FOCUS: THE SHEPHERD CONSULTING SYSTEM

As we discussed in Building Blocks, when MinistryEquip reaches Phase Four, we’ll begin to implement our unique Shepherd Consulting System for churches, which we believe can provide a meaningful and cost-effective solution to congregations at the crossroads.

Churches everywhere are struggling with three key barriers on their way to effective ministry. How do we pay a strong staff and stay afloat financially? How best do we reach people in this culture, even here in our own community? How can we develop equippers who prepare the rest of the congregation for the work of the ministry? MinistryEquip's Shepherd Consulting System provides the answer to all three questions. We can provide a viable solution for many congregations who employ a small staff or possibly only a lead pastor.. And for those with staff in place, we will be an excellent source for mentors that today's leader can turn to when the going gets tough. A Fuller Institute study reports that 70% of pastors need a close friend, and Christian pollster George Barna found that 50% of pastors feel the education they received did not adequately prepare them for ministry. At MinistryEquip, we have a heart for those in ministry--especially if they are struggling--because we've been there.

Traditionally, church ministries lose steam when there is no paid staff member overseeing them, but we believe that a qualified, objective voice can be instrumental in starting a new ministry or reigniting one that is struggling. In our system, a minister or experienced professional in our network will work with motivated volunteers or professional leaders who are inexperienced or require assistance to seed a ministry and get it off the ground without the expense to the church of hiring a part-time or full-time leader to accomplish the same task.

Churches in need of a Shepherd Consultant will be able to search our database of qualified shepherds to find a match on important issues like doctrine, philosophy, experience, and location.

A basic shepherding package for a volunteer training would begin with an orientation weekend including church leaders and key volunteers. Additional onsite trainings would follow at 3 or 6 month increments, and in the alternate months, the church would receive a check-up call from the shepherd to answer questions, resolve problems, and pray with the ministry principals.

A basic shepherding package for a professional mentorship involves finding a suitable shepherd who can come alongside a young or inexperienced ministry leader. The components of that package will be tailored to suit the individual congregation and leader. Often, a church’s lead pastor is called on to train up young staffers in ministry areas where he either has no training himself, or simply doesn't have the time or the ability to relate in the area of need. MinistryEquip can work in tandem with the lead pastor to accomplish the goals of that church and provide meaningful spiritual and task training for the leader.