We partner with Detroiters as we grow the next generation of leaders who act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God

(Micah 6:8)

Through our foundational 10-month Cohort, we equip Detroiters and guests in the city to seek justice, love God, and serve and learn alongside each other. Young adults grow spiritually, learn to live out Christ's love, and confront injustice and inequity alongside our Detroit neighbors. Beyond our 10-month Cohort, we offer ongoing spiritual formation, alumni learning trips, and a lifelong community of friends committed to each other’s growth.

What do we do?

Why do we do this?

Detroit is a city of abundance, home for many of us. We have deep partnerships with Detroiters who have been serving faithfully for decades. Many young leaders serving in the city face significant social, emotional and relational challenges, alongside deep questions about how faith, justice, and theology intersect with their work in challenging places. Cohort Detroit creates a space for theological learning, commitments to justice, deep spiritual formation, and new friendships across neighborhoods, cultures, and Christian traditions.

Who do we work with?

We are guided by a local advisory team, partnered with Detroit non-profits, and housed under our fiscal sponsor, Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church. Our global partner is Resonate Global Mission. 

Our Values

Cohort Detroit began in 2020 as a collaboration between our sister Cohorts, ministry partners, and local Detroit leaders. Though we are locally rooted, we share the common set of values below with our three sister Cohorts in Central America, Eastern Europe, and the Near-East.

Our sister Cohort in Central America was founded in Costa Rica by Jim and Ruth Padilla-DeBorst in 2012 as a grassroots justice & theological-learning community, and we deeply value these global friendships and foundations.

  • Justice & Peace-Making

    Learn about inequality, justice, poverty, privelege, peace-making, and the issues that affect the socially excluded in each context.

  • Service

    Engage in work and leadership formation with vulnerable communities.

  • Intercultural Friendships

    Form a diverse cohort with other young adults and become a community. Engage tough questions and learn from a new perspective.

  • Spiritual Growth

    Let local pastors, mentors, and theologians deepen your relationship with God.

We live the future where young leaders across neighborhoods, cultures, and backgrounds collaborate to join the renewal and hope within Detroit and beyond​.