Step 03 of 05 · The Pastor Phase
03
Pastor
Healthy churches grow under healthy shepherds.
You cannot lead a church further than you have personally walked with Christ. This phase pours into the pastor: soul, family, leadership, and pulpit, so the rest of the work stands on a sturdy foundation.
1 Peter 5:2 — “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight… willingly.”
01 PRELIMINARY → 02 POWER → 03 PASTOR → 04 PURPOSE → 05 PROCESS
Three Investments
Caring for the one who cares for the flock
Go deeper on how you are leading.
We go deeper than Step One. Where that was about how you are wired, this is an honest look at how you are actually leading right now, across spiritual vitality, vision, shepherding, disciple-making, organizational leadership, and readiness for revitalization. No shame, just increased awareness.
Continue with one-on-one coaching relationship.
Confidential, regular coaching conversations with a brother in ministry. Space to ask the hard questions, name the lonely weight, and be sharpened, without it costing you anything at home or at church.
Walk through LeaderCare training.
A four-lens framework that develops the pastor as a whole leader: Person (identity in Christ, family rhythm, soul care), Pastor (shepherding, member care, church culture), Preacher (sermon prep, pulpit ministry, gospel clarity), and Pathfinder (vision, leadership pipeline, direction setting). Sessions run through the year, and recordings of past sessions are posted, so a pastor can start on any lens now rather than wait for it to come back around.
A Word to the Pastor
You are not the savior of your church. Christ is. But you are the one He has set there to shepherd this flock. We want to help you do that, well, and for a long time.
“The pastor’s health and the church’s health are not the same, but they’re never very far apart.”
Mentoring continues throughout the EMPOWER journey and beyond. The relationship outlasts the program.
Reflect
Where in your life right now do you most need a brother who is for you?
Outcome
A healthier shepherd, clear in calling, supported in the work, and free to lead.