It has been an amazing and confirming year for Shepherd’s Inn. The word is out and people are becoming increasingly aware of the need for pastor and missionary care. We have been blessed with a place to do ministry and continue to add people to our team.
What continually resonates with us are the stories we are hearing, almost weekly, of those who need this ministry. From those in ministry who are in dire need of a place to rest and be encouraged, to the ministry couple who has been rejected by their church rather than offered a path toward reconciliation, to the young pastors with families who feel crushed under the weight of ministry and are struggling with thoughts of suicide.
These are real stories of real people who’ve reached out to us or whose stories have been shared with us, followed by “please make sure Shepherd’s Inn happens.”
Did you know? *
80% of pastors and 85% of their spouses feel discouraged in their roles.
70% of pastors do not have a close friend, confidant or mentor.
71% of pastors stated they were burned out, and they battle with depression beyond fatigue on a weekly and even daily basis.
One out of every ten ministers will not actually retire as a minister.
These are just a few of the startling statistics we’ve both learned and even experienced in our years of ministry. We know that these ministers and missionaries pour out their lives to care for those in their ministries, but, because of the needs and demands of ministry, they often neglect the care of their own souls. Because of their position, many feel isolated and unable to share their own struggles and feelings in fear of the response of those in their care.
Our desire is to see ministry leaders and missionaries serve from a place of rest and renewal, not from a place of burnout and discouragement. At its heart, Shepherd’s Inn is a ministry of hospitality and care. A sacred space set apart for rest, encouragement, and prayer. On a deeper level it will be a place of healing where weary ministers and their spouses can be cared for, ministered to, and given the resources to move toward a restored and sustainable rhythm of life.
Our goal is to open the doors of Shepherd’s Inn in the fall of 2020. We need your help to make that happen. Here’s how you can get involved.
Pray
Pray for the ministers, missionaries, and Christian leaders we will serve and their families. Pray for your local pastors and the missionaries that your church serves and let them know you love them and are for them! Pray for those who will join our team and for continued provision to open the doors of Shepherd’s Inn.
Promote
Help us raise awareness, first and foremost, of the need for pastor and missionary care. Encourage your church leaders to invest in the care of your ministry staff and missionaries, both local and abroad. Introduce them to the ministry of Shepherd’s Inn. We want to partner with local churches and ministry organizations to provide care for their own leaders and help provide care for other ministry leaders. Also, share the vision of Shepherd’s Inn with likeminded believers you know who would be interested in partnering with us.
Provide
We know that renovations for the Inn will be be upwards of $200K, furnishings & equipment $150K and initial staffing an additional $150K. That’s a total of $500,000. We need generous donations both large and small, one-time and recurring, to make that happen, and we believe we can achieve that goal this year if you will join us. In this season of giving, we ask that you would prayerfully consider sharing a tax-deductible gift with Shepherd’s Inn, and help us provide rest, renewal and care to the ministry leaders who shepherd and care for your family and so many others.
You can easily share your one-time or recurring gift online at
or by mailing a check to:
Shepherd’s Inn
4823 Creston Court
Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
If you have questions about Shepherd’s Inn, feel free to direct message us on Facebook or send an email from the contact page on our website.
Thank you for your continued support through words of encouragement, prayers, and gifts and for believing in us. We are so excited for the future of Shepherd’s Inn, and we are grateful for you!
Blessings in Christ, and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Steven and Cheryl
* Research compiled from The Barna Group, Focus On the Family, Fuller Seminary and the Institute of Church Leadership Development.
