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About The Authentic Pastor

Walking With Pastors Through Every Season of Leadership

About The Authentic Pastor

Walking With Pastors Through Every Season of Leadership

Why We Support Pastors

Why We Support Pastors

The Authentic Pastor exists to help pastors and churches live whole, lead well, and avoid burnout through honest coaching, systems, and support.

Research reveals that 85% of pastors neglect their well-being due to the demands of ministry. Balancing personal life, caring for your congregation, and the pressure to grow your church can make life and leadership challenging—pushing many to desperation. The longer you're in ministry, the more you're expected to carry—without ever being asked how you're actually doing.

  • You learn to keep going.
  • To stay strong.
  • To manage appearances.

And over time, something shifts. You lose clarity. You lose margin. And sometimes, you lose yourself. That’s why we exist.

We have created a complete system of support for pastors and churches who are tired of pretending—and ready to build something healthy, sustainable, and real. This isn’t about helping you do more. It’s about helping you live and lead from a place that actually works.

Welcome to The Authentic Pastor, the premier coaching and support platform created by veteran ministry leaders who've walked your path. 

The Authentic Pastor exists to help pastors and churches live whole, lead well, and avoid burnout through honest coaching, systems, and support.

Research reveals that 85% of pastors neglect their well-being due to the demands of ministry. Balancing personal life, caring for your congregation, and the pressure to grow your church can make life and leadership challenging—pushing many to desperation. The longer you're in ministry, the more you're expected to carry—without ever being asked how you're actually doing.

  • You learn to keep going.
  • To stay strong.
  • To manage appearances.

And over time, something shifts. You lose clarity. You lose margin. And sometimes, you lose yourself. That’s why we exist.

We have created complete system of support for pastors and churches who are tired of pretending—and ready to build something healthy, sustainable, and real. This isn’t about helping you do more. It’s about helping you live and lead from a place that actually works.

Welcome to The Authentic Pastor, the premier coaching and support platform created by veteran ministry leaders who've walked your path. 

What We Believe About Life and Leadership

We developed The Authentic Pastor from real-world experience—not theory or corporate strategy. Built by pastors who understand ministry's weight, for pastors like you who bear it daily. Our approach leads to three consistent outcomes: personal renewal and resilience, confident leadership, and healthier ministries. At The Authentic Pastor, we prove how prioritizing your well-being isn't only good for you—it's the key to enhancing your life and strengthening your ministry. Our process promises lasting success and measurable growth for you, your team, and your church.

What We Believe About Life and Leadership

We developed The Authentic Pastor from real-world experience—not theory or corporate strategy. Built by pastors who understand ministry's weight, for pastors like you who bear it daily. Our approach leads to three consistent outcomes: personal renewal and resilience, confident leadership, and healthier ministries. At The Authentic Pastor, we prove how prioritizing your well-being isn't only good for you—it's the key to enhancing your life and strengthening your ministry. Our process promises lasting success and measurable growth for you, your team, and your church.

Pastor Cohort group enjoying camaraderie and stronger relationships together
  • Leadership starts with health—not hustle

  • Pastors are people first—healthy leadership begins here

  • Churches don’t need more programs—they need clarity and alignment

  • The system won’t fix itself, so we’re building something better

  • If your life is out of alignment, your leadership will be too

  • There is no lasting transformation without honest formation

Most leadership “solutions” are too shallow.
Most church systems are too broken.
Most pastors are too isolated to say so.

We built The Authentic Pastor to offer a better way forward.

  • Leadership starts with health—not hustle
  • Pastors are people first—healthy leadership begins here
  • Churches don’t need more programs—they need clarity and alignment
  • The system won’t fix itself, so we’re building something better
  • If your life is out of alignment, your leadership will be too
  • There is no lasting transformation without honest formation

Most leadership “solutions” are too shallow.
Most church systems are too broken.
Most pastors are too isolated to say so.

We built The Authentic Pastor to offer a better way forward.

                                    

Our WholeCare™ Framework

We distilled a lifetime of experience into WholeCare™—a six-stage framework that starts with you, not the machine. You don’t need more pressure; you need better structure. Research confirms that when pastors struggle, 60% of congregations stagnate (Barna, 2022), yet when you thrive, church vitality rises 40% (Hartford Institute, 2021). This is more than soul care—it’s the proven system we use to help leaders and churches realign from the inside out for transformation that lasts.

