Zack Eswine and Mark Ryan offer two cohorts to cultivate your wisdom formation. The first is called "A Wiser Heart." The textbook for it is Zack's book, Wiser with Jesus. We focus on wisdom and discernment in relationships and how that growing discernment shapes skill sets like decision-making, time management, and purpose in our life seasons. 

Our second cohort is called "A Wiser Voice." The textbook is Zack's forthcoming book, Sage Hope. How do we speak into personal dilemmas, relational challenges, and cultural questions when those we're speaking with don't believe in Jesus, don't agree with us, or both? 

We help you bring the questions of your life and ministry into conversation with the wisdom of Jesus

“Sage Christianity cohorts have made me a more thoughtful pastor… Zack’s insight, experience, and passion, along with the study resources provided throughout the course, have created a refreshing mentoring experience for pastors and church leaders like me.”
— Bruwer Vroon (Pastor, Grace Church, Hamilton, New Zealand)

  • 8 online hours of real-time teaching, discussion, encouragement, and asking of your real-life questions with Zack

  • A one to two-day in-person retreat with Zack and your fellow cohort members.

  • The kinship and encouragement of having fellow leaders join you in prayer and helping you in your ministry, even as you encourage and help them, too.

  • Exclusive access to the content of Zack’s forthcoming book, Sage Hope.

What You’ll Receive

from Your Cohort

“I’m deeply grateful for the Sage Cohorts and the content Zack has created. Though I have been in full-time ministry for more than a decade, I had a very limited understanding of the Bible’s wisdom lens. Now, I’m able to see it more clearly in many places… I highly recommend Sage cohorts to anyone beginning their journey as a leader in ministry or to those who have served for many years. It has been profoundly enriching to my faith and ministry.””
— Lee Ruppel, Faith & Work for Young Professionals - a ministry of Cru City
A man in a light-colored shirt holding a microphone and speaking at a podium inside a room with brick walls and blue abstract banners.

Zack Eswine

Zack pastors at Riverside Church and is the co-founder of Sage Christianity with his wife Jessica. He formerly served as Director of Homiletics and Scholar-in-Residence at the Francis Schaeffer Institute (FSI) at Covenant Seminary. A writer and pastor, Zack’s books include Recovering Eden: The Gospel According to Ecclesiastes, Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression, Preaching to a Post-Everything World, and The Imperfect Pastor. 

A man standing at a lectern speaking to an audience inside a church, with a brick wall, religious artwork, and blue hanging banners in the background.

Mark Ryan

Mark is an evangelist and apologist serving as the Executive Director of Sage Christianity. He previously served as the Director of the Francis Schaeffer Institute (FSI) at Covenant Seminary after pastoring in the United States and in his home country of Australia. Mark also spent numerous years working with L’Abri Fellowship, a ministry begun by Francis and Edith Schaeffer. Mark and his wife Terri are well known in our city for the way they open their lives and their home to those who question God, are done with church, feel at a loss with faith or who feel curious but suspicious about Christianity. 

FAQs

  • Men and women, who serve in paid and volunteer ministry roles, in congregations, on campuses, and for ministry organizations.

  • • 4 live video zoom calls with your cohort, 8 hours of online instruction and Q&A

    • One to two day in-person residency, depending upon location

    • A private online discussion community with Zack, Mark, members of the Sage Community team, and your cohort

    • Access to video sessions to rewatch or watch for the first time if you missed a session

    • Access to personal coaching with Zack, Mark, or one of the Sage Christianity team, along with peer encouragement during the cohort residency

    • A list of recommended readings, audio recordings, and videos to help you grow a wiser heart for ministry leadership.

  • $150, plus residency travel, with an invitation for those who are able to make a donation to help offset Zack’s travel costs.

    We trust God with a “whatever you can afford” policy which means that we don’t want our recommended cohort amount to hinder anyone who wants to attend. Those who can, often pay a bit more, to offset costs for those churches and leaders with lesser means.

  • Cohorts are limited to 12 people.