Program Details

We are accepting applications for the 2026-2027 RCLI Fellowship.

Applications are due June 1.

The RCLI Fellowship is a nine-month leadership program designed for emerging, gospel-centered leaders who want to connect their faith with the needs of metro Richmond.

RCLI selects an annual class of up to 30 members from an array of professions and representing diverse denominational and church affiliations.  Monthly, the Fellows explore our region’s issues and consider them from a Christ-centered perspective.  Faculty are talented leaders who bring the issues to life and illustrate what it is to act upon the values of Jesus.

Time Commitment

The Fellowship runs September through May and includes three primary components each month:

  • Saturday Sessions: One full-day Saturday per month exploring major civic issues facing metro Richmond

  • Leadership Labs: One weeknight seminar per month focused on leadership development and calling

  • Small Groups: One weeknight gathering per month for spiritual formation and discussion (time and place at the discretion of the small group)

The Fellowship begins and concludes with overnight retreats in September and May.

Program Structure

The RCLI Fellowship is a nine month program that runs from September through May. The program’s rhythm and structure are built around our leadership framework: God, Self, and City.

GOD

Spiritual Formation | Small Groups

Fellows meet once a month in small groups to connect, reflect on their Fellowship experiences, and engage a shared spiritual formation curriculum. Groups meet on a weeknight and are guided by a group leader.

SELF

Leadership Development |
Leadership Labs

Monthly weeknight seminars focused on leadership development, calling, and practical leadership skills. Fellows work to discern how God may be leading them in this season of life, and develop practical next steps for responding.

CITY

Civic Influence | Large Group Sessions

Fellows meet once per month on a Saturday. These sessions feature speakers, activities, and site visits focused on major civic issues shaping our region. The weekend sessions in September and May are in-town retreats.

Session Dates + Topics

Each monthly Saturday session explores a major civic issue facing metro Richmond. Fellows learn how different parts of our community (government, churches, nonprofits, and businesses) respond to these challenges. Along the way, we connect what we’re learning to leadership development and spiritual formation, helping Fellows identify practical ways to engage and serve.

September 18-20
Setting the Stage (retreat)

October 17
The Greater Richmond Region

November 21
Power, Poverty + Justice

December
Small groups only

January 9
Housing + Development

February 6
Health + Family

March 13
Education + Criminal Justice

April 10
Immigration

May 14-15
Vocation + Shalom (retreat)
*Commissioning Service on May 16

Leadership Labs are monthly weeknight seminars focused on leadership formation and calling. Participants learn from local Christian leaders, grow in self-awareness, and explore practical tools for faithful leadership. Throughout the year, Fellows develop greater clarity about how God is calling them to serve and create an actionable plan for continued growth and engagement.

All non-retreat Leadership Labs are 6-8pm at RCLI’s office inside Needle’s Eye Ministries (2550 Gaskins Road, Ste. A).

Leadership Labs

  • September 18-20: The Heart of Christian Leadership (retreat)

  • Oct 21: Understanding Your Leadership

  • November 18: Vocational Stewardship

  • January 20: Discernment + Calling

  • February 17: Fear + Obedience

  • March 17: Leading Change

  • April 21: Building Teams + Networks

  • May 14-15: Faithful Response (retreat)

Dates + Topics

The Ideal Fellow

We’re looking for gospel-centered emerging leaders who have an opportunity for influence. We’re looking for people with a desire to grow and a hunger to connect with others. RCLI attracts Fellows from all over metro Richmond – people from different cultural backgrounds, denominations, and parts of town.

Apply Now for the 2026-2027 Fellowship
Applications due June 1

Apply

Our People

  • We unpacked so many topics – and I made friends with people I wouldn't have otherwise have met.

    Vincent White

  • "As someone new to Richmond, the RCLI Fellowship served as a beautiful catalyst for me."

    Kyle Ficker

  • "The relationships were so genuine – I met people who all have a heart for our city."

    Scherra Valentine

  • The RCLI Fellowship was filled with rich content, engaging collaboration, and real-world application. It provided an unbelievable foundation for me.

    Chris Luhrman

  • The RCLI Fellowship taught me that I need the connection, the fellowship, and the perspectives of others in order to be the best version of myself.

    Anna Koehle