Invest in these six areas, and you’ll move beyond merely surviving—you’ll experience the change you’ve been hoping for in both life and ministry.  WholeCare™ is the foundation of all our services—coaching, cohorts, and consulting. It’s not theory. It’s a framework that realigns every part of your life and leadership to deliver lasting growth for you and your church.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHOLECARE™
The framework of WholeCare™ from The Authentic Pastor focusing on 6 key areas: Health & Wellness, Embracing Identity, Strategic Planning, Authentic Leadership, Team Collaboration, Legacy & Longevity

Our WholeCare™ 
Framework

We distilled a lifetime of experience into WholeCare™—a six-stage framework that starts with you, not the machine. You don’t need more pressure; you need better structure. Research confirms that when pastors struggle, 60% of congregations stagnate (Barna, 2022), yet when you thrive, church vitality rises 40% (Hartford Institute, 2021). This is more than soul care—it’s the proven system we use to help leaders and churches realign from the inside out for transformation that lasts.

The framework of WholeCare™ from The Authentic Pastor focusing on 6 key areas: Health & Wellness, Embracing Identity, Strategic Planning, Authentic Leadership, Team Collaboration, Legacy & Longevity

Invest in these six areas, and you’ll move beyond merely surviving—you’ll experience the change you’ve been hoping for in both life and ministry. WholeCare™ is the foundation of all our services—coaching, cohorts, and consulting. It’s not theory. It’s a framework that realigns every part of your life and leadership to deliver lasting growth for you and your church.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHOLECARE™

Who We Work Well With

  • Pastors in transition

  • Leaders on the edge of burnout

  • Leaders who don’t want to leave ministry—but don’t want to live like this anymore
  • Elder boards facing succession decisions

  • Teams that want to lead from clarity, not chaos

  • Churches stuck in staff conflict or vision confusion 
  • Pastors in transition
  • Leaders on the edge of burnout
  • Leaders who don’t want to leave ministry—but don’t want to live like this anymore
  • Elder boards facing succession decisions
  • Teams that want to lead from clarity, not chaos
  • Churches stuck in staff conflict or vision confusion  

We’ve seen the toll ministry takes. Half of pastors don’t last five years. Most struggle with loneliness, and nearly half report burnout. It’s not just you—and it’s not a problem a better sermon or bigger crowd will fix. That’s why I built a team of veteran pastors and PhDs who spent their careers leading churches and studying the toll it takes. We are prepared to serve, and we know how to help.

We coach and consult with pastors, churches, and leadership teams who are ready for real change.

We work best with leaders who are honest, hungry, and done pretending.

You don’t have to be falling apart. You just have to be ready to change.

The Team That Walks Beside You With Expert Guidance

The Authentic Pastor was founded by Tim Eldred, a seasoned pastor with 35+ years of experience and the creator of the WholeCare™ framework.

Tim built TAP after his own life and leadership hit a wall. What he needed didn’t exist—so he created it. But this isn’t a one-man show.
It’s a growing network of coaches, consultants, and trained faculty who walk with leaders and churches for the long haul. Our coaches aren't generic leadership 'experts'—they’re a seasoned pastor who’s been where you are.

Our team is made of veteran pastors who live the truth that prioritizing your well being transforms not just your life but your ministry. Each member pours passion into this mission, not as a side hustle, but as a calling to uplift and empower our brothers and sisters in ministry. Meet our team below and see how we’re committed to walking alongside you.

Your coach won’t be a stranger. Your consultant won’t be a speaker who leaves after the weekend. Your experience will be personal, relational, & lasting.

The Team That Walks Beside You With Expert Guidance

The Authentic Pastor was founded by Tim Eldred, a seasoned pastor with 35+ years of experience and the creator of the WholeCare™ framework.

Tim built TAP after his own life and leadership hit a wall. What he needed didn’t exist—so he created it. But this isn’t a one-man show.
It’s a growing network of coaches, consultants, and trained faculty who walk with leaders and churches for the long haul. Our coaches aren't generic leadership 'experts'—they’re a seasoned pastor who’s been where you are.

