news article
Preaching with Purpose: Inside the Rest. Work. Play. cohort experience
June 25, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Tuesday, June 24, the Rev. Abigail Browka and Pastor Bekah Solar, both serving as Associate Directors of Missional Excellence, hosted a Preachers: Rest. Work. Play virtual open house to discuss the Compelling Preaching Initiative.
This four-year initiative is designed to help preachers cultivate healthy rhythms of rest, work, and play through a ten-month cohort experience. Why just ten months? Because preachers are busy—the program is intentionally designed to support their ministry without adding stress, especially during demanding seasons like Advent and Lent.
The initiative is described as a life-giving opportunity for Upper New York (UNY) preachers to practice healthy rhythms of rest, work and play. Any Upper New York (UNY) preacher, regardless of clergy or laity status, who preaches at least twice a month in a church or ministry in UNY can apply to be a part of a future cohort.
These virtual open houses are an opportunity for anyone interested to meet Abigail and Bekah, explore the vision, and ask questions about what it means to be part of a cohort. You can learn more by clicking here.
Cohorts typically range from eight to 15 participants. Interest has been high, with more applications received than can be accommodated, leading to a waiting list for those hoping to join. Unfortunately, not everyone who applies will be selected to participate.
"Once invited to join their cohort, participants begin their journey with an Opening Renewal Trip away, which helps them shed the day-to-day distractions and renew through rest and play,” said Rev. Browka.
So far, two cohorts have formed and experienced renewal trips outside of New York. The first cohort traveled to Belize in January 2025 and the second cohort traveled to Savannah, Georgia in May 2025. The third cohort is scheduled to travel to Puerto Rico at the beginning of 2026. Click here to watch a recap of the Belize trip and click here to see what two preachers said about their experience in Savannah.
At first, cohort members may only know each other’s names, but soon they’ll step into the unknown together—living, learning, and growing through shared experiences that challenge them and draw them closer, fostering deep, lasting relationships. This marks the start of a new community and the unfolding of something God is doing.
“Preachers often feel isolated from one another, and this experience helps bridge that gap—offering a supportive, connected space where genuine friendships and community can take root” explained Pastor Solar.
United Methodists of Upper New York was awarded a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. in October 2023 aimed at fostering and supporting preaching that inspires, encourages, and guides people to come to know and love God allowing the creation of Preachers: Rest. Work. Play. for United Methodists of Upper New York.
The next virtual session is planned for Tuesday, July 15: 7–7:30 p.m. Click here to join via Zoom.