Shepherd Responsibilities
Requirements of ShepherdsEach event will have a Shepherd. The Shepherd will assist in the event facilitation as needed, providing an extra helping hand to the Primetimers Event Coordinator. In exchange for these services, the event fees are covered by the Primetimers Host Site. (The Shepherd's event fees should be figured into the over-all event budget.)
The requirements for Shepherds are:
- Previous leadership experience of a related nature;
- Familiarity with the expectations of the role of Shepherd, either through training or an orientation process led by staff;
- Willingness to work with the Event leadership in pre-event planning, if requested;
- Willingness to perform the various potential "functions" of the shepherd on site at the event;
- Willingness to be an advocate for Primetimers back home;
- Willingness to prepare a write-up of the event for Primetimers promotion.
Primetimers make their way through Milano’s Stazione Porta Garibaldi on their way to a national ecumenical youth event in the city (photo credit: David Markay)
Responsibilities of Shepherds
It is difficult to define in advance the various dimensions of those things that will be of concern to the shepherd. The following are offered as an overview.
Prior to the event:
- Serve as a regional "promoter" of the event within conference and local church contacts, as well as friends and family;
- Serve as a planning partner for your event, if requested;
- Communicate with the participants at least once;
- Invite participants to send a paragraph introducing themselves to the others. These can then disseminate them to all, by e-mail, in advance of the event.
- Be attentive to the over-all flow and quality of group life;
- Be attentive to the well-being of individuals within the group;
- Function as discussion group leader, if requested;
- Lead or organize others to lead worship or devotions, if requested;
- Serve as "liaison" between participants and the program staff/leaders as questions or needs arise;
- Act as "pastor" or "caregiver" in cases of emergencies or as needed.
- Identify two or three persons to help document the event through writing an article/reflection or through pictures.
- Communicate with participants, as desired;
- Provide the Primetimers staff with your own evaluation of the event and any recommendations for future events;
- Submit to the Primetimers office a write-up of and pictures from the event, by the Shepherd or other participants, for program promotion.
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