Shepherding Ministry

Biblical Basis

Keep watch over yourselves and all of the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

Acts 20:28

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who will share in the glory to be revealed. Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

1 Peter 5:1-3

Purpose

To provide a structure that enables us to care for the spiritual and physical well being of the Christ Church congregation by:

• Encouraging one another and building one another up in our faith
• Encouraging good communication between Elders and the congregation
• Encouraging development of discipling relationships
• Encouraging the use of gifts for the edification of the Body
• Assimilating newcomers into the fellowship quickly

Shepherding Model

This model incorporates a number of shepherding groups or "Folds" equal to the number of Ruling Elders serving on Session plus those Ruling Elders who are on sabbatical, but wish to continue in their shepherding assignments. The Folds will be distinct from all other groups in the church in that they will be continuous in nature and will include everyone in the congregation, both members and regularly attending non-members.

Fold Structure

Each Fold will have as its Shepherd, a Ruling Elder. At least one Deacon will also be included in each Fold. The Elder/Shepherd and the Deacon, along with the selected Shepherding Links, will function as a team to address needs within the Fold. The number of households in each Fold will be dependent upon the number of Elder / Shepherds; however, the number of households per Fold should not exceed 20. The number of family units assigned to a Shepherding Link should not exceed four.

Fold Selection Criteria

When assigning new members to Folds, it is important to consider any positive relationships or associations that already exist with a particular Elder or established Fold member, the new Fold member's life stage, or their geographic location. From time to time, adjustments may need to be made due to factors such as Fold size, addition of Elders, changes in personal relationships, or other reasons.