A 4-HOUR WORKSHOP FOR 21ST – CENTURY FATHERS

The Family Shepherd Workshop

Guiding, serving, and protecting your family with courage and commitment. Rooted in Psalm 23 and the timeless shepherd metaphor — built for fathers who refuse to be spectators in their own homes.

Register for the Next Workshop

WHAT IT IS

A one-morning intensive that turns conviction into action.

In four focused sessions, fathers audit their current level of active presence, learn to identify the “modern wolves” threatening their flock, embrace servant leadership, and walk away with a 30-day action plan — and an accountability partner.

Every father receives a copy of the Family Shepherd Field Manual, a lunch, and — at qualifying host sites — a companion copy of Pastor Eli Williams’ book. The workshop closes with The Shepherd’s Creed and a commissioning prayer for each man.

“The shepherd doesn’t just own or manage the sheep; he knows them.”

Quick Facts

FORMATHalf-day intensive
DURATION4 hours + lunch
AUDIENCEFathers & father-figures of all stages
SETTINGLocal church meeting room
COST TO FATHER$10 registration (skin in the game)
COHORT SIZEUp to 24 men per workshop
INCLUDESField Manual, Lunch, Commissioning
FACILITATIONPastor Eli Williams or certified partner

 

THE CURRICULUM

Four sessions. One calling.

Each session pairs Scripture, honest self-assessment, and a personal commitment that fathers take home.

1

The Shepherd's Heart

Understanding Your Role · 50 min

The “State of the Flock” audit, the two types of shepherds (John 10:12–13), and the dangerous myth of quality-over-quantity time.

  • Ancient shepherd metaphor applied to modern fatherhood
  • The Rod, the Staff, and the Sling
  • Identifying and naming personal distractions

2

Leading Through the Valleys

Protecting From Modern Dangers · 50 min

The “wolves” fathers must actively anticipate: pornography, youth gambling, self-harm, and entertainment hazards.

  • Age-appropriate conversations framework
  • The Six-Step Rescue Plan
  • Scenario workshops with a partner

    3

    The Shepherd as Servant Leader

    Guiding With Humility · 50 min

    Leading “with a towel, not a scepter.” Discipline that nurtures. Apologizing well. Shepherding the strong-willed child.

    • Servant-leadership self-assessment
    • Colossians 3:21 & Ephesians 6:4 in practice
    • Turning correction into connection

    4

    Shepherding Under Stress

    Presence & Self-Care · 50 min

    The flock is only as healthy as the shepherd. The Driveway Ritual, the power of rest, and the Shepherd’s Covenant.

    • Managing pressure without bringing it home
    • Sabbath as strategy, not nostalgia
    • Building your 30-day action plan

    THE SHEPHERD’S CREED

     

    I am not a manager; I am a SHEPHERD.
    I do not merely own or steward my home; I know the hearts within it.
    I renounce the way of the hireling; I will not flee when the valley grows dark.

    I will be Present.

    I will lay down my distractions to pick up my children.

    I will be Protective.

    I will carry the Rod of boundaries and the Sling of prevention.

    I will be a Servant.

    I lead best when I am kneeling.

    I will be Persistent.

    I am not a perfect man, but I serve a Perfect Shepherd.
    When I stumble, I will rise. When I wander, I will return.

    THESE ARE MY SHEEP. THIS IS MY POST. I WILL NOT ABANDON THEM.

    THE BOOK BEHIND THE WORKSHOP

    The Family Shepherd

    Guiding, Serving, and Protecting Your Flock with Love, Courage, and Enduring Faith
    — by Pastor Eli Williams

    Every workshop participant receives the Field Manual, and the full-length companion book goes deeper into the biblical model of shepherding fatherhood. Thirty chapters covering the role of the shepherd, leading through the valleys, servant leadership, self-care, and the particular needs of noncustodial fathers.

    This book is a direct challenge and a practical guide for every man who longs to close the gap between the faith we profess and the faith we practice at home.

    Order on Amazon

    BRING IT TO YOUR CHURCH

    Four simple steps

    Most host churches go from first inquiry to commissioning their fathers in under 90 days.

    1

    Apply

    Submit a short host application so we can understand your congregation and capacity.

    1

    Schedule

    Lock a Saturday morning that works for your men’s ministry and our facilitator.

    1

    Recruit

    We provide the promo kit — you recruit 15–24 fathers at $10/seat. Sponsors cover the rest.

    1

    Host & Send

    Facilitator and materials arrive. You provide the room, volunteers, and lunch. We do the rest.

    Connect With Us To Get Started