Class of 2027: Raising Up to Be Sent
A new year of The Harbor Leadership Collective is underway and with it comes our fourth cohort of young leaders.
The Class of 2027 gathered in August for a kickoff retreat that marked the beginning of a year of growth, exploration, and relationship. Thirteen Young Leaders, representing 13 areas of vocational learning and 10 churches, are stepping into the Harbor experience this year. Their areas of placements are AV/Tech, computer science, Christ-centered counseling, DCE, drama ministry, law, mercy care, pastoral ministry, research & outreach support, teaching, video editing, youth ministry, and worship. Two Young Leaders from Redeemer Lutheran Church in Springfield, Missouri, are also joining us as part of our first virtual pilot cohort.
While each Young Leader's experience looks different, the purpose is shared: to grow in Christ-centered leadership while discovering how their gifts and experiences may shape where God is calling them.
More Than a Kickoff
The kickoff retreat was not simply an introduction to the year ahead. It was an opportunity to begin building the relationships that will help carry these Young Leaders through the year.
Young Leaders spent time getting to know one another, learning alongside their Navigators, participating in worship, and engaging in conversations around personal and spiritual growth. This year's updated curriculum gives both Young Leaders and Navigators a shared foundation for those conversations throughout the year.
We also welcomed Harbor alumni Bella Cloeter back to help lead portions of the retreat. Bella, who participated in The Harbor's pre-pilot year in 2023, shared her experience, led worship, and helped create connections with the new class. Seeing alumni return to invest in the next generation is a meaningful reminder that leadership development doesn't end when a program does. It continues through the relationships we build.
Learning to Lead From the Inside Out
On September 20th the Class of 2027 began exploring leadership characteristics and practices, including courage, vulnerability, accountability, and the values that guide our decisions through our monthly cohort. Together, they considered an important question: What does it look like to lead with Christ at the center?
Their spiritual growth conversations moved even deeper, focusing on identity and purpose. Young Leaders explored who they are, why their identity matters, and how being loved by God shapes the way they understand their purpose and calling.
These conversations are intentionally connected to the places where Young Leaders are already learning and serving. The goal is not simply to prepare them for a future position. It is to help them recognize opportunities to lead right where they are.
A Growing Community
Already, we are seeing meaningful connections take shape within this cohort. Young Leaders are showing genuine curiosity about one another and enthusiasm for the possibilities ahead.
At the same time, The Harbor continues to grow its network of churches investing in this work. This year, Pathfinder, Timothy, St. Paul's, and Redeemer joined our community of participating churches.
That growth matters because young leaders don't develop in isolation. They need people who will notice their gifts, create opportunities for them to practice leadership, ask good questions, and walk alongside them as they discern what comes next.
That is what The Harbor seeks to provide.
The Class of 2027 is only beginning. Over the months ahead, these Young Leaders will continue to learn, serve, ask questions, build relationships, and discover more about the ways they can use their gifts in service to the church and world.
We are grateful for every church, Navigator, teacher, family member, donor, and partner who makes this work possible. And we invite others to join us, because together, we can raise up to send out.
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