WHAT THIS IS
A two-night gathering for executive-level church leaders—no conference agenda, no breakout sessions, no keynote. Just a small group of peers, a private cabin in the Colorado Rockies, and the kind of honest conversation that rarely happens in the middle of a busy ministry season.
We gather around the table, sit by the fire, and talk. About the things that matter. About what's actually going on—in our organizations, in our leadership, and in us. This first gathering stands alone—no long-term commitment required. If it's what we think it'll be, we'll talk about making it a twice-yearly rhythm: spring and fall.
THE DETAILS
ORGANIZER
Mike Shelly
Real Life Church
FACILITATORS
Brian Aaby & Tim Eldred
The Authentic Pastor
WHEN
April 20–22, 2027
Tuesday – Thursday
WHERE
Grand Lake, CO
Private log cabin property
GROUP SIZE
10–12 Leaders
Intimate by design
FORMAT
No strings attached
Standing invitation to continue
THE SCHEDULE
ARRIVAL DAY
Tuesday, April 20
Afternoon: Arrive after 11am and settle in. Explore Grand Lake, hike a trail, sit by the river or relax in the hot tub.
Evening: Dinner together, then our first fireside circle.
THE HEART OF IT
Wednesday, April 21
Morning: A short circle over breakfast. Then the morning is yours.
Afternoon: Free time. Go hiking or find a quiet chair inside. Grand Lake is five minutes away if you want to explore.
Evening: Our second fireside circle, the heart of the conversation.
SEND-OFF
Thursday, April 22
Morning: Final circle over breakfast.
Depart: Head home by noon, rested and ready for the weekend.
A FEW COMMITMENTS
This is a personal invitation—please don't share the details publicly.
What's shared in the room stays in the room. Full confidentiality.
Come ready to be honest—about your organization, your leadership, and yourself.
THE FACILITATORS
Brian Aaby
FACILITATOR | THE AUTHENTIC PASTOR
Brian has spent over 20 years helping pastors and churches take their next right step—figuring out where they're going and how to actually get there. He's led local church ministry, founded Youthmark, served with Youth Specialties and Slingshot Group, and coached leaders nationwide. Now he's helping build The Authentic Pastor, bringing the same clarity and practical wisdom to everything we do. He's married to Elisabeth, dad to three kids, and you'll usually find him hiking in the Pacific Northwest or catching a baseball game.
Tim Eldred
FACILITATOR | THE AUTHENTIC PASTOR
Tim spent over three decades in ministry as a pastor, coach, and author. He's taught more than 20,000 leaders through training seminars, and his books on spiritual formation and leadership have been used by over 600,000 people in 90+ nations. Known for thinking outside the box and breaking traditional ministry models, he founded The Authentic Pastor and developed the WholeCare framework. He wrote Ministry Cancer: Dying to Serve. He's married to Cindy, dad to two adult sons, and makes his home in rural Central Michigan.
CONFIDENTIAL · BY INVITATION ONLY
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