Mentorship

The Called Initiative | Mentoring Women in Ministry

Discover Your Calling. Step Into Leadership.

What Is The Called Initiative?

The Called Initiative is a 10-month discipleship and leadership development program for evangelical Christian women who sense God calling them into deeper ministry. Through biblical teaching, mentoring relationships, spiritual formation, and practical training, participants receive the support and equipping they need to grow as leaders in the Church and world.

The first cohort launches in February 2026 and is open to women residing in Oregon, with national cohorts to follow.

Why The Called Initiative Exists

Many evangelical women feel a genuine call to serve Christ but lack access to leadership training, role models, and supportive networks. Since the early 2000s, Crown of Life Discipleship Ministries (CLDM) has walked alongside women who have gone on to become chaplains, counselors, pastors, ministry leaders, educators, and Christian creatives.

The Called Initiative continues this legacy by providing:

A biblically grounded mentoring community
A space for deep theological learning
Tools for practical ministry leadership
Guidance for clarifying calling and direction
A network of women who encourage, pray, and grow together

We believe that when women are discipled and equipped, the Church is strengthened and the Gospel multiplies across generations.

What Participants Receive

Every woman accepted into The Called Initiative receives a full program scholarship, which includes:

Monthly leadership and theology classes
A February one-day workshop
A two-day fall retreat that includes professional headshots and the creation of a speaking video
Mentor–mentee meetings throughout the program
A personal ministry webpage developed as part of her capstone project
Speaking and communication coaching

CLDM is also fundraising for an additional educational grant (up to $1,000) for graduates to use toward a ministry-related conference or academic course. We will ask each participant’s church or ministry partner whether they are willing to contribute toward her scholarship.

Program cost to participants: $0

Program Overview (2026)

Format

Length: 10 months
Cohort size: 12 women
Commitment: Monthly 2-hour Zoom sessions, workshop weekends, mentor meetings, and 1–2 hours of weekly assignment work
Location: Hybrid (online + Camp Harlow in Eugene, Oregon)

Curriculum Themes

Scripture & Canon — How the Bible was formed and how we interpret it faithfully
Women in the Bible & Church History — Understanding women’s roles throughout redemption history
A Biblical Theology of Leadership — Leading with wisdom, courage, and Christlike character

Each participant completes a capstone ministry project in her own context or digital ministry space.

Our Beliefs

The Called Initiative is a ministry of Crown of Life Discipleship Ministries, a 501(c)(3) organization. We affirm the National Association of Evangelicals Statement of Faith as the foundation of our teaching.

We also affirm the full participation of women in all areas of Christian ministry, including ordination. We welcome women from both egalitarian and complementarian backgrounds and honor the diversity of ministry contexts in which women serve. We encourage women to discern God’s calling with clarity, wisdom, and freedom.

Who Should Apply?

Women are encouraged to apply if they:

Sense a deeper call to serve Jesus
Are active in ministry or longing to step into it
Desire theological depth and spiritual formation
Want a community of women to learn and grow with
Are ready to commit to attending workshops and classes
Are able to complete 1–2 hours of weekly assignments

No formal ministry title or education is required. Just a clear desire to follow Jesus into whatever He is calling you to do.

Applications

Applications for the 2026 Oregon cohort open Fall 2025 and close January 11, 2026.
All applicants will be notified by January 19, 2026.

Leadership

The Called Initiative is led by Dr. Melisa Ortiz Berry and the Crown of Life Discipleship Ministries team, along with experienced mentors and guest teachers who serve across a wide spectrum of evangelical church traditions.