6 Best Practices for Shepherding People in the Congregation

by Jim Martin

So what does shepherding look like practically?  The following are some best practices for shepherding people in the congregation:

1. Listen well and give others your presence. 

Good shepherds learn to listen well. This means paying attention to the content, feelings, and body language of others. Those who listen well are fully present in the moment of the conversation.

2. Consider one-to-one mentoring. 

Many shepherds regularly practice some form of one to one mentoring. These shepherds may have lunch/breakfast or coffee with persons in their congregation for the purpose of investing in them spiritually. For example, one might keep a list of 5-10 people and regularly meet with them.  As the relationship develops, there are opportunities to ask questions regarding their marriage, parenting, work, etc., for the purpose of helping them navigate their lives as a Jesus follower.

3. Begin to look for others who might already be informally shepherding.

Some of the best shepherding may occur by men and women who are doing this informally and organically. Supporting and encouraging these people can greatly multiply those in your congregation who are actually shepherding others. 

4. Get organized with a follow up plan.

Some people may be homebound or in a care facility and no longer able to be a part of weekly gatherings of the church. Shepherds can have some kind of organized follow-up so that someone checks in on these individuals periodically.  

5. Are there significant life events affecting someone?

Shepherds can acknowledge among themselves the various people who are experiencing particular kinds of transitions. Who are the families experiencing the birth of a baby, the death of a family member, or are going through divorce? Perhaps someone is dealing with a health crisis or has lost a job. Shepherds can see to it that a shepherd connects with these people during these significant moments.  

6. Help individuals connect with a smaller group.

Shepherds can connect individual members to smaller groups within the larger congregation where they can build meaningful relationships and receive ongoing support. This might  include facilitating support groups for grief, addiction recovery, parenting, or caregiving, as well as general fellowship groups that foster deeper connections.

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