Shepherds Watch
The Francis Asbury Society is committed to clergy, watching over their souls (self-care) and helping them to watch over one another (covenant relationships) as well as their congregations (pastoral care).
Shepherds Watch is a covenant relationship of the Francis Asbury Society specifically for clergy who are committed to watching over their souls in self-care, watching over one another in covenant relationships, and watching over their congregations in pastoral care. In Shepherds Watch, pastors experience and express authentic Christian community in prayer, study, and fellowship within covenant relationships.
The Ministry of Shepherds Watch
The ministry staff of the Francis Asbury Society is committed to providing support and leadership for pastors who are intentional about self-care. Here is what we offer:
- Meet with any pastor or group of pastors who are interested in participating in a clergy covenant fellowship group.
- Assist in developing covenant fellowship groups for clergy.
- Schedule regular meetings with these clergy groups.
- Provide leadership for special events with clergy groups. Possible themes: sermon preparation, covenant relationships, conflict resolution, teaching the Bible, prayer ministry, discipleship bands.
Our Values
- A pastor’s well-being affects the entire congregation.
- Self-care is not only permissible; it is essential to a healthy, growing and loving ministry.
- Christians need other Christians to experience full salvation. Authentic Christian community consists solely in what Christ has done for us all.
- The authority of a pastor’s ministry is revealed in the priesthood: openly confessing one’s need and lovingly receiving the confession of others.