Our team—full and part-time pastors is made of active pastors who live the truth that prioritizing your well being transforms not just your life but your ministry. Each member pours passion into this mission, not as a side hustle, but as a calling to uplift and empower our brothers and sisters in ministry. Meet our team below and see how we’re committed to walking alongside you.

Your coach won’t be a stranger. Your consultant won’t be a speaker who leaves after the weekend. Your experience will be personal, relational, & lasting.

What Makes The Authentic Pastor Different from Others

What Others Offer:

  • Generic leadership tips
  • Event-based inspiration
  • One-size-fits-all programs
  • Crisis recovery
  • Search firms & seminary                                     

What The Authentic Pastor Offers:

  • A full system to restructure your life and leadership
  • Ongoing, personalized support
  • Coaching and consulting built around your unique situation
  • Preemptive care and permanent formation
  • A full formation pipeline for future leaders inside your church

WHAT OTHERS OFFER:

  • Generic leadership tips
  • Event-based inspiration
  • One-size-fits-all programs
  • Crisis recovery
  • Search firms & seminary     

WHAT THE AUTHENTIC PASTOR OFFERS:

  • A full system to restructure your life and leadership
  • Ongoing, personalized support
  • Coaching and consulting built around your unique situation
  • Preemptive care and permanent formation
  • A full formation pipeline for future leaders inside your church

We do not offer a course catalog, and this isn't just leadership 'support.' If you want to build something that lasts—you need a foundation that works.

This is a long-term relationship. Remember we don’t just coach leaders. We walk with them for life.

How to Take the Next Step

Whether you’re ready for coaching, consulting, or just exploring, here’s how to begin. 

Ministry Health Assessment

Take a few minutes. Get a real picture of how you’re doing—and a cheat sheet for what to do next.
GET YOUR FREE REPORT

Talk to a Team Member Today

Not sure what’s next? Let’s talk through it—a real conversation. Not a sales pitch.
BOOK YOUR FREE CALL

30-Day WholeCare™ Preview

Try the first 5 lessons. No cost.
No pressure. Just a better way forward—for real life.
START STAGE 1 | FREE

How to Take the Next Step

Whether you’re ready for coaching, consulting, or just exploring, here’s how to begin. 

Ministry Health Assessment

Take a few minutes. Get a real picture of how you’re doing—and a cheat sheet for what to do next.
GET YOUR FREE REPORT

Talk to a Team Member Today

Not sure what’s next? Let’s talk through it—a real conversation. Not a sales pitch.
BOOK YOUR FREE CALL

30-Day WholeCare™ Preview

Try the first 5 lessons. No cost. No pressure. Just a better way forward—for real life.
START STAGE 1 | FREE

A Message From Our Founder

A Message From Our Founder

By Tim Eldred, Founder

I've spent over 35 years in ministry—pastor's kid, youth leader, senior pastor, you name it. I've walked with thousands of pastors, taught them, trained them, watched them pour everything into this assignment. But a few years back, I hit a wall. The fire that drove me was flickering—I was burned out.

Seminary, conferences, years of experience—they should have prepared me for this. But they didn't. Ministry was wearing me down, and I kept finding the same old solutions: better sermons, growth strategies, leadership trends. I tried them all, but they only piled more on my shoulders. I didn't need another trick to grow my church; I needed something to hold me up. That's when The Authentic Pastor took shape.

By Tim Eldred, Founder

I've spent over 35 years in ministry—pastor's kid, youth leader, senior pastor, you name it. I've walked with thousands of pastors, taught them, trained them, watched them pour everything into this assignment. But a few years back, I hit a wall. The fire that drove me was flickering—I was burned out.

Seminary, conferences, years of experience—they should have prepared me for this. But they didn't. Ministry was wearing me down, and I kept finding the same old solutions: better sermons, growth strategies, leadership trends. I tried them all, but they only piled more on my shoulders. I didn't need another trick to grow my church; I needed something to hold me up. That's when The Authentic Pastor took shape.

The Authentic Pastor founder Tim Eldred speaking to pastors about leadership, growth, life balance, and burnout