What's New at The Shepherd's Refuge?
Read about charitable status and future plans
I’m feeling good about how The Shepherd’s Refuge (TSR) is developing. There is a lot of excitement among the pastors and church leaders I’m meeting with. Everywhere I go I hear that this ministry is desperately needed and there will be plenty of opportunities.
The frequency of meetings with pastors and church leaders is really picking up. I’m still working full-time hours for AEMMC until June 30 so I try to group TSR meetings into happening on my day off (Friday).
Organization
The Shepherd’s Refuge now has charitable status through a wonderful organization called The Great Commission Foundation. This will allow me to accept donations and issue a tax receipt. Check out the landing page here: https://gcfcanada.com/projects/the-shepherds-refuge
TSR is also an officially registered nonprofit organization.
Funding
A clear funding model has not completely emerged, but I’m beginning to have some clarity. TSR will be funded by a combination of charitable donations and the provision of coaching, workshops, and seminars for a fee. At this point, I want to keep stepping out in faith trusting that God will bring clarity and direction in his timing.
My financial goal right now is to raise approximately $60,000 by July 1, 2024. This will fund start-up costs and cover my expenses for six months. I want to initially take six months to work full-time on exploring possibilities for TSR.
During that time I will visit as many pastors and churches as I can in pursuit of clarity about the best avenues to channel my efforts to make the greatest impact in the lives of pastors who need care, coaching, and connection.
If you’re interested in having a conversation with me or hearing about the coaching and workshops I offer, please get in touch!
My hope is that by Jan/Feb 2025 I will have a clear sense of how the ministry should be structured and funded going forward.
Prayer
You can pray for me in the following ways:
I need clarity about funding/income. June 30 will soon be here!
I’m burning the candle at both ends, fulfilling my duties at the church full-time while also making connections and taking meetings for TSR and working one-on-one with pastors who are experiencing various challenges. I am often tired (but not weary). I just need more rest.
I’m not sleeping as much as I normally do. This is not because I’m worried but because I’m excited. If I wake up at night, my mind gets to work and I can’t get back to sleep. Please pray that I will get regular sleep.
More Prayer
Pray also for friends of mine who are experiencing significant health challenges related to their position as pastors. These are not “stories I’ve heard” or statistics but good, godly men who are pastors that I know personally.
Thanks for reading! Please stay in touch by taking up one of the points of action below.
The Shepherd’s Refuge exists to help pastors flourish in life and ministry by offering care, coaching, and connection.
Please consider becoming a subscriber by pressing the button below.
Are you a pastor who finds himself in a state of depletion, not knowing where to turn? Or maybe you just feel like you’re at a pivot point. Let’s talk. You can reach me by email at michael@theshepherdsrefuge.com or by clicking the button below.
If you’re reading this and you’re not a pastor, would you please consider sharing this post with a pastor you know?
Michael Krahn is a Pastor, the husband of Anne Marie, and the father of Madeleine, Olivia, and Sophia. Make a connection on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
