance to meet people, deepen relationships and learn to better serve Christ in your daily life.”
Megan Poore
“Participating in the cohort has been a lot of fun and a great learning experience. I’ve learned a variety of spiritual practices that I can now use to enhance my daily walk with Christ. I’ve also been exposed to some different techniques in approaching Bible study that I’ve found to be very helpful. Most of all, I’m enjoying being on the journey with a group of amazing people that make this cohort experience come alive with joy and love.
I wholeheartedly endorse the program for everyone.”
Chuck Volk
Frequently Asked Questions
Participating in a Formation Cohort is a big decision. Covenant members thinking about joining a cohort have several questions. We’ve created a list of those most frequently asked.
The 2026-2027 Cohort retreat dates are as follows:
Retreat 1: Thursday-Saturday, September 10-12, 2025 (Camp Tejas, Giddings)
Retreat 2: Friday-Sunday, January 15-17, 2026 (John Knox Ranch)
Retreat 3: Friday-Saturday, April 9-10, 2026 (Covenant)
Retreat 4: Friday, May 21, 2026 (Covenant)
Covenant’s role in shaping followers of Jesus is so vital to our purpose, we have committed to keeping participant fees affordable.
The participant fee is $250 which helps offset the costs of retreats, food, and materials. Scholarships are available if need be.
There is no experience necessary, however participants must be at least 18 years of age.
Those interested should complete the ’26-’27 Formation Cohort Interest Form, and a member of our team will reach out to you to go over the details and answer any questions you might have. The deadline for submitting the Interest Form is August 7, 2026.
After you fill out the interest form, our cohort team will follow up with you to confirm your participation in the cohort.
In between retreats, cohort participants have monthly video calls with their small group, and short weekly spiritual practices.
No. Retreats are adult only. Unfortunately we are not able to accommodate children.