To encourage today's pastors, equip tomorrow's pastors, and cultivate leaders.
Shepherds Circle: Helping Pastors Flourish for a Lifetime of Ministry
Nazarene Bible College has long been committed to preparing men and women who are called into ministry. Whether someone is discerning God's call or has faithfully served for decades, the College exists to provide a Christ-centered, biblically grounded education that equips leaders for effective ministry.
But education is only part of the mission.
Pastoring in today's post-Christian culture is more demanding than ever. Ministry leaders face increasing pressures from every direction: balancing family life, navigating financial challenges, overcoming loneliness and isolation and other internal struggles, meeting the expectations of congregations, ministering in communities that are often indifferent or even hostile to biblical truth, and faithfully leading people through rapidly changing cultural realities. The calling remains as important as ever, but the challenges are undeniable.
At the same time, the American church faces another pressing concern. Many pastors are nearing retirement, while too few younger leaders are preparing to take their place. Unless this trend changes, many congregations will struggle to find pastoral leadership. Some churches may be forced to merge, share pastors, or rely on alternative ministry models simply to continue serving their communities.
Recognizing these realities is the first step toward addressing them.
Nazarene Bible College desires to see pastors not merely survive ministry, but flourish throughout a lifetime of faithful service. To that end, the college has established Shepherds Circle — a ministry center dedicated to encouraging, equipping, and supporting pastors and, when married, their spouses, so they can thrive in both life and ministry.
To lead this important initiative, Nazarene Bible College has appointed Dr. Rob Prince, a seasoned pastor who has faithfully served congregations of every size and setting. Drawing from decades of pastoral experience, Dr. Prince will guide Shepherds Circle as it develops practical resources, meaningful relationships, and ongoing support for pastors and church leaders.
What is Shepherds Circle?
Its mission is simple: to encourage today's pastors, equip tomorrow's pastors, and cultivate leaders marked by holiness, excellence, and servant-hearted ministry.
This mission will be accomplished through a growing collection of resources and opportunities, including:
- Practical ministry tools and pastoral resources
- Podcasts, blogs, and printed publications
- Leadership training and online learning
- Mentoring relationships and peer-to-peer cohorts
- Regional networks that foster encouragement and collaboration
- Conferences, workshops, and leadership events
The vision is for Shepherds Circle to become the trusted companion pastors can turn to throughout every season of ministry, from their first assignment to retirement.
The goal is for Shepherds Circle to be fully operational by the 2027 Church of the Nazarene General Assembly. At that event, be sure to visit the Shepherds Circle booth to learn more. You will be able to sign up for text updates and newsletters, explore mentoring opportunities, connect with fellow pastors, subscribe to podcasts and blogs, pick up the latest ministry resources, and learn about the exciting lineup of speakers and workshops planned for the inaugural Shepherds Circle National Pastors' Conference in early 2028.
Shepherds Circle is being built with one purpose in mind: to serve those who serve the Church.
Whether you need encouragement, practical ministry resources, leadership development, evangelism and holiness tools, or simply a community of fellow shepherds who understand the unique joys and burdens of ministry, Shepherds Circle is being designed with pastors in mind. When enrollment opens, become one of our founding ministry partners and help shape a community that invests in pastors for generations to come.
If God has called you to shepherd His people, you've found your people.
Welcome to Shepherds Circle.