Direction
Gain clarity about where God is leading, establish shared priorities, and turn strategic decisions into meaningful, lasting action.
Shepherd Consulting Direction Services
Strategic Planning & Implementation
Discern a clear path forward, unite people around shared priorities, and turn purposeful plans into measurable progress.
Organizational Health Assessments
Gain an honest understanding of organizational strengths, challenges, and opportunities to make informed decisions for a healthier future.
Mission & Vision Clarification
Articulate a compelling sense of purpose, shared aspirations, and guiding values that inspire and align the entire organization.
Organizational Transitions & Future Readiness
Navigate founder transitions and changing organizational realities with clarity, continuity, and confidence for the next season.
His Leading. Your Path.
Our Clients
Direction in Action
Case Study
The Challenge
For eight years, Parkdale United Church leadership in Ottawa had wrestled with what to do with its century-old building and property, including the possibility of developing social housing. Despite considerable discussion, meaningful progress remained elusive.
Shepherd Consulting was invited to help break the impasse—not simply by examining the building, but by engaging the congregation and community stakeholders in discerning the church’s future ministry through the faith-filled development of a Strategic Plan.
The Solution
Through extensive listening, strategic assessment, and practical recommendations, Shepherd helped connect questions about property, community needs, and ministry priorities into a clearer pathway forward.
The result? Council moved from years of uncertainty to developing ministry priorities, actionable plans, measurable outcomes, and a more strategic approach to governance.
As the Rev. Dr. Bob Fillier, Coordinating Minister, reflected:
“In many ways, it broke a logjam that has existed for at least the last 4 years. It got us moving, dreaming, talking, and discerning where we feel called to focus our energy, why it’s those aspects of ministry and not something else, and how we might do it. We wouldn’t be here without your support and ministry. … It gave us something to react to that wasn’t an internal document drafted by a Parkdaler. This was exceedingly helpful.”
Case Study
The Challenge
London Christian Elementary School wanted more than a document outlining its future. Its board and leadership team needed a process that would bring people together, clarify priorities, and help them discern where God was leading their school.
Shepherd Consulting guided a collaborative strategic planning process that engaged the school’s board, leadership, staff, parents, and supporters. Through prayer, thoughtful conversations, and structured planning, participants worked toward a shared understanding of the school’s mission and future direction.
The Solution
The result was not simply a strategic plan, but greater alignment, renewed momentum, and a clearer pathway for the school community.
As the Board Chair reflected:
“We have appreciated the ways that Shepherd has led our board and leadership team. Thanks for supporting our pathway that will (and has already) propel us forward. We appreciated the faith-filled way in which you helped us walk a discernment pathway.”
Case Study
The Challenge
From Entrepreneurial Beginnings to a Sustainable Future
The Pregnancy Care Centre of Guelph-Wellington had successfully navigated its entrepreneurial beginnings. But moving beyond the start-up stage brought new challenges. How could the ministry grow responsibly, strengthen confidence among its partners, and prepare for future staffing and organizational needs?
The Solution
Shepherd Consulting guided a comprehensive strategic and operational planning process, engaging board members, staff, and key stakeholders in conversations about the ministry’s mission, opportunities, and future priorities. Through facilitated discernment, organizational assessment, and practical planning, we helped establish shared objectives, clearer responsibilities, and a roadmap for sustainable growth. Our involvement even extended to speaking at the ministry’s fundraising dinner, helping communicate its vision and future direction to supporters.
As Executive Director Joanne Pronk reflected:
“I feel positive about the days ahead because I have more concrete guidance and direction in my role as ED.”
Case Study
The Challenge
King Christian School, Ontario’s oldest Christian school, was emerging from a difficult chapter – and a renewed building. With respected new Principal Bonnie Noble in place, the opportunity had come to rebuild momentum, strengthen board leadership, and renew a shared sense of mission. How could the School accomplish meaningful strategic planning using an affordable and customized process?
The Solution
Shepherd Consulting designed a customized approach combining on-site facilitation, leadership conversations, governance guidance, and practical reporting tools. Rather than doing everything for the school, we equipped its board and leadership to complete key planning activities themselves—building ownership, reducing costs, and ensuring the outcomes reflected their unique circumstances.
As Principal Bonnie Noble reflected:
“More than simply guiding us through a planning process, Shepherd reignited our passion for the Kingdom work God has entrusted to our school.”
Case Study
The Challenge
“We should we be more than recipients of your financial support”
That idea from ministry partners in Mexico helped open an entirely new chapter for Children of Hope Society. What began as a Canadian organization supporting orphanages and community ministries was becoming something much more collaborative.
But partnership requires more than goodwill. With a changing board, a new Executive Director, and growing organizational complexity, Children of Hope needed the structures, leadership, and shared direction to make it work.
The Solution
What began with Shepherd Consulting facilitating a strategic planning process has blossomed into an ongoing relationship: strengthening governance, coaching English- and Spanish-speaking leaders, and leading Spanish-language governance conferences in Mexico. Together, we’re helping build the capacity for a growing international ministry partnership.
COHS’s board chair, Geoff Hoogstra observed:
“We’re already seeing the first signs of fruit. The board is energized by the progress, and involving our Mexican chapters in the process will further encourage and strengthen them in their work.”
