Shepherd Network Southeast
January 9-10, 2026
Friday 3 pm – Saturday 3 pm
Hendersonville Church of Christ
For elders, ministers, and spouses
A Gathering for Leaders Who Love Jesus and His Church
Click Here to Register
In a time when the role of church leadership can feel both deeply rewarding and uniquely challenging, Shepherd Network Southeast offers a place for renewal, encouragement, and equipping.
This two-day event brings together a diverse group of elders, ministers, and their spouses from across the Southeast — all united by a shared desire to shepherd churches well, fulfilling Jesus’ charge to Peter: “Take care of my sheep.”
Do any of these statements apply to you?
For Elders & Ministers
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- “I’m carrying the weight of major decisions and need more clarity and unity in leadership.”
- “I feel stuck in administrative tasks instead of truly shepherding people.”
- “There’s tension or misalignment between leaders and staff in our church.”
- “Our congregation is anxious, fearful, or in conflict, and it’s draining our energy.”
- “I sometimes feel isolated with no one to talk to who understands the weight of my role.”
- “I’m navigating complex cultural, doctrinal, or relational challenges and feel uncertain.”
- “I need better tools for balancing spiritual discernment with practical decision-making.”
- “My own spiritual life could use refreshing and renewal.”
- “I’m looking for fresh ideas and encouragement to keep leading well.”
For Spouses of Elders & Ministers
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- “I sometimes feel overlooked or under-supported in my role alongside my spouse.”
- “I’ve experienced loneliness or misunderstanding because of my position.”
- “I want to support my spouse without losing my own sense of calling.”
- “I’d love a safe, encouraging place to share with other leaders’ spouses.”
If even one of these items resonates with you, you’re exactly who this gathering is for.
Our Mission is Two-Fold
- Unite church leaders in meaningful fellowship, building relationships that strengthen both leaders and congregations.
- Equip, encourage, and strengthen through inspiring worship, practical workshops, and conversations that spark vision and refresh the soul.
Why Attend?
- Be inspired by engaging speakers who understand the unique joys and pressures of shepherding God’s people.
- Gain practical tools you can apply immediately in your leadership context.
- Build community with other leaders who “get it” — and will walk alongside you in ministry.
- Renew your vision for the work God has called you to do.
Keynotes
- The Heart of A Shepherd on Mission: Live the mission, love the people, lead with a heart aligned to God’s calling – David Holmes
- Leading the Church With Missional Clarity and Purpose: Following the Good Shepherd wherever he goes – Chris McCurley
- Decision-Making with Mission, Maturity, and Ministry at the Forefront: Practical frameworks for making wise, unified, and Spirit-led decisions – Carlus Gupton
- The Two Most Powerful Conversations I’ve Ever Had: Decisions and directions going forward – Jerrie Barber
Breakout Sessions
- Shepherding the Anxious Church: Lead with calm wisdom when your congregation faces uncertainty, fear, or conflict – Carlus Gupton
- Elders as Culture-Shapers, Creating Churches that Flourish: How to shape congregational cultures through a daily tone of presence and trust, alignment, and proactive leadership – Mark Adams
- Panel, Strengthening Elder-Minister Relationships: Build trust, respect, and partnership for healthier leadership teams – Frank Batson, Michael Crowder, Dan Dozier, Mark Powell
- Moving from Management to Shepherding: Shift from task-driven oversight to relational, Christ-centered leadership – Evertt Huffard
- Spiritual Discernment in Decision-Making: Lead from a place of prayerful dependence and attentive listening to God’s guidance – Mark Powell
- Panel, Take Care of My Sheep: Practical tools for listening, guiding, and caring well for the flock entrusted to you – Jim Arnett, Charlie Herndon, Phil Smith
- Sessions for Spouses
- Serving Together, The Unique Calling of Church Leader’s Spouses: A heartfelt session affirming, equipping, and connecting spouses of elders and ministers as they walk alongside their spouses in ministry – Gwen Barker
- Blessings and Challenges for Spouses of Elders and Ministers: An honest space to share experiences, find encouragement, and strengthen your role in ministry life – Gwen Barker
Networking Conversations – facilitated by Les Chapman and Aaron Tremblay
Worship – led by Blake Parker and Kenny Wyatt
A few details:
- Location: Hendersonville Church of Christ, 107 Rockland Road, Hendersonville, TN 37075
- Schedule: Friday, January 9, 3 pm – Saturday, January 10, 3 pm
- Registration is free but is necessary for planning
- Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast and lunch are provided onsite
Click Here to Register
Shepherd Network is organized by a diverse group of church leaders from Nashville and the surrounding area
Steering Committee:
- Jerrie Barber – Minister, Hartsville Pike
- Gwen Barker – Women’s Leader and Spiritual Mentor, Nashville
- Bill Brock – Elder, Hendersonville
- Les Chapman – Minister, Hendersonville
- Carlus Gupton – Minister, Professor, Lipscomb
- Charlie Herndon – Elder, Northside
- Bill Jordan – Elder, Smyrna
- Mark Powell – Minister, Donelson
- Phil Smith – Elder, Hartsville Pike
- Jason Thompson – Minister, Harpeth Hills
Advisory Council:
- Mark Adams – Minister, Tusculum
- Todd Foutch – Elder, Smyrna
- Evertt Huffard – Minister/Elder, Memphis
- Russ King – Minister, Donelson
- Steve Kirby – Minister (Retired), Hilldale
- Rob Lyles – Elder, Donelson
- Chris McCurley – Minister, Walnut Street, Dickson
- Brian McDonald – Elder, Donelson
- Jeff McKinzie – Elder, Northside
- Aaron Tremblay – Minister, Smyrna
- David Waldron – Elder, Lavergne