MEN IN LEADERSHIP

The Men in Leadership Cohort focuses on sustainable, inside-out leadership for men in leadership or men who desire to be in leadership without feeling exhausted, isolated, or burdened by the spiritual weight of leading in various environments.

The PAX Fellowship

In-Person Retreat
The Fellowship includes an in-person retreat August 28-30 in Scottsdale, AZ. Canadian Fellows: August 29 in GTA.

15 Virtual Sessions
Contemplation, instruction, and connection for two hours twice monthly at 4PM PST; September 2026 to April 2027.

2 Spiritual Direction Sessions
Attend one-on-one contemplative sessions for mental health and spiritual life from a spiritual director of Color.

PAX Showcase
Contribute within your cohort to the culminating showcase for the PAX community in April 2027.

Monthly Keynotes
Learn from leading voices on contemplative activism and cultural identity.

Group Facilitation
Learn from expert facilitators in your area of focus to further your craft and call.

The Men in Leadership cohort focuses on sustainable, inside-out leadership for men in leadership or men who desire to be in leadership without feeling exhausted, isolated, or burdened by the spiritual weight of leading in various environments.

  • It is designed for men who lead (or plan to lead) in their workplace, church, family, or community and are seeking depth, clarity, and brotherhood beyond conferences or books.

  • This cohort centers on discovering one’s leadership posture (Builder, Reformer, or Expander) while developing the inner life, relational skills, and practices needed to lead with wholeness and longevity.

  • The cohort is facilitated by Danny Brister, Jr., a seasoned leader and Emotionally Healthy Discipleship Practitioner with over 16 years of experience in faith-based leadership development, justice work, and pastoral ministry living in Birmingham, AL, with his wife and daughter, and currently writing a book on leadership lessons from King David's life.

  • Sessions run biweekly from September to May, covering topics such as spiritual disciplines, sustainable rhythms, relational leadership, systems leadership, and legacy.

  • Fellows participate in collaborative groups and online spaces, are expected to engage and follow community etiquette, and complete a culminating project.

Danny Brister, Jr.

Men in Leadership Cohort Facilitator

Danny knows what it's like to lead in hard places. For over 16 years, he's worked at the intersection of faith, justice, and leadership development, first in municipal government, then in pastoral leadership, and now through Forged: Birmingham Leadership Foundation, where he develops gospel-centered leaders through cohorts, coaching, and community. An Emotionally Healthy Discipleship Practitioner, Danny has trained leaders at Christian Community Development Association, Chick-fil-A, and churches and nonprofits across the country. He also serves as Interim Pastor at Grace Church Birmingham, and is a PAX Alumni. Danny writes at Act Justly Love Mercy, lives in Birmingham, AL, with his wife and daughter, and is writing a book on leadership lessons from King David's life.

FELLOWSHIP FAQ

Here are the most frequently asked questions about The PAX Fellowship.

TESTIMONIALS

“PAX is so foundational in my true unashamed journey partnering my creativity and my walk with Christ. My creativity hasn’t been at a greater high.”

Mallory Ferguson
PAX Alumni | 2023-2024 Fellow

“In the PAX Fellowship, the people that entered the cohort with me were brave and vulnerable, they used their writing to marry justice, to marry resistance, and to marry advocacy into their creativity.”

Jean Carlo Martinez
PAX Alumni | 2024-2025 Fellow
| 2025-2026 Fellow