The first practical purpose of Shepherd School is to help every man lead his family. The second is to help him lead his small group, if and when he has one. The third practical purpose is to train up a would-be pastor who “aspires to the office of overseer” so that he may lead Jesus’ church in faithfulness. This is truly “a noble task” (1 Timothy 3:1) and requires that one meet the qualifications laid out in Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4). In everything we want to be as practical and as helpful as possible. Therefore you will be in class once per week, and in that class you will be taught the Scriptures as well as the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith. In addition, you will read helpful books throughout the week and then discuss in person with the Pastors. Finally, for those in the certificate path, you will be examined and equipped with proper instructive and corrective training as you write theological essays and biblical expositions. This will all be done so that each man may be “a good soldier of Christ Jesus“ (2 Tim. 2:1-3) to the glory of God. This is not an average Bible study or small group setting. This is training for war. We believe this will be intensely challenging and, by God’s grace, extremely edifying for all involved. WHAT WE CONFESS The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and Hermeneutics The Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel