“The Lead Pastor Cohort—the friendships forged across denominational lines, the prayer and support shared in our monthly gatherings, Mark Tidsworth’s presentations and coaching—is both gift and challenge. I am grateful for the encouragement that my ministry receives from cohort Thursdays in Spartanburg.”

—Rev Lib McGregor Simmons, Lead Pastor, Davidson College Presbyterian Church, Davidson, NC

“The monthly gathering of our cohort offers me a time; to be in a meeting I don’t have to lead, to encounter and discuss new ministry ideas, to be coached by an excellent facilitator and a circle of peers in the ministry challenges I face today, to encourage and be encouraged, and to love and be loved. My cohort is one of my best self-care and personal growth experiences.”

—Ronald “Dee” Vaughan, Lead Pastor, St. Andrews Baptist Church, Columbia, SC

“My cohort provides me a safe environment to renew my spirit, develop new learning through our Adaptive Leadership Seminar, and explore new possibilities for ministry in an ever changing culture and church.”

—Rev. Lane Bembenek, Lead Pastor, Joy Lutheran Church, Moore, SC

“What I appreciate most about the Pinnacle Lead Pastor Cohort is the chance to develop significant relationships with other ministers who are at similar place on the journey of faith and in service to the local church. The monthly opportunity for support, peer learning and friendship that this group provides has become invaluable to me.”

—Rickey Letson, Lead Pastor, First Baptist Church Laurens, SC

“The role of the church in the United States is in a state of flux. Such times press church leaders to be intentional about providing faithful leadership in the midst of such change. Pinnacle Leadership Associates' Lead Pastor Cohort on Adaptive Leadership includes a teaching and learning component in the morning, followed by collegial fellowship at lunch, and closing with peer coaching in the afternoon. Having just emerged from a time of transition I am grateful that this Cohort is providing an informative, supportive, and meaningful continuing education experience.”

—Rev. David M. Seymour, Newberry, SC

“Being a part of the Associate Pastors Cohort has given me the opportunity to consider my own ministry approaches and strategies while also hearing about those of others. I've been able to discuss different options and bounce ideas off of peers in similar positions while also offering suggestions to others who are doing the same. It has been a supportive, encouraging, educational, empowering, and altogether enriching experience, and I would recommend this group to any associate pastor.”

—Rev. David Wagner, St Martins In The Field Episcopal Church, Columbia, SC

“Ministers don’t often have a ‘safe place’ to express difficulties in ministry – The Associate Pastors Cohort is my ‘safe place.’

—Sharon M. King, Minister of Congregational Development, St Andrews Baptist Church, Columbia, SC

“It has been a wonderful experience to develop relationships with colleagues who share with me the same experiences, joys, and occasional headaches in ministry. This cohort has allowed me to grow more confident in the call that God has more me to be a leader in the church. I am deeply thankful to see how God is actively working in the lives of all the members of my cohort.”

—Rev Kris Litman-Koon, Associate Pastor, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Columbia, SC

“The PLA Lead Pastor Cohort has been a source of strength and light for my journey as a pastor. The experience of being with my Lead Pastor Cohort has provided me with treasured friendships and nurturing epiphanies for life in ministry.”

—Rev. Ralph Hill, Lead Pastor, Mt Horeb Lutheran Church, Chapin, SC

“No one understands the life of ministry better than other colleagues. We are all in the same boat, and the Lead Pastor Cohort has kept me afloat in rough seas. I am so grateful to be with other colleagues, especially from different denominations. The learning and fellowship is invaluable, and Mark’s wisdom is insightful.”

—Rev. Cathy Jamieson, Currently District Superintendent, United Methodist Conference. Formerly Lead Pastor, Trinity United Methodist Church, Blythewood, SC

“As a South Carolina Baptist for over 12 years, I appreciate Pinnacle’s Lead Pastor Cohort’s ecumenical approach. Being with pastors outside my denomination gave me freedom to learn from the traditions of others and receive a greater perspective about being Baptist.”

—Rev. Eric Spivey, Baptist Church of Beaufort, Beaufort, SC