EPIC

Empowering Pioneers for Impact and Change

Where Jesus Meets Justice.

Where Church Becomes Movement.

About the Program

Why EPIC, and Why Now?

EPIC is a leadership and discipleship experience created for pastors, ministers, and church leaders committed to leading at the intersection of Jesus and justice.

As DEI is dismantled, communities of color are under attack, and Christian relevance is increasingly questioned, we believe the Black church must reclaim its role—not just as a sanctuary, but as a strategy for community transformation.

EPIC offers a space to learn, unlearn, build, and activate biblically rooted leadership rooted in cultural competency, equity, advocacy, and bold love.

What You'll Experience

A Spirit-Filled Structure for Real Change

12 Bi-Weekly Sessions

A dynamic semi-structured schedule.

Real-Life Assignments

Apply what you learn in your ministry and community right away.

3 Core Workshops

Required workshops that anchor your journey in action and theology.

Virtual Community

All sessions held live via Zoom. Recordings available.

Live Coaching & Peer Support

Learn in community with other movement-driven leaders.

Post-Program Reflection

3 monthly follow-up sessions to reinforce and sustain impact.

Core Workshops
The Foundation of the EPIC Program

Our core workshops are the bedrock of the EPIC program, meticulously designed to both challenge and empower church leaders. Each session seamlessly integrates theoretical insights with hands-on practice, ensuring that participants not only learn about but actively engage in the changes they aim to effect. If your goal is to elevate your abilities in cultural competency, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, or to broaden your church’s impact, these workshops are crucial. They equip you with the essential tools and knowledge for profound transformation. Attendance at these workshops is compulsory for all participants, laying a solid foundation for further exploration in our elective sessions.

Hands and Hearts
Serving with Love and Justice

Dive into the practicalities of service and the emotional and spiritual motivations that drive social justice work. This workshop provides tools for integrating love and justice into every aspect of your ministry.

Mobilizing for Justice
Activating Your Congregation

Focusing on understanding the theological basis for social justice within the Christian faith, particularly how Jesus’s teachings guide us in advocating for and implementing justice in our communities.

Beyond the Walls
Church as a Catalyst for Social Change

Learn to extend your impact beyond the physical confines of the church by engaging with the broader community in meaningful ways. This workshop explores innovative approaches to community involvement and social change.

What You’ll Walk Away With

Stronger Leadership Grounded in Justice and Theology

Tools to Activate Your Congregation in Real-World Action

Ability to build a National Network of Faith-Based Change Agents

Language and Strategy to lead Across Lines of Difference

Confidence to Serve, Speak, and Stand Boldly for Equity

Your Learning Journey

Diversity and Inclusion in Faith Settings

Overview of DEI concepts tailored to religious organizations

The Historical Role of the Church in Social Justice

Exploration of the church's legacy as a social justice institution

Cultural Competency for Church Leaders

Understanding and appreciation of multiple cultures and cultural differences

Effective Communication Across Cultures

Techniques to improve communication in and across diverse environments

Building Inclusive Church Communities

Strategies for fostering inclusivity in congregations

Advocacy and Allyship in Church Leadership

How to be an effective ally for marginalized communities.

Designing Equity-Focused Outreach Programs

Development of programs that address inequalities and support marginalized groups.

Leveraging Technology for Inclusive Ministry

Use of digital tools to enhance accessibility and inclusion.

Managing Difficult Conversations on Race and Equity

Guidance on handling sensitive discussions effectively.

Sustainability in Social Justice Efforts

How to Ensure long-term impact and support for DEI initiatives

Leading Through Crisis and Change

Tools and skills for leading congregations during challenging times

Program Capstone and Future Planning

Review of learnings, sharing of work, and planning of future DEI efforts.

Is EPIC Right for You?

Pastors and Ministers

Church Staff and Volunteers

Faith-Based Nonprofit Leaders

Emerging Justice-Oriented Church Leaders

Meet The Instructors

Our instructors are seasoned leaders in their fields, bringing decades of experience in ministry leadership, diversity training, and community engagement.

Jimez Ashby Jr.

Culture, Equity and

Human-Centered Design

Dr. Ashley Gaddy Robbins

Social Justice and

Authentic Leadership

Ericka Brownlee-Keller

Equitable Impact and Social Responsibility & Governance

Join the Movement!

Apply to Cohort 2025

Looking for more...

See our Frequently Asked Questions for more insight and details.

FAQs

Join Our Instructor Team

We Are Seeking Instructors For The Following Roles:

Church Leader

Proven experience in pastoral roles or church administration.
Ability to relate theological concepts to modern social justice issues.
Skilled in mentoring and leadership development.

Digital Content Strategist

Expertise in strategic communication within diverse and multicultural settings.
Experience in public speaking and effective communication training.
Knowledge of digital communication tools for engaging community outreach.

Interfaith Leader & Dialogue Facilitator:

Experience in promoting cooperation and understanding across different faith groups.
Skilled in creating inclusive environments and fostering mutual respect.
Background in theology or comparative religion is preferred.

Additional Information

Requirements:

Proven expertise in the relevant field.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Experience in teaching or facilitating groups, both online and in-person.
Passionate about empowering church leaders through education and development.
Flexible schedule to accommodate program timings and participant needs.

Benefits:

Opportunity to impact church leaders nationwide and beyond.
Work with a diverse team of experts dedicated to social change and community enrichment.
1099 contract opportunity with flexible terms.

How to Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you are a good fit for the EPIC program. Include any relevant certifications and references. Applications should be sent to hr@thirdeyesynergy.com.

We look forward to expanding our team with passionate and skilled professionals ready to make a significant impact!