What is Shepherd's Fold?

Shepherd’s Fold is a long term, Bible based resi­dential discipleship program. The program is de­signed to help any man find Biblical answers to spiritual problems.

We believe the Bible is the infallible and verbal inspiration of God and holds the answer to every problem. An intensive Bible study is conducted as a basis to help each resident find healing, dis­cipleship, restoration, reconciliation and free­dom from bondage.

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Daily Schedule Overview

6 - 8 AM Rising and breakfast; preparing for the day

8 - 10 AM Discipleship classes

10 - 12 AM Practical study and applying to life

12 - 4 PM Workshop

4 - 6 PM Supper and Day review

6 - 10 PM Evening activity or church services

Download Schedule

Mornings

Rising to spend time with the Lord starts the day off right. Morning exercises, doing laundry, making the dorm presentable, and having personal devotions occur before breakfast. After breakfast the activities are sing­ing, prayer, Bible discussion, Bible based studies and counseling time.

Discipleship Classes

Every morning of the week the schedule calls for one hour of intense Bible study in a variety of subjects. Teachers, either from the Shepherd’s Fold staff or from the local ministry, come in to teach subjects that are close to their hearts.

They follow the format of the books listed below and expand the subjects according to the needs and interests of the residents. These classes are rich in open discussions but also involve heart searching questions. The purpose is that change of heart and life are generated by the Word of God becoming the guide of life for all involved.

Books We Study

  • Footprints of Christ Pablo Yoder
  • Integrity Jon Kropf
  • Putting off Anger John Coblentz
  • The Doctrine of Salvation EMP
  • Personal Life Management PMC
  • Getting Along with People God's Way John Coblentz
  • Fasting for His Glory James Wadel
  • Praying to Him Joseph Martin
  • Living a Pure Life John Coblentz
  • Good People Who Went Wrong PMC
  • Attributes of God A. W. Tozer
  • The Victorious Life John Coblentz
  • Basic Bible Studies Wendell Heatwole

Evenings and Weekends

Evenings are a time to catch up with studies as well as spending time together in a diverse number of activities, such as group games, attending prayer meeting or other educational meetings, gardening, cleaning or free time. Each evening is concluded with a time of sharing and prayer.

On Saturday, the residents help cook breakfast and clean the house, mow the yard and wash the vehicles. The afternoons are spent doing extra-curricular activi­ties such as: swimming, hiking, and sightseeing. A study period is held in the evening to study the Sunday school lesson and for memorization.

Sunday is spent as a day of worship and rest. There is also time for visits, singing, letter writing, reading and group interaction.

FAQ's

Is Shepherd’s Fold (SF) church sponsored? SF is organized under the Pilgrim Mennonite Conference, but serves and receives support from a cross section of Conservative Old Mennonite churches.

How is Shepherd’s Fold Funded? SF regularly sends financial reports to the Mission Board of the PMC but is largely supported by private donations and the work projects of building and placing storage sheds and lath for triply ceiling systems.

How do I apply? Interested parties may download the PDF application and send it to Shepherd’s Fold 1920 Quarry Rd Lebanon PA 17046 marked attention director. This will initiate a dialogue with the SF staff.

How many residents? Our facility has maximum capacity of twelve residents but our target number for effective counseling is eight.

How long a term? We ask for a one year commitment, but terms may run longer. The goal is genuine change of heart.

How does Shepherd’s Fold relate to the question of medications? We often receive men who have been placed on a regimen of neuroleptics for various “disorders”. It is our goal to work toward biblical solutions for problems free from medication dependency. We work with medical staff to help men work through mental disciplines and the overwhelm of emotions that accompanies this journey.

Do you accept Voluntary Service counselor applications? You may download a form from our website and send it in. SF staff will review your application and contact you.

Is there a minimum age for residents? The minimum age for residents is eighteen.

What are the phases for Shepherd’s Fold program? You may have heard of a “second phase” with this program. When a man comes who is married, we do have accommodations for his wife to come and they may live together after the staff sees evidence he is ready for this part of the program. We no longer call it “second phase” but still provide the service.

What is Arcadia House? There are men who come to our program who have no family or church community to return to. If it is their desire, they may find indefinite home and church connection in a locally provided program/facility. There is a separate staff and board that gives oversight to this work.