Soul Shepherding

Humility is Not Thinking Less of Yourself

As Christians we may think we’re being humble by disregarding our emotions and needs to focus on other people. It’s not true and it doesn’t work! Humility is not thinking less of yourself — it’s thinking of yourself less. But what does that saying really mean? In actuality, “thinking of yourself less” may prove to […]

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Biblical Meditation: Using Imagination to Pray

What is Biblical meditation? Here are some key Bible verses on imagination and examples of Biblical meditation techniques for counseling, spiritual direction, small groups, soul care, prayer, and Christian discipleship.

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Look Into Jesus’ Eyes with a Wee, Little Man

“I grew with parents who considered themselves too intellectual for Christianity,” Vicki Paxton shared with our Soul Shepherding TLC community of pastors and leaders. “They told me the Bible was outdated and irrelevant. It was full of silly stories about an angry god that wanted people to praise him all the time.” But everything changed […]

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To Lead Like Jesus Lead With Jesus

“Lead Like Jesus” has become a popular terminology for Christian leaders. Often it focuses on servant leadership. It’s a great Bible teaching, but for some pastors and leaders it fails them because they lack the joy, wisdom, and power that are needed to sustain effective spiritual leadership. To lead like Jesus we need to lead with Jesus. […]

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Henri Nouwen’s Secret Journal

In Henri Nouwen’s Dark Night he received pastoral counseling and kept a secret journal. Shortly before he died this was published as “The Inner Voice of Love.” Here are some quotes and insights for pastors and ministry leaders.

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Your Home in the Heavens

Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled… My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you… I will come back and take you to be with me.” ( John 14:1-3) This is a wonderful promise! As Christ-followers we don’t need to despair over death; we can […]

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Battling Chronic Pain

I talk with people who struggle with chronic pain. I’m in my fourth week of pain since having a nerve in my left hand injured by an IV treatment. (See “Ouch! She Hit a Nerve!“) Four weeks isn’t a long time. But it feels like a long time when you’re in pain! (Medically, my pain is actually called […]

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Ouch! She Hit a Nerve!

The nurse hit a nerve in my hand! I screamed in pain and now my hand is withered. Will I view God by my bad circumstances or my circumstances by God’s love? I went to the cross of Christ.

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A Discernment Prayer to Know God’s Will (John 17)

Jesus’ John 17 prayer can used as a discernment prayer for Christian leaders and groups. This tool frames Jesus’ petitions as six key discernment questions. If we make Jesus’ holy prayer our prayer then we’re sure to get in sync with God’s will!

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Bible Study and Quotes on “Hearing God” by Dallas Willard

Soul Shepherding helps pastors and leaders discern God’s guidance is. This Bible study with quotes from “Hearing God” by Dallas Willard is a great resource.

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Personal Soul Shepherding

Pastors (and other ministry leaders) who don’t have their own pastor to turn to for care and guidance are in danger of burning out or slipping into a moral failure.

Soul Care Groups

70% of pastors say they do not have a close friend. 80% of pastors’ wives say they feel unappreciated and left out by church members. But we have a community of ministry leaders ready to welcome you!

In ministry and caregiving we’re prone to do too much, move too fast, and try too hard. But our most effective work and caring come in response to Jesus’ invitation: “Come to me... and I will give you rest.”

TLC Training

TLC is a two-year training program that features a series of five-day retreats and individual spiritual mentoring. Participants are able to earn a Certificate in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care Ministry.