A New Chapter: Shepherding and The Shepherd’s Refuge
I am excited about these opportunities with The Shepherd's Refuge, Community Bible Church, and Gospel Care Canada and to see what God will do through them.
Last July, I stepped away from pastoring a local church to give my full attention to The Shepherd’s Refuge (TSR). I spent six months exploring what God might do with this ministry—and he has been faithful in bringing connections and opportunities my way.
Even as I pursued TSR full-time, I sensed that no matter how successful it became, I would always want to stay connected to local church ministry. As the months passed, that sense became a certainty—I missed pastoring, preaching, and shepherding!
In January, the elders at Community Bible Church in Ilderton, Ontario approached me about a partnership. They loved TSR and were also in need of interim pastoral support, and they asked if I was interested in providing the support they needed. It didn't take me long to say yes.
A New Partnership
Yesterday, I was commissioned as an interim elder and pastor at CBC Ilderton.
This arrangement allows me to continue growing TSR while serving CBC Ilderton as a pastor and elder. A second opportunity also came my way. Gospel Care Canada asked if I would be one of their counselors. I said yes to counselling 3-4 hours a week.
Here’s what that looks:
Two days a week serving CBC in pastoral ministry. One day a week working for TSR, focusing on like-minded local churches and their pastors.
An additional 12 hours a week dedicated to TSR, funded by my generous financial partners.
3–4 hours a week counselling for Gospel Care Canada.
This means a new schedule with new pressures and a greater variety of work than I am used to. Before this new phase, I only held two jobs in my adult life, each for 15 years.
Please Pray
Although my role at CBC is interim, it is also open-ended. We will take it month by month and follow where the Lord leads. I would deeply appreciate your prayers as I continue to shepherd people in three realms: as a local church pastor, a pastor to pastors, and a counselor.
Please pray specifically for:
Wisdom as I balance pastoring, coaching, and counseling.
Endurance as I adjust to a more varied schedule.
Fruitfulness in shepherding both a local church and fellow pastors.
God has been very good to me these last eight months. I’ve been challenged to practice patience while God moves at his speed, and I have learned a lot about trusting him.
I am excited about these opportunities, and to see what God will do through them. Thank YOU for being a friend and supporter along the way.
Links To Go
If you’d like to partner with The Shepherd’s Refuge and help establish its long-term impact, consider becoming a monthly supporter—click here.
For gospel-centered biblical counseling, visit Gospel Care Canada. You can find my counselor profile here.
Community Bible Church is a Great Commission Collective church.
Media
Watch yesterday’s commissioning at CBC below.
Watch yesterday’s announcement at our home church, RBC St. Thomas below.
The Shepherd’s Refuge provides pastoral care for pastors. Whether you’re a pastor who needs support or a church leader who wants to care for your pastor, reach out today. We’re here to help you and your ministry leaders thrive in their calling.
Michael Krahn is the husband of Anne Marie and the father of Madeleine, Olivia, and Sophia. He is also a pastor, counsellor and coach. Make a connection on Facebook, X, or Instagram.