Pastors Michael Coffey, First English, Austin; Jason Korthauer, St. Andrew’s, San Antonio; and Greg Ronning, Texas Lutheran University are part of a male spirituality cohort group awarded one of eight grants for continuing education and spiritual formation of church leaders.
The Rev. Steve Cauley, formerly of the synod and now serving in Iowa, and Dr. Antonio Ramirez, pastoral associate at St. Luke’s catholic parish in San Antonio, make up the rest of the cohort group.  The five submitted a proposal to form a male spirituality cohort group to work together on their own spiritual formation and their ministry among men in the church.  During 2012-2013, they will engage in reading, writing, mutual support, wilderness retreats, conferences, and contemplative practices.
The College of Pastoral Leaders  at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary awards grants of $10,000 to eight cohort groups each year to support a two-year process of learning and growth, mutual support and challenge, and strengthening of ministries.  Through the College of Pastoral Leaders, Austin Seminary offers pastors resources to enliven, invigorate and sustain the life of ministry, forming an association of church leaders committed to learning in community, over time, for their own flourishing in ministry and the sake of the Gospel.