Shepherds

The Shepherding Program is an effort to reach out to various segments of the congregation who might benefit from our care and concern.  It is a ministry of the congregation, which seeks to reach out with love and concern in the name of Christ.  It is also a ministry that uses the many talents and gifts of our congregation in the work of building up the Body of Christ. 
            There are three areas of concern—and three shepherd teams who oversee that concern:                                   

• Nursing Home/Shut-In Shepherd Team
• New/Prospective Member Shepherd Team
• Membership Shepherd Team

Each of these teams will be responsible for the care of their specific group and for recruiting others to help them carry out this ministry.  Shepherds are free to design their own program, but the following are suggestions that night be helpful.

Nursing Home/Shut-In Shepherd Team:

•  Develop systematic visitation program
• Provide information about church activities
• Send cards on special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, etc)
• Provide transportation to special events at church
• Pray for those under your care

New/Prospective Member Shepherd Team:

• Serve as a sponsor to new and prospective members
• Introduce new/prospective members to others
  
• Invite and accompany them to Sunday School and special events
  
• Arrange to eat a meal together
  
• Pray for those under your care
             
  Membership Shepherd Team:
• Contact members who are inactive or minimally active
• Be willing to talk about difficult issues and refer to pastor
• Visit members if appropriate
• Provide information about church activities
• Send cards on special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, etc)
• Pray for those under your care