Join Chip Bernhard, Lead Pastor of Spring Creek Church in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, for an upcoming Lead Pastors Cohort—a safe and encouraging space for pastors to learn, pray, and grow together around the realities of ministry leadership.

For 37 years, Chip has faithfully shepherded his congregation with a steady hand, a pastor’s heart, and a deep commitment to God’s Word. Under his leadership, Spring Creek has become a healthy and thriving church known for its mission to honor God by producing fully devoted followers of Jesus.

This cohort will help you rediscover what it means to lead from faithfulness, not fatigue. Each month includes a Teaching & Discussion Session followed by a Community & Care Session, blending biblical wisdom with practical support for real-world ministry.

Ministry isn’t about chasing numbers—it’s about faithfulness. This cohort creates a safe and encouraging space for lead pastors to learn, pray, and grow together around the realities of leadership. Each month you’ll engage in a Teaching & Discussion Session followed by a Community & Care Session, designed to sharpen your calling while strengthening your soul.

Together we’ll explore what it means to:

Measure success by faithfulness, not results
Love people—even the critics and difficult ones
Keep learning and leading with humility
Address problems with wisdom and grace
Build kindness into your team culture
Protect your soul and ministry with healthy boundaries

You’ll also experience:

Friendships with other pastors who understand the joys and pressures of ministry
Fresh perspective and wisdom so you don’t repeat the mistakes of others
A safe, confidential space to speak freely and receive encouragement
Accountability and support from leaders who want to see you thrive
Resilience, prayer, and encouragement to grow spiritually and relationally

Along the way, you’ll receive practical tools, prayer prompts, and spiritual encouragement to put into practice each month. Guest voices like Dr. Kent Hughes and Garrett Higbee will bring additional insight and resources.

December 2025 – Session One: Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome & Prayer Connection

Teaching/Discussion Session – December 4, 2025

January 2026 – Session Two: Love People—even the Difficult Ones

Teaching/Discussion Session – January 8, 2026
Community & Care Session – January 22, 2026

February 2026 – Session Three: Keep Learning

Teaching/Discussion Session – February 5, 2026
Community & Care Session – February 19, 2026

March 2026 – Session Four: Deal with Problems as They Come Up

Teaching/Discussion Session – March 5, 2026
Community & Care Session – March 19, 2026

April 2026 – Session Five: Kill ’em with Kindness

Teaching/Discussion Session – April 9, 2026
Community & Care Session – April 23, 2026

May 2026 – Session Six: Boundaries Matter

Teaching/Discussion Session – May 7, 2026
Community & Care Session – May 21, 2026

The Barnabas Room with Chip Bernhard

Related Resources

Small Church USA Cohort with Terry Thompson