Youth & Young Adult Pastors Cohort

Equipping your ministry. Caring for your soul

Equipping & Caring for Youth and Young Adult Pastors…

Youth ministry is one of the most vital—and often most challenging—callings in the church. Many pastors find themselves under-supported, under-trained, and stretched thin. That’s why Cory Fenn (Onward) and Kristen Lascola (Ministry Coach) have come together to offer a unique cohort experience built just for youth and young adult pastors like you.

This isn’t just another conference or training. It’s a coaching journey that combines practical ministry tools with personal spiritual care, helping you thrive in both life and leadership.

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Meet Your Instructors

With decades of ministry experience between them, Cory and Kristen offer a unique balance of wisdom and support. Kristen draws from years of leading in the trenches of youth ministry and training leaders around the world, while Cory brings a heart for strengthening pastors as people and guiding them through the challenges of leadership. Their partnership blends practical strategy with personal encouragement, creating a space where youth and young adult pastors can grow, lead confidently, and last in ministry.

Kristen has been a middle school pastor at North Coast Church in San Diego County for 21 years. While middle schoolers have her heart, she is also passionate about church leadership development. She loves speaking at leadership conferences and equipping pastors and leaders to become healthy and effective for the long haul. She hosts “The Ministry Coach Podcast” with her husband, Jeff, and together they are the founders of the “Youth Ministry Growth Accelerator” program. If she’s not at church (specifically in the middle school room), she’s probably at the nearest Dachshund race or festival, riding her bike, or in the kitchen trying a new recipe. She and her husband have two daughters, 12 years old and 7 years old.

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For the past 18 years, Cory has served in Christian ministry as a pastor, coach, and leader. Out of his own journey with the highs and lows of ministry, he founded Onward, a nonprofit dedicated to caring for, connecting, and equipping young ministry leaders around the world. Through one-on-one coaching, leadership cohorts, retreats, and teaching, Cory has walked alongside hundreds of pastors to help them find strength, clarity, and endurance in their calling. His heart is simple: to see ministry leaders cared for as people, not just producers.

What You’ll Receive:

1-on-1 Coaching Sessions
Personalized mentoring to set goals, build confidence, and navigate the challenges of ministry.
Group Coaching Calls
Learn alongside peers in ministry, share experiences, and gain practical tools you can use right away.
A One-Day In-Person Event
Gather with other youth pastors for connection, encouragement, and practical equipping.
Lifetime Access to YMGA
40+ on-demand youth ministry training videos, monthly coaching calls, and a membership you can transfer if ministry roles change.
Program Dates
Runs from September through December 2025.

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“The opportunity to meet with someone outside of my normal context and receive intentional mentorship helped me gain skills that I will use for the rest of my life. I have a new perspective on leadership that I wouldn't trade for anything.”

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Haley Downey, Youth Pastor, Arbor Road Church

Inside The Cohort

MENTORSHIP

Leadership is a personal thing and there’s no one-size-fits-all template. You’ll be assigned a personal coach who will mentor you in the areas where you, personally, need guidance and growth. Get ready to excel in the places where God has placed you.

GROUP TRAININGS

Hosted twice a month, this is a chance to learn from legends in leadership as they speak about topics that we, as leaders, encounter on a daily basis. You’ll experience crazy growth as you lean into the knowledge of these trusted voices and apply the practical wisdom to your own life.

RETREAT

A huge part of leadership is making meaningful networks and connections. This is a chance to gather in person through a week-long spiritual retreat— a space to solidify all the growth you’ve experienced over the last year. This retreat, is designed to recharge your soul and propel you forward into greater, eternal impact for the kingdom.

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