THE COHORT EXPERIENCE
Community, Space, and Support
Six months. A small, closed circle. Two retreats, monthly one-on-one and group coaching with a proven process underneath it all.
OUR APPROACH
More Than a Peer Group
Most leaders don't join a cohort because they're in crisis. They join because they take their calling seriously—and they've realized that doing it alone, surrounded only by people who need something from them, isn't a growth strategy.
Think about your last week. How many conversations did you have where nobody needed anything from you? For most pastors, the honest answer is zero. Not because anything is wrong. Because the role is built that way.
Everyone around you needs something from you. That's the job. It's also the ceiling.
But honesty alone isn't a plan. Every cohort runs on WholeCare™—our framework that treats your life, your leadership, and your ministry as one integrated whole. Every challenge gets looked at in full context, with experienced coaches guiding the process, so the conversations build toward something.
You don't just leave with friendships. You leave with clarity about who you are, what matters most, and how to lead from it for the long haul.
Guides Who've Lived It
Our coaches are lead pastors, church planters, executive pastors, NextGen pastors, and seminary profs who've served churches of every size and shape. They've sat in your chair.
Who's in the Room Matters
Cohorts are built from leaders who want more, not less. The person across from you sharpens you as much as the process does. You'll be challenged by the room, not just comforted by it.
Kyle Burkholder
THE COVENANT CHURCH
"Pastoral ministry can be deeply isolating and I've longed to find others who get it. During my cohort, I found meaningful relationships with real friends who know the journey I'm on."
Cody Whitfill
RIVER VALLEY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
"Tired of tips and tricks promising results only to be disappointed? I was. Then I went to a cohort with The Authentic Pastor. The process was real and the results were tangible."
Shawn Acrey
THE JOURNEY CHURCH
"Once I joined the cohort, I knew immediately I had made the right choice. In our individual sessions, it became clear Tim understood where I was, even though I didn't."
Brett Lester
FBC LIVINGSTON
"I joined a cohort with pastors from all over the country who have become brothers. I'm being encouraged, challenged, held accountable, and loved for who I am, not for what I do."
JR Lee
FREEDOM CHURCH
"I wasn't sure what I was walking into, but The Authentic Pastor has been an absolute gift. The camaraderie, the encouragement, the friendships. If you're looking for that, look no further."
THE COACHES
The People You'll Be Working With
Tim and Brian lead every cohort, supported by a growing team of pastors and professors who've spent their lives in ministry. Your individual sessions are matched to the right coach for your situation.
Tim Eldred
FOUNDER | CEO
Brian Aaby
CHIEF STRATEGIST
Dr. Jeff Gill
ACADEMIC DIRECTOR
Jeff Noel
PASTORAL COACH
Dr. Ken Castor
LEADERSHIP EDUCATOR
Jim Probst
MINISTRY STRATEGIST
Read the full bios of our team on our About page.
ONE INVESTMENT. EVERYTHING INCLUDED.
The Cohort Experience—$3,950
Retreats, lodging, meals, ground transportation, both coaching sessions every month, and full WholeCare™ access. Two conference registrations with travel can cost this much and change nothing by November. Many boards fund a cohort from a continuing-education line. If the investment is the only thing between you and a yes, talk to us.
FOR YOU AND YOUR BOARD
Get the Info Packet
A cohort usually takes two yeses—yours and whoever signs off on the budget. This packet is built for both of you: what's included, the investment, the schedule, and a page written for the one who decides. Read it yourself, then hand it over.
A cohort leader will follow up to answer questions and help you figure out whether this is the right fit. No pressure, no pitch. September and November 2026 cohorts are open now, and each one caps at 12 leaders.
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Or give us a call: (989) 214-3849