This was originally posted in November, 2017.  It got lost in an update of the host site server and is being re-posted now. A Young Man's Story: In our first mentoring session a number of years back, a young man told me a little about his life.  Growing up, he could sense a constant tension between his arguing parents.  He felt the need to alleviate the tension, which unknowingly honed his pastoral and counseling skills...and also his … [Read more...]

“We want to be mentored, not preached at.” Two Interesting Studies: According to a Barna Group study of U.S. church trends published in 2014: 59% of Millennials1 who grew up in the church have dropped out. Only two in 10 Americans under 30 believe church attendance is important (an all-time low). 35% of Millennials1 take an anti-church stance, believing that church does more harm than good. Millennials1 are the least likely age … [Read more...]

Check out this video, written and performed by a Legacy Shepherding alum! (Note: You'll need to turn the volume up by clicking on the volume symbol at the bottom of the video) https://www.facebook.com/ITeamsUSA/videos/10155704655593117/   One faithful step at a time, that’s what it took.  One faith-filled step, without knowing where it would lead. A number of year ago, Dave Cooper, a Legacy Shepherding Ministries, Inc. alum who … [Read more...]

Check this out! One of the peeps we’ve invested in - Dan Ruta - recently gave his first sermon ever! You’d never know it was his first from how good he is at it.  I guess those years as a high-school teacher paid off. I hope you’ll take a look at this video and see the high quality of people you’ve been investing in. https://youtu.be/lYdsQQsHXlo With people like Dan leading, there is hope for the future church. How hard did you … [Read more...]

Mark’s Breakdown Transformation: Mark is a very passionate, high-capacity man who loves the Lord.  After stepping into full-time ministry for about a year and a half, he came to an exhausted place where he felt like he was completely done.  He couldn’t do it anymore.  Below is a video of a talk he gave describing his breakdown transformation, and what he learned from it. Prior to giving this talk, he wrote the testimonial below, entitled … [Read more...]

Thank You to everyone who helped make this past year possible.  Your prayers and financial support are the earthly life blood of this organization.  God is truly at work through your sacrifices. Thrivent Financial - Choice Dollars: In 2016, Thrivent Financial donated $398 to this ministry through members who designated their Choice Dollars to this ministry.  Thank you Thrivent!  And thank you to the Thrivent Financial members who chose to … [Read more...]

I went to prison this year!  To a maximum security prison in MO.  Thankfully, it was as a visitor! I went with two men mentored through Legacy Shepherding - Louis and Jason.       Louis served 15 ½ years in prison for armed robbery and attempted murder.  He now works for Set Free Ministries, a ministry that provides Bible study correspondence courses to inmates in prison.  I went to learn, to see Louis in action, and to get a better feel for … [Read more...]

Tyler is 29 years old.  He works at Willow Creek Community Church, where he oversees 28 section leaders for the Saturday evening service.  A section leader's role is to pastor the people within their seating section.  Tyler’s job is to invest in and support these section leaders, so they may invest in others.  The average attendance of the service is 3,500 people.  So indirectly, this young man’s role impacts 3,500 people on a weekly basis.  As a … [Read more...]

Legacy Shepherding Ministries, Inc. is 10 years old! Here's a look at a small sample of people who have been mentored over the past 10 years and what they've done with the investment they received (while or since being … [Read more...]

Let the Celebration continue!!!  Legacy Shepherding Ministries, Inc. is 10 years old!!! In celebration of the 10 year anniversary, on June 1st I shared Ten Fun Facts about Legacy Shepherding Ministries, Inc. With 10 still being the celebratory number, here are Ten Number Facts to celebrate. (Note: I don’t think it is generally possible to quantify spiritual growth through the use of numbers.  Too much has happened that can’t even be put … [Read more...]

Below is a short video from one of our alums, Dave Cooper.  He wrote the lyrics and then performed this rap song with his son.  It was a Father’s Day video played during services at his church last Sunday. This ministry has invested in some talented people over the past 10 years! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWcxA_sLXBg To see a couple of his other originals.  Look up Dave Cooper on YouTube: 1) Tell Me, and 2) Is It Just Me?  Both … [Read more...]