Grow into the leader you’re called to be
A 5-month faith-based leadership program for Christian leaders ages 21–35 in the NYC Metro area.
Five months. Real growth. Lasting community.
The ALI Emerging Leaders Cohort is a five-month program for Christian leaders ages 21–35 in the New York City Metro area. Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and a collaborative group project, you’ll clarify your identity as a leader, strengthen your character, and build relationships that last well beyond the program.
What You’ll Work Through Together
01 – CORE IDENTITY
Driving Question
Who am I as a leader?
Key Takeaway
What I believe and what I do should be in total alignment.
Key Conversations
We will be working together to develop your core values and foundations as a leader while also discussing our recommended reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. Participants will also be starting a team based project that will be presented at the end of the cohort.
02 – CORE CARE
Driving Question
How do I care for myself as a leader?
Key Takeaway
Becoming and presenting my best self begins with healthy soul care.
Key Conversations
During these sessions we will be working through a soul assessment and discuss our recommended reading Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero. Participants will also begin to engage coaching and development of their personal mission and brand.
03 – PERSONAL MISSION + BRAND = IMPACT
Driving Question
How do I make a difference?
Key Takeaway
When I know who I am, my impact can be clearly defined.
Key Conversations
We will be taking a digital course together from Story Brand, an online course to help you create a clear message that works. Our conversation will also flow from our recommended reading Called to Create by Jordan Raynor.
04 – UNDERSTANDING YOUR WORKING GENIUS
Driving Question
How can I leverage my working genius for the team?
Key Takeaway
Everyone brings a strength to working as a team; when leaders learn to leverage each other’s strengths, we move forward.
Key Conversations
The Working Genius is a productivity and team dynamics framework created by Patrick Lencioni (author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team). It helps individuals and teams understand how they contribute to work best—and where they get frustrated or drained. In this session everyone will have the opportunity to process personal and team based results, while taking a deeper look at how it impacts leading projects and teams.
05 – BUILDING A TEAM & CULTURE
Driving Question
How do I build a team and culture for greater impact?
Key Takeaway
When I understand how team building and culture overlap, I can unlock greater impact in our work.
Key Conversations
Building a team requires a deeper understanding of what kind of culture we want to build as leaders. Culture is the invisible atmosphere—the shared behaviors, beliefs, values, and expectations that shape how people work, relate, and grow together. This impacts everything from how you add new members to who you add to the team.
06 – LEADING THROUGH CONFLICT
Driving Question
How can I effectively lead when conflict and differences arise?
Key Takeaway
Understanding my perceptions and others’ perspectives can help me navigate differences and conflict.
Key Conversations
Conflict in leadership is part of the process that happens when the work is underway. We can learn how to work through conflict guided with Biblical truth and wisdom from experienced leaders in the trenches. These moments provide opportunities to learn, grow, and depend on our faith when we lean in.
07 – BEST PRACTICES IN PRESENTATIONS
Driving Question
How can I effectively communicate when presenting information and pitching ideas?
Key Takeaway
Presenting as a form of communication—when built through story, compelling visuals, clarity, and confidence—can make a lasting impact on the listener.
Key Conversations
Part of our work together is to present a group project to a room full of peers and leaders who will provide feedback. Together we will learn practical tools for your presentation such as visual tools, using constraints for greater clarity, and how to tell a greater story with your presentations.
08 – STAY NETWORKED
Driving Question
How do I make a difference?
Key Takeaway
Ministry is hard—don’t do it alone.
Key Conversations
We will close out by talking through best practices and the importance of staying networked while leading in your context. Participants will also share the results of their long-term projects.
2026–27 Meeting Schedule
September
September 1, 2026
Online Orientation
6:30–8:30 pm
September 8, 2026
In-Person Session
6:30–8:30 pm
September 29, 2026
Online Session
6:30–8:30 pm
October
October 17, 2026
Movement Day
9:00 am–3:00 pm
October 27, 2026
Online Session
6:30–8:30 pm
November
November 10, 2026
Online Session
6:30–8:30 pm
November 17, 2026
Online Session
6:30–8:30 pm
December
December 8, 2026
In-Person Session
6:30–8:30 pm
December 15, 2026
Online Session
6:30–8:30 pm
January
January 5, 2027
Online Session
6:30–8:30 pm
January 25–27, 2027
Pastor’s Prayer Summit
Special Schedule
February
February 9, 2027
In-Person Graduation
6:30–8:30 pm
Meet Your Cohort Leaders
Vandalyn Kennedy
Vandalyn Kennedy is a dynamic figure, blending entrepreneurship with leadership in ministry. With over 20 years of experience, she’s recognized for transcending secular-sacred divides, and empowering individuals to achieve their goals. As the founder of Bridging the Gap (BTG), she offers human capital solutions, including leadership development and consulting services. Vandalyn’s extensive educational background includes degrees from Sarah Lawrence College, Columbia University, and Union Theological Seminary.
Jon McCallon
Jon McCallon is a veteran of full-time ministry for over two and half decades. His 23-year marriage to his wife, Dustye, and the joy of raising their three beautiful daughters, has been a testament to God’s grace unfolding in their lives.
In 2021, he founded a design agency, House Blend, that brings Kingdom ideas to life for busy leaders, and in 2023 launched the Unlocked Conference, a one day event in multiple locations designed to encourage ministry leaders and unlock their ideas.
Josh Miles
Josh Miles has nearly two decades of experience in both ministry and business, helping people and organizations take the next steps towards growth. He currently serves as the Managing Director of Movement.org where he helps implement kingdom vision of transforming New York City and global cities for Christ.
Leading Is Hard
Don’t Do It Alone.
Next Season Starts Fall 2026
We are currently taking applications, apply today!
