Shepherding Cohort
The Shepherding Cohort is Living Hope’s development pathway for men and women who want to grow in the character, biblical understanding, relational wisdom, and practical skills needed to care for and guide others.
The goal is not simply to complete a curriculum, but to become the kind of person who can know people, care for them faithfully, cultivate meaningful biblical community, and help others grow toward Christ.
Healthy Small Groups require healthy Shepherds.
The Shepherding Cohort is a developmental community where participants learn by studying, practicing, reflecting, and shepherding together. Along the way, they receive encouragement, coaching, and feedback as they grow in their ability to:
Engage Scripture and facilitate meaningful biblical discussion
Cultivate healthy relationships, prayer, fellowship, and purposeful gatherings
Listen well, encourage others, follow up, and provide appropriate care
Work through real shepherding situations with wisdom and confidence
Recognize potential in others, share responsibility, and develop emerging leaders
Throughout the Cohort, we are developing more than skills. Healthy shepherding begins with abiding in Christ and grows into a deeper understanding of biblical community, biblical facilitation, caring for people, and developing others.
Participants are given opportunities to practice what they are learning before carrying the full responsibility of shepherding a group.
Learning to Shepherd Together
Where Could This Lead?
The goal of the Cohort is development and discernment. Completing the process does not automatically mean every participant will immediately become a Group Shepherd.
By the end of the Cohort, a participant may be ready to:
Shepherd a Group — Step into responsibility for cultivating and caring for a Small Group.
Serve as an Apprentice — Continue developing alongside an experienced Shepherd.
Continue Growing — Strengthen particular areas before taking greater responsibility.
Serve in Another Capacity — Discover another place where their gifts may be better used in the life of the church.
Wherever the next step leads, the aim is the same: greater faithfulness in helping people follow Jesus.
Access the guides, tools, and PDFs you’ll use throughout the Shepherding Cohort as you learn, practice, reflect, and grow in shepherding.