The Steady Leader Cohort (2027)
Many leaders are competent but not settled.
Capable but not free.
A 4-month formation cohort for Christian leaders who want longevity in ministry.
What makes this cohort different from others?
This cohort weaves together three streams of formation:
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a deeper attentiveness to God (spiritual formation),
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a life rooted in the gospel (gospel-centered formation), and
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embodied practices (trauma-informed, whole-person formation).
Cohort Dates: January 13 - April 29, 2027
Registration closes December 15, 2026
A cohort of 12-14 Leaders
The Need
Leadership rarely collapses all at once. It erodes quietly—through pressure, responsibility, and the slow loss of your joy with Jesus.
Leading becomes marked by:
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A nervous system shaped by long seasons of urgency
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A soul defined by output
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Patience for everyone but the people you love most
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Teaching about intimacy with God while quietly feeling disconnected
Most leaders don’t need more skills.They need a steadier way to live and lead.
Who This Is For
This is for leaders in churches and Christian organizations who carry real responsibility for people, decisions, and outcomes.
For men and women who:
• Feel the quiet weight of leadership more than they let on or care to admit
• Want to lead from presence, not pressure
• Are faithful but know their current pace isn’t sustainable
• Sense they need a better footing for what’s ahead
How this fits into your life
A steady rhythm of retreats, online sessions, personal coaching, resources to grow, and communal support over four months
Practicing the Presence of God—Learning to live, lead, and make decisions from ongoing awareness of God, not just belief about God.
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Online Group Teaching (1/13/27)
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Online Group Somatic Coaching (1/20/27)
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First 1-on-1 Call with Rusty to process your guided solo-retreat to kick off the cohort and hear from God (1/25-29/27)
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Online Group Spiritual Direction (2/3/27)
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Two Weeks Off for Practice + Integration
Becoming Secure in Christ—Learning to live from a settled identity in Jesus so you can remain your best self in Christ, even under pressure.
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Online Group Teaching (2/24/27)
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Online Group Somatic Coaching (3/3/27)
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Second 1-on-1 Call with Rusty to process in depth personal assessment around attachment style, strengths, trauma-imprints, conflict style, and more (3/8-12/27)
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Online Group Spiritual Direction (3/17/27)
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Two Weeks Off for Practice + Integration
Cultivating a Steady Presence—A presence shaped by the Spirit that helps others feel safe, especially in moments of tension, conflict, or uncertainty.
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Online Group Teaching (4/7/27)
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Online Group Somatic Coaching (4/14/27)
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Online Group Spiritual Direction (4/21/27)
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3-Hour Online Retreat to wrap our time together and provide a space to hear from God as you transition back into life as a steadier leader (4/28/27)
A Steady Leader isn't Perfect, Unshakable, or Emotionally Stoic
Over four months of practicing these rhythms, you'll notice yourself becoming a steady leader who:
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Stays connected to God in real time, not just in theory
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Leads meetings without absorbing everyone's anxiety
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Responds to criticism without spiraling internally
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Makes decisions without losing sleep for three nights
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Has clarity on who God's uniquely made you to be
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Has more courage for hard things and more kindness for hard people
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Has a steadier soul for whatever the next season brings
Meet Your Guide
Hi, I'm Rusty McKie. After a decade of experience as a church planter and half a decade working with leaders through Steadfast Ministries, I know what leaders need to thrive.
My work integrates spiritual formation, whole-person (trauma-informed) spirituality, and embodied practices—drawing from formal training in pastoral ministry, biblical languages, spiritual direction, and somatic coaching—to help leaders not just know the way of Jesus but actually live it. I’ve seen what pressure does to leaders and what actually helps.
"I can’t overstate the importance of being in a cohort like Rusty offers through Steadfast Ministries—and with Rusty in particular." - Scotty Smith (Founding Pastor/Pastor Emeritus Christ Community Church, Franklin TN)
"Rusty is wholeheartedly committed to guiding folks into the still waters of the Trinity. I’m grateful for him!" - Chuck DeGroat (Professor, Counselor, Spiritual Director)
"Everyone needs trusted companions and friends for the journey of life—who mentor, guide, sit, listen, and connect you to the Friend, Jesus Christ. Rusty McKie is one of those treasured companions." - Jonathan Holmes (Executive Director of CCEF)
What's Your Next Step?
You don’t have to be burned out to belong here.
Many faithful leaders simply know they need a better footing for what’s ahead.
If something in you feels drawn to this, the next step isn’t commitment—just a conversation.
Registration closes December 15, 2026
Limited to 12–14 leaders
Cost: $1,970
Payment plans available