This is not a conference—and it’s not for everyone.
We host a small gathering of Executive Pastors (and other second chair leaders) who are leading at a high level and want to be in the room with peers who understand the weight they carry. Think TED Talk meets Roundtable, but with far fewer people and far more honesty.
There are no keynote speakers and no spectators. Every person in the room contributes. The conversations are real, the relationships go deeper, and the learning sticks because it’s rooted in what you’re actually facing right now.
We keep the group intentionally small so the dialogue stays candid and valuable. The agenda is shaped by the leaders in the room, focusing on the issues that don’t have easy answers—staff culture, hiring and firing, budgeting and generosity, facilities and growth, multi-site and mergers, governance and boards, and how to lead well without burning out.
If you’re looking for a conference heavy with content, this might not be your thing.
If you’re looking for the right room with real conversations, this is it.
What Others Had to Say…
“This gathering sharpened my leadership, clarified our strategy, and gave me practical tools I could implement immediately with our team. If you care about leading a healthy, aligned church, this is absolutely worth your time.”
Aaron Lundberg
Executive Pastor | Grace Church Erie
“The LeadingSmart XP Gathering is one of the most encouraging spaces I step into each year. The relationships, honesty, and shared wisdom among executive pastors create a rare environment where you leave both refreshed and better equipped to lead.”
Ryan Graham
Executive Pastor | Maple City Chapel
“Moving beyond the traditional conference format, LeadingSmart gatherings prioritize authentic connection and growth, offering a unique space to build connections with other XP's and sharpen your leadership.”
Matt Faulkner
Executive Pastor | FBC Elkhart
Meet Your Hosts
Tim Stevens and Holly Tate bring a rare combination of experience, strategy, and heart to the work of leading churches through seasons of growth and transition.
Tim is the founder of LeadingSmart and a strategic advisor to churches across the country. He served as Executive Pastor at Granger Church, shaped hiring strategy as VP of Consulting at Vanderbloemen, and helped rebuild Willow Creek as Executive Pastor of Culture & Campuses.
Holly has been advising churches for nearly fifteen years, serving as VP of Marketing at Vanderbloemen, Chief Marketing & Services Officer at Leadr, founder of The Ready Network, and Senior Consultant at LeadingSmart, where she helps leaders align strategy, structure, and culture for sustainable growth.
Together, they combine practical wisdom and proven frameworks to help leaders build healthy teams and organizations that are ready to lead with clarity and care. They cohost The LeadingSmart Podcast and are both certified Working Genius Facilitators.
*Super Early Bird Rate through July 15th
Join us near Tampa Bay, Florida, February 17-19, 2027 to learn from Tim Stevens, Holly Tate, and your peers from churches around the country. Limited to the first 40 registrations!
*Pricing includes event, meals, lodging, experiences, parking, and invaluable memories and networking. Event begins at 2pm on the first day, and concludes at Noon on the 3rd day.
Travel and transportation is not included. Venue is 15 miles from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and 20 miles from Tampa International Airport (TPA). No refunds for cancellations—however you can transfer the registration to another individual.