Jesus prized being with people.  And it wasn't just him being a Middle Eastern extrovert!  Jesus knew that his human life on earth needed to have other human beings in it.  Companions of faith that like him looked to His, their, heavenly Father.  This weekend, Pastor Scott along with the rest of Shepherd's ministry team plumbs the depths of Christian community and invites from our Shepherd family a greater commitment to it.  Nearly a dozen small group communities are walking through this Being Challenge together.  There are still opportunities to lay a strong foundation--for faith and for the forward progress of this worship series. #shepherdazonline

We hope you have gotten a chance to order your books, sign-up for a small group or even volunteer to lead one! Check out some helpful hints we have outlined for you below.

Here’s what you need to do to say “yes” to this challenge that will change and grow you, your family and our church:

Take the provided assessment to make the most of your Being Challenge journey.
Worship every week online or in-person and learn from the sermons. 
Get the “BEING CHALLENGE” book and start your 40-day journey toward being more like Jesus.
Register for a 6-week, staff-led small group or start one on your own. Small groups are a critical source of strength for discovering these new disciplines and habits that help us become more like Jesus.
Access the additional videos and other resources for bonus material to spur you on to greater success in this Being Challenge adventure.
We are so ready to take on this challenge with you. Let's go! #shepherdazonline #beingchallenge

This weekend, Pastor Scott get us ready for next week and the Being Challenge.  For now, we dig into Matthew Chapter 7, versus 24-27, and learn how important it is to do something, not just be something, but always with the blessing of Jesus Christ.  #shepherdazonline #beingchallenge #redletterchallenge

Work -- do you see it as a blessing or a curse? What does the Bible say about work? Did God intend for people to labor, or is labor a part of God’s curse on humanity? 

This Labor Day Weekend, what is your personal view of labor? Pastor Alan Rosnau explores a Biblical view of work under the theme: “Take This Job and Love It.” #shepherdazonline

All good things must come to an end.  On the one hand, our August study of the Book of Revelation concludes this weekend.  On the other hand, God's gracious plans for history and humanity will end as well.  Revelation concludes with a final vision of victory for God and his people.  This last chapter also places on us a final call to continue in persevering hope and faith with the full confidence that rest will come at last to souls wearied by sin in all its wicked glory.  As Summer 2020 comes to a close, come and rest once more in Revelation. #shepherdazonline

In our second-last week of our Strange Things: Rest for the Soul in Revelation worship series Pastor Scott ushers us into the Rest of the Reward we find in Revelation 19-21.  Over three weeks we've heard the invitation for weary Christians to rest in the vision of God's authority, to rest in the correction and affirmation of God's judgment, and to rest in the glorious vision of the Lamb who sits on heaven's throne and receives earth's praise.  Now we get a taste of the goodness that is in store for us who have persevered.  After slogging through sin and enduring evil, there is a reward that comes to God's people.  Take some time to re-read Revelation this week and especially chapters 19-21. #shepherdazonline

This week we learn a new song by way of an old text:  Revelations 4 and 5 are filled with songs of the end times...and we'll learn not just to sing them but to see how they magnify the Lamb that sits on Heaven's throne. #shepherdazonline

There are hundreds of thousands of churches following Jesus throughout the world.  Probably millions.  Some of are faithful to the call of Christ.  Some, not so much.  This weekend we are given VIP access to seven churches that found themselves at various points between faithful- and faithless-ness.  As Shepherd enters its second week of studying the book of Revelation, Pastor Scott helps us navigate the demands God makes of his church with the rest-giving mercy of Jesus that covers over a multitude of their congregational sins.  Plan on tuning in and turning out a more faithful kind of Christianity as we study Revelation chapters 2 and 3.

Usually strange times make for restless, unsettled souls.  In the case of the New Testament book of Revelation, strange things are meant to bring rest.  This unexpected and blessed rest is so important for Christians who daily stare down the wickedness in both soul and circumstance that mars God's beautiful creation.  In our August worship series, Strange Things: Finding Rest for the Soul in Revelation, Pastor Scott helps settle us into the strange but life-giving visions of the Bible's final book, from its very first chapter which does not delay our meeting the strange vision of the Son of God who will lead us through the rest of its pages.#shepherdazonline