Those who work as shepherds give of themselves in sacrificial ways that eventually deplete them. And there is often something inside them that says caring for their own souls is not legitimate, they are supposed to care for everyone else.
The Shepherds Repose seeks to create space and opportunity to reconnect shepherds with God in ways that will revive, renew, and help them thrive rather than merely survive in the fray of their work—to work as one who is beloved, not as one who is burning out.
The Shepherds Repose seeks to create space and opportunity to reconnect shepherds with God in ways that will revive, renew, and help them thrive rather than merely survive in the fray of their work—to work as one who is beloved, not as one who is burning out.
What happens through The Shepherds Repose?
Personal retreats. Weary shepherds who need time to regroup, rethink, and reconnect with God concerning their lives and work have the opportunity to retreat with Donovan and Wilma in their home in the Western North Carolina mountains. Such retreats are developed in accord with what is happening in a shepherd’s life and each day includes sufficient time to talk, to be alone with God, and opportunity to process what he seems to be saying. Always the intent is to point people to God. The normal time frame for such a retreat is three days.
Retreats in a group setting. Single or multiple day reflective type retreats are offered to groups of shepherds who may work in the same field of ministry or even in the same organization. These are offered in various venues conducive to solitude and quiet.
Individual spiritual companionship and guidance. Donovan meets face-to-face with shepherds where desired and possible, and through Zoom or other electronic means when distance is an issue. Again, the desire is to point them to God and to help them develop a rhythm of life that includes more regular, extended time for genuine conversation and friendship with God.
Personal retreats. Weary shepherds who need time to regroup, rethink, and reconnect with God concerning their lives and work have the opportunity to retreat with Donovan and Wilma in their home in the Western North Carolina mountains. Such retreats are developed in accord with what is happening in a shepherd’s life and each day includes sufficient time to talk, to be alone with God, and opportunity to process what he seems to be saying. Always the intent is to point people to God. The normal time frame for such a retreat is three days.
Retreats in a group setting. Single or multiple day reflective type retreats are offered to groups of shepherds who may work in the same field of ministry or even in the same organization. These are offered in various venues conducive to solitude and quiet.
Individual spiritual companionship and guidance. Donovan meets face-to-face with shepherds where desired and possible, and through Zoom or other electronic means when distance is an issue. Again, the desire is to point them to God and to help them develop a rhythm of life that includes more regular, extended time for genuine conversation and friendship with God.
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Retired Pastor Paul Parsons
Western Colorado Thoughts on his long-time journey with Donovan as his Spiritual Guide. |
Stuart Tutler, Head of School
Tennessee Thoughts on working too hard and Wilma's Banoffi Pie. |
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Abigail Sebesta, Missionary Southern Colorado Did Donovan ask the wrong question? |
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