The Shepherd Connection is a fellowship that God birthed in the heart of Apostle Tonya Mitchell many years ago. However, He didn't release her to go forward with the vision until April 5, 2014 and the first fellowship was held in June of 2014. It is a fellowship for pastors and ministry leaders that have a desire to build genuine relationships with other kingdom builders. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
The Shepherd Connection seeks to produce a safe environment where leaders can be open, honest and not judged in a negative sense of the word. It is a fellowship of accountability designed to produce strong leaders of integrity and character and reduce the immorality rate amongst spiritual leaders. Ministry leaders are human and deal with challenges like everyone else. However, we cannot allow our human frailties to control us because what we do affects so many people. Leaders are people of influence.
The Shepherd Connection is a fellowship that is designed to nurture, educate, mentor and encourage pastors and ministry leaders to continue to fight the good fight of faith despite the obstacles that come along with serving in ministry. Leading people is a serious assignment and Apostle Tonya Mitchell is passionate about leaders being healthy. Too many leaders are "leading while bleeding" and it ought not be so.
WHAT THE SHEPHERD CONNECTION IS NOT
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It is not a fellowship designed to lift up and exalt man.
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It is not a fellowship designed to gather pastors and their congregations together for worship services. There is nothing wrong with fellowships that do gather for worship services but currently that is not the heartbeat of this fellowship. However, the Lord may lead us to do so in the future, therefore we remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our focus is primarily on the health of pastors and ministry leaders; spiritually, physically and mentally. "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." 3 John 2
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It is not a fellowship designed to raise money. We are more than aware of the fact that it takes money to do ministry but that is not the focus of this fellowship. Any financial seeds sown should be given out of a desire and not compulsion. "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." II Corinthians 9:7
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It is not a fellowship designed to become the largest fellowship in the nation. Our desire is to be effective in the lives of pastors and ministry leaders be it 1 or 1,000,000. We are not against growth, however, our focus is about quality not quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is this fellowship open to members of the pastor's congregation?
Answer: Due to the intimacy of the environment that we are trying to establish for kingdom leaders we ask that pastors only invite the leadership staff of their church.
Question: I know God is calling me to pastor but I have not actually started the church yet. Can I still attend?
Answer: Yes because you can learn a lot from the other leaders that attend before you launch out into the deep. However, that decision will be made on a case by case study.
Question: I am already affiliated with a fellowship. Will that stop me from being able to be a part of this fellowship?
Answer: Certainly not. The Shepherd Connection may offer things that benefit you on a different level than the fellowship you are with. Therefore, we don't want to refuse any pastor or ministry leader from connecting. And please note that we are not trying to get you to disconnect from your current fellowship either; it's not about that.
Question: Does this fellowship provide spiritual covering?
Answer: Apostle Mitchell does believe that every pastor or ministry leader should have someone that they are accountable. Someone that pours into their life on a consistent basis. When choosing an individual to cover you spiritually, she believes that is something that you must seek the Lord about. Apostle Mitchell does provide spiritual covering those that are led of the Lord to connect with her in that way, not the fellowship per se. However, she DOES NOT have to cover you to be a part of The Shepherd Connection. And if you choose to have Apostle Mitchell as your spiritual covering, she will cover you as a leader. She believes that as the pastor of your own church, you spiritually cover those that God has assigned for you to oversee.
The Shepherd Connection meets quarterly. The gatherings are held on a Saturday at 10:00am @ Nothing But The T.R.U.T.H Ministries 7445 Old Alexandria Ferry Rd Clinton, MD 20735. We also have the option of Zoom available for leaders that are not able to be in physical attendance. It is a relaxed environment so the dress attire is casual….leave your collars, suits and titles at home because it is NOT a service.
FELLOWSHIP DATES FOR 2024
SATURDAY APRIL 27, 2024 @10AM
SATURDAY JULY 13, 2024 @ 10AM
SATURDAY OCTOBER 19, 2024 @ 10AM
If you are interested in attending the fellowships and/or would like more information please contact
Apostle Tonya Y Mitchell at 202-445-8247 or via email@ pastormitchell@verizon.net