Resources for Elders & Shepherds
Training, discernment tools, books and trusted partner ministries, gathered to help elders shepherd God’s people with wisdom, care and courage, and to stay healthy while they do it.
They Smell Like Sheep: Spiritual Leadership Training Package
Twelve video-based sessions of hands-on shepherding and mentoring skills, drawn from Lynn Anderson’s book, for small or large groups. Ideal for new elders, shepherding teams, and anyone preparing others to shepherd.
Training Kit $165 (2 facilitator guides + 10 participant manuals) · Extra guide $20 · Extra manual $15 · Ships in 2–3 weeks
Companion books: They Smell Like Sheep, Vol. 1 · Vol. 2: Leading with the Heart of a Shepherd
Click a category to see its resources.
HN BooksPractical wisdom from HOPE Network’s own ministry leaders2 books
Navigating the Storm: Resources of HOPE for Church Leaders
by HOPE Network Ministries
Practical guidance and encouragement for leaders facing the challenges of ministry, with chapters on group leadership, vision, non-anxious leadership, spiritual formation, and church health.
Doing God’s Work: A Primer for Church Leaders
by HOPE Network Ministries
Wisdom on mentoring, leadership identity, renewing a church’s mission, shepherd selection, spiritual formation, soul care, and helping weary leaders.
Elders: Shepherding and LeadingDiscernment tools and practical guides for elder teams7 resources
They Smell Like Sheep: Spiritual Leadership Training Package
Based on the books by Lynn Anderson
A twelve-session, video-based training in hands-on shepherding and mentoring skills, for small or large groups of elders and church leaders.
Am I Called to Serve as an Elder?
A tool to help a couple discern a local congregation’s call to serve as an elder.
Shall I Continue to Be an Elder?
A tool to help a couple discern whether it’s time to step away from serving as an elder.
The Practice of Communal Discernment
Detailed guidelines and reflection questions that keep your leadership team’s group discernment productive and beneficial.
Communication Timeline
A strategy for communicating church news so people actually take action, for projects large or small.
Leaders Who Last: 12 Conversations
Open-ended questions for peer learning and friendship among leaders, or for mentoring with a more experienced leader. Bring your own stories; there are no “right” answers.
The Carpenter’s Plan
HN Partner Jason Thompson, Senior Consultant
Guidance and assistance for churches and non-profits planning capital campaigns.
Congregational TransitionMaking the most of the season between ministers1 partner
Interim Ministry Partners
HN Partners Brent Isbell, Rodney Plunket, Steve Shaffer, and Grady King
The transition to a new pulpit minister is one of the most significant seasons in a church’s life. IMP helps churches embrace that interim time by asking important questions and rethinking God’s call on their shared life and ministry, so the transition becomes a season of transformation.
Spiritual FormationNourishment for the shepherd’s own soul5 resources
Jim Martin’s Encouragement Note
Writing from HOPE Network team member Jim Martin offering encouraging ideas about life, marriage, parenting, leadership, and ministry.
Grady King: Reflections on Life in Jesus Christ
Writing from HOPE Network President Emeritus Grady King, drawing on nearly fifty years of ministry to offer reflections on life in Jesus Christ.
In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership
by Henri Nouwen
A counter-definition of leadership rooted in community and in our identity as a people “called.”
The Way of the Heart
by Henri Nouwen
Connecting with God through prayer, wisdom, and silence, leaving the noise of the world for the way that leads to God.
Practicing God’s Presence: Brother Lawrence for Today’s Reader
by Robert Elmer
An updated edition of the sayings of Brother Lawrence, the 17th-century monk who showed believers how to live in God’s presence.
Church HealthLeading your congregation toward wholeness and maturity2 resources
The Emotionally Healthy Church
by Peter Scazzero
Fresh, challenging insight into what it takes to lead your congregation to wholeness and maturity in Christ.
Why HOPE Network Uses the Grip-Birkman
How the Grip-Birkman helps elders, staff and leadership teams see their strengths and stress patterns, and work together better.
Leadership Marriage CareStrengthening the marriages of those who lead4 resources
Partner Ministry
Growing Love Network
Founded by HN Partner Jon Anderson
Helps struggling and failing marriages through weekly classes, seminars, retreats, and professional counseling.
Growing Love: The 9 Essentials of Lifelong Love
by Jon R. Anderson
A nine-week guide for classes or group study, which also works as a self-growth aid when a spouse is unwilling to get help.
365 Days of Growing Love
by Jon R. Anderson
A few moments a day for a year to grow the way you love: a daily supplement for your relational health.
Marriage Mentoring: 12 Conversations
Twelve guided conversations for mentoring couples in ministry leadership.
Not sure where to start?
Shepherding is hard work, and you don’t have to do it alone. A HOPE Network Partner would be glad to talk with your elders.