ShepherdLeader.com

I have had some difficulty in the past few years with this paradigm shift of intimate, close-proximity shepherding and the larger-scale, macro-level shepherding of a flock. In a smaller church setting, and as a volunteer, my role and scope was limited to a small group of individuals with whom I spen...

This familial aspect of ministry is one of the things that has been affirming and sustaining for me when things become difficult. I am blessed to be on a medium-sized paid staff that enjoys a fair amount of camaraderie. The place where I enjoy the most “fictive kinship� though is on the smaller ...

The story at the end of today's reading was especially difficult to hear. Working with students, the idea of a leader preying on kids is heartbreaking and stomach-turning. Leadership applications, interviews and background checks are important and necessary. So, too, are diligence and discernment. T...

It's often very easy to fall into the monotony of what needs to get done between Sundays. Emails need to be sent, lessons prepped, announcements decided upon, songs chosen. Over time it gets easier and Sundays can become more plug and play but too often I have found that I can go days and even weeks...

Last year was my 7th on staff here in my local church. Our Elders bless us with the gift of a month-long Sabbatical after 7 years on the team. I spent a great deal of time focusing on this idea of being refreshed and spending time in the Word of God. But, some days, I found it incredibly difficult. ...

The question on page 37 struck me this morning - "Can we recall an occasion..." To be honest, I can recall many occasions in my life with Christ - my first prayer, wrestling with immense doubt (my own personal "dark night of the soul"), I remember my moment of responding to the G...