the society

Birthed from the pains of ministry and the loneliness of leadership, The Society endeavors to create a space for leaders to connect with others, rest from the hustle of ministry and building the Kingdom and provide resources to aid and assist you to help grow your ministry.

We’re 4 friends, pastoring churches, who found authentic friendships and want the same for you.

Through random yet divine opportunities we all ended up on a retreat together and it changed our lives. Recognizing the value of real friendships and seeing the implosion of so many pastors and churches, we felt we could change the score. Pastors need to connect, unwind and refuel without feeling the need to be something they’re not.

We’re not arrogant to think our model is the only way, in fact you might not like what/who are, “The Society” may not be for you. But some of you reading this right now…know you need it. Let’s start the journey and see where it takes us, no strings attached! You don’t have to lead lonely anymore.

Josh Lipscomb

Liberty Church
Pensacola, FL

Seth Baltzell

City Hope Church
Centralia, IL

Mike Mckelvey

Liberty Church
Pensacola, FL

Carey Robinson

Movement Church
Orange County, CA

IF YOU ARE READY TO APPLY, CLICK THE BUTTON AND LET’S GET ROWDY.

values that define us

Bold

We are bold about our faith and live a passionate spirit filled life following after Jesus and building his kingdom.

Safe

We are a safe place to screw up, blow up, and throw up and be yourself.

Authentic

We don’t pretend or try hard to impress. 

Loyal

We stay in each other’s lives, this is more than a class or teaching, it is a deep commitment to each other

Rowdy

We laugh hard and push the boundaries with the right amount of rowdy.

Restoring

We fight for each other and we fight for the restoration of those that are down.

Collaborative

What’s mine is yours. We share resources and our lives. 

  • "Three years into pastoring, I realized just how badly I needed real friends that understood what I was going through in ministry and be authentic with. I felt isolated, and alone. I was feeling all of the pressure, and none of the joys of ministry. Then I join the society, and everything changed. I found my people, my tribe, my brothers. The society gave me a place to belong, and belonging has given me the relationships and resources to Pastor my church for the long haul. The society changed my life."

    Brad Livingston / Lead Pastor / Transformation Church, Pensacola

  • “There’s something about finding the right people who understand you and get that ministry isn’t all halos and hallelujahs, it’s gritty, raw, sometimes brutally hard. When you find a crew that becomes a brotherhood, you know you’re not doing this alone and that makes all the difference. This is what The Society is for me.”

    Steve Trevin / Lead Pastor / Lighthouse Church, San Francisco

  • “Perfect timing! Stepping into The Society a couple years ago provided me the band of brothers I needed to share my fears, unload my burdens, and renew my hope. Lifetime friendships have been made, and I’m in a healthy place again as a result of this new family.”

    Chris Shinnick / Lead Pastor / Manna Church West Florida

  • The frequency of retreats vary, but are primarily held in February and October. If you are interested in more information regarding Retreats apply for The Society here.

  • Retreat Costs: $1600 per person without membership.  One retreat per year included in membership.

    BUT…

    We never want the cost to hinder anyone from attending a retreat, as such, we have both partial and full scholarships available. We are a non-profit entity and whatever costs you can cover allows us to provide a retreat for those who can’t afford it. See Costs below. We do also have pastors/ministries  who contribute monthly because of the impact it’s had on them. If you would like to partner, click here.

  • When you become a member of The Society, you are included in a year of cohort learning, which is divided into two 5 month semesters.  These cohorts are typically zoom meetings that are hosted by world class leaders with expertise in a specific topic.

  • Membership includes the cohorts and a retreat.  We recommend taking advantage of both so you are growing in leadership and relationship together.  If attending a retreat is not possible, your spot will be given free of charge to a pastor in need. 

  • You can always be our friend, that is free! 

    However, if you would like to become a member, there is an annual cost of $3600 that can be paid monthly if needed.  Many of our members choose to give above and beyond to support the mission of The Society and cover costs for those in a tight spot. 

  • Listen, we know this can be a dividing point and even an issue for some.  At a Society retreat you can expect that many of those attending will choose to partake in a good cigar or whiskey, but many don’t.  There is personal liberty to responsibly make that choice on your own. 

Frequently Asked Questions

IF YOU ARE READY TO APPLY, CLICK THE BUTTON AND LET’S GET ROWDY.