Shepherd's Heart 5/8/26
Good Shepherd Family,
One of the best parts of my job is having a front-row seat to what God is doing in our community.
I see the care Carol Green puts into making every item that comes out of the café feel special and reflect the hospitality of this place.
I see the thoughtfulness of Chris Rechsteiner and Ian Zamora, our incredible Disability Ministry team, as they connect with every family. When we talk about inviting everyone to walk together in the calling of Christ for a life of eternal impact, we truly mean everyone.
I get to celebrate alongside our Council, Tom Anderson, the building team, and so many of you who have served faithfully, as the countless hours invested into the renovations at 1310 Shepherd Drive move from vision to reality.
I get to cheer on our Worship Team and production partners as they thoughtfully work through every detail of our new Chapel and renovated Sanctuary.
Believe it or not, I’m not sharing all of this just to tell you how much I enjoy my job. I wanted to take a moment to name some of these observations (and honestly, I could list 100 more) because I want to encourage you to pay attention. Whether you’re here on a Sunday morning, a Monday night, or a Tuesday morning, I hope you take a moment to look around and notice the tangible ways God is moving in and through this community at 1310 Shepherd Drive.
Last night, I had the privilege of attending our Theology Cohort Preview Night, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. The presence of the Holy Spirit in that room was tangible. I could feel it the moment I walked in, and I know I wasn’t the only one who sensed it.
Over the past year, this group of leaders that made up our Cohorts committed themselves to studying Scripture, building deeper relationships, and leaning in fully. They brought their questions, doubts, insecurities, experiences, and honest reflections week after week. And if you don’t believe me, just know that every person I spoke with was excited about the homework they had been given. Only God can make that possible!
While I absolutely hope all of you participate in our Theology Cohorts when they return this fall, I also believe there’s something all of us can learn from the example these leaders have set.
We didn’t walk through the Forward Generosity Initiative simply so we could have a nicer building. We did it because Good Shepherd spent years in a season of “hurry up and wait.”
Wait through pastoral transitions and staff changes.
Wait through the pandemic.
Wait for building improvements.
Those who went through Cohorts didn't wait and we don't have to wait anymore. Yet, if we want to fully live into all God has for us, we must also be willing to fully lean in.
May we all have the discipline to lean into His Word, the patience to discern what He has for us next, and the trust to believe He will guide our steps.
Trusting in Him,
Ross Cochran
Communications Director