Pastoral coaching & biblical counseling-so you can serve
faithfully for the long haul.
You spend your life caring for others. When ministry gets heavy, Shepherd's Friend comes alongside you with friendship and Scripture-grounded counseling.
You're a pastor. You're leading, preaching, counseling, planning, and carrying burdens most people never see.
You want to love your church well—and you want to endure with courage, conviction, and joy.
Ministry pressure is real. Even pastors who know the Scriptures can feel disrupted peace, diminished joy, isolation, and the weight of constant responsibility.
YOU CARE FOR OTHERS. Who cares for you?
What the Research Shows
Depression
Pastors reporting feelings of depression rose from 46% to 59% between 2015 and 2020 (1)
Doubting
Pastors have gone through a period of significantly doubting their calling (up from 24% in 2015). (2)
Marriage
Pastors say their marriage has gone through significant ups and downs during ministry. (3)
Satisfaction
Pastors who were
"very satisfied" with their work fell from 72% to 52%. (4)
Leaving
Pastors had seriously considered leaving ministry since 2020. (5)
(1) State of Pastors Volumes 1 (2017) & Volume 2 (2024) Barna Group (2) https://baptistnews.com/article/barna-finds-pastors-are-exhausted-and-isolated-which-could-be-an-opportunity-for-change/ (3) State of Pastors Volumes 1 (2017) & Volume 2 (2024) Barna Group (4) https://baptistnews.com/article/barna-finds-pastors-are-exhausted-and-isolated-which-could-be-an-opportunity-for-change/ (5) https://www.wabe.org/us-pastors-struggle-with-post-pandemic-burnout-survey-shows-half-considered-quitting-since-2020/
What the Research Shows
Depression
Pastors reporting feelings of depression rose from 46% to 59% between 2015 and 2020 (1)
Doubting
Pastors have gone through a period of significantly doubting their calling (up from 24% in 2015). (2)
Marriage
Pastors say their marriage has gone through significant ups and downs during ministry. (3)
Satisfaction
Pastors who were
"very satisfied" with their work fell from 72% to 52%. (4)
Leaving
Pastors had seriously considered leaving ministry since 2020. (5)
(1) State of Pastors Volumes 1 (2017) & Volume 2 (2024) Barna Group (2) https://baptistnews.com/article/barna-finds-pastors-are-exhausted-and-isolated-which-could-be-an-opportunity-for-change/ (3) State of Pastors Volumes 1 (2017) & Volume 2 (2024) Barna Group (4) https://baptistnews.com/article/barna-finds-pastors-are-exhausted-and-isolated-which-could-be-an-opportunity-for-change/ (5) https://www.wabe.org/us-pastors-struggle-with-post-pandemic-burnout-survey-shows-half-considered-quitting-since-2020/
What the Research Shows
Depression
Pastors reporting feelings of depression rose from 46% to 59% between 2015 and 2020 (1)
Doubting
Pastors have gone through a period of significantly doubting their calling (up from 24% in 2015). (2)
Marriage
Pastors say their marriage has gone through significant ups and downs during ministry. (3)
Satisfaction
Pastors who were
"very satisfied" with their work fell from 72% to 52%. (4)
Leaving
Pastors had seriously considered leaving ministry since 2020. (5)
(1) State of Pastors Volumes 1 (2017) & Volume 2 (2024) Barna Group (2) https://baptistnews.com/article/barna-finds-pastors-are-exhausted-and-isolated-which-could-be-an-opportunity-for-change/ (3) State of Pastors Volumes 1 (2017) & Volume 2 (2024) Barna Group (4) https://baptistnews.com/article/barna-finds-pastors-are-exhausted-and-isolated-which-could-be-an-opportunity-for-change/ (5) https://www.wabe.org/us-pastors-struggle-with-post-pandemic-burnout-survey-shows-half-considered-quitting-since-2020/
We're here for you.
Shepherd's Friend exists to come alongside pastors with meaningful friendship and biblical counsel, because those who care for others need care as well.
Our Founder
Nathan Pierpont
Associate Pastor at Northeastern Baptist Church (Kalamazoo, MI) has served in vocational ministry over 30 years with his wife, Jennifer.
The Process
Reach out
Contact our founder and director, Nathan Pierpont.
Prepare
Fill out an electronic coaching application or a personal data inventory (PDI).
Move forward
Set up an initial meeting via video call (or in person in Kalamazoo).
How we help pastors
We encourage pastors and contribute to longevity in faithful ministry.
We listen to what you're trying to do and the challenges you face by being a sounding board and offering ideas to help you serve your flock.
Friendly Coaching
Pastors pour into others. We come alongside you to help you apply God’s Word to your life to restore peace and joy in ministry.
Biblical Counseling
Secure video sessions
In-person in Kalamazoo
No cost to pastors and their households
Imagine ministry with support.
With a friend in your corner, you can pursue clear next steps, experience renewed peace and joy, and continue serving with endurance—for the long haul.
