Dr. Terrance A. Ford Presents: The Shepherd's Respite Project
Pastors play a vital role in nurturing the spiritual and emotional well-being of their congregations. Their unwavering dedication often leaves little room for extended periods of rest and rejuvenation, which are crucial for maintaining their health and effectiveness in ministry. Recognizing this critical need, I am pleased to introduce the Shepherd’s Respite Project.
With 27 years of experience as a senior pastor (including times as a solo pastor), I understand firsthand the challenges of balancing pastoral duties with personal care. Since transitioning from the pastorate to the presidency of Foster College (formerly Southern Bible Institute & College), I have been burdened to support those called to serve God's church, not only through education and training but also by providing practical support in their ministry journey.
One significant challenge pastors face in taking much-needed breaks is finding a trusted pulpiteer to cover their preaching responsibilities during their absence. In response to this need, I have prayerfully committed several four-week blocks each year to preach in place of pastors who are on respite. This initiative allows pastors to rest assured that their congregation will receive meaningful spiritual nourishment while they focus on rest and renewal.
What It Is
A four-week preaching coverage plan that lets weary pastors step away to rest while their congregations receive rich, Christ-centered sermons from Dr. Terrance A. Ford—a former senior pastor of 27 years and current President of Foster College.
Why It Matters
Protect Pastoral Health
This opportunity provides a rest guard against burnout and helps extend ministry longevity.
This opportunity provides a rest guard against burnout and helps extend ministry longevity.
Nourish the flock
Your church will enjoy biblically sound, engaging preaching during the pastor's time of rest.
Your church will enjoy biblically sound, engaging preaching during the pastor's time of rest.
Demonstrate congregational care
This confident period of rest will bless the pastor as a tangible expression of love and support.
This confident period of rest will bless the pastor as a tangible expression of love and support.
What's Included
Four-week rest for the pastor
Consecutive coverage of four Sunday morning services by a highly reputable community and faith figure.
Consecutive coverage of four Sunday morning services by a highly reputable community and faith figure.
select signiture messages
Pastor's option to choose single sermons or a sermon series from Dr. Ford’s 30 year curated catalog.
Pastor's option to choose single sermons or a sermon series from Dr. Ford’s 30 year curated catalog.
All-Inclusive Honorarium
One straightforward mutually agreed upon honorarium that covers travel, preaching and all other expenses—no hidden costs.
One straightforward mutually agreed upon honorarium that covers travel, preaching and all other expenses—no hidden costs.
How It Works
1. Secure Your Dates
Choose the four available consecutive Sundays that best fit the ministry's schedule.
Choose the four available consecutive Sundays that best fit the ministry's schedule.
2. Select Your Sermons
Browse a catalog of engaging gospel-centered messages and series.
Browse a catalog of engaging gospel-centered messages and series.
3. Rest & Recharge
Step away with confidence while your congregation is spiritually fed with sound and profound preaching!
Step away with confidence while your congregation is spiritually fed with sound and profound preaching!
The Shepherd’s Respite Project presents a crucial opportunity to support and uplift those dedicated to ministry. To pastors in need of rest and revitalization, know that the challenge of balancing ministry with personal well-being is recognized and addressed through this initiative. We encourage you and your congregation to prioritize your health and longevity in ministry. Your well-being is fundamental to the flourishing of your congregation and community.
We pray that this opportunity will bless and empower pastors to continue their vital work with renewed strength and purpose.
Ready to Bless Your Pastor?
Invest in the shepherd today—so he can continue to shepherd tomorrow.
Schedule a brief video call to explore dates, details, and next steps.
Thank you! We will be in touch soon.