§ Leader Guides3 min read

Sheepdog Society Leader's Guide

Sheepdog Society Leader's Guide

Focus Verse
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
— Acts 20:28 NIV

Our Mission
Sheepdog Society exists to raise up men who take Acts 20:28 seriously. We are not passive sheep — we are the sheepdogs. Alert, loyal, courageous, and watchful. We guard our own hearts first, then protect and shepherd our families, churches, and communities under the authority of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. We meet as brothers to study the Word, sharpen one another, and leave equipped to live as faithful overseers in a world full of wolves.

Vision
Men who walk together in brotherhood — honest, rooted in Scripture, strengthened by iron-sharpening-iron (Proverbs 27:17), and sent out as better husbands, fathers, leaders, and disciples of Christ.

Getting Started: Launching Your Outpost

Pray first. Seek the Lord’s direction and ask Him to bring the right men.
Invite 2–12 guys. Choose men who are serious about growth, accountability, and real fellowship.
Set your meeting details on the website. Register your regular location and time in the Outposts section so men can easily find and join your group.
Choose your format. Run through a local church or simply as a committed group of brothers — both are effective.
Pick your study. Use resources from the website’s resource page or bring your own biblically sound study. Every study must remain anchored in Scripture.

The Starfish Model
We operate as a starfish, not a spider. Cut off the head of a spider and it dies. Cut off an arm of a starfish and it grows a new one.

Leadership rotates weekly.
No single man is the center. Christ and His Word are the center.
Every man leads, every man participates, and the group can multiply naturally when it grows beyond 12.

Weekly Meeting Rhythm
Meet at the same time and place every week for consistency and momentum.

Suggested Flow (90–120 minutes):

Optional Bootcamp / Workout (30 minutes)
Highly encouraged but not required. Start with rucking, calisthenics, weights, a run, or a simple circuit. Physical training builds discipline and brotherhood while reminding us to be strong in body and spirit (1 Timothy 4:8).
Bible Study & Open Discussion (60–90 minutes)
- One brother facilitates each week (rotating schedule).
- Open with prayer.
- Read the selected passage (always begin or include Acts 20:28 as the anchor when possible).
- Move into open discussion. The leader facilitates rather than lectures.
- Key questions to use:
  - What does this passage teach us about God and ourselves?
  - How does this apply directly to our lives as men, husbands, fathers, and leaders?
  - Where do we need to “keep watch” right now?
- Guardrails (enforce gently):
  - Keep it Christ-centered.
  - Stay rooted in Scripture and its clear, practical application.
  - Encourage every man to speak — draw out the quiet and lovingly redirect the talkative.
  - Keep the conversation on topic as much as possible.
- Lift up your brothers. Encourage, speak truth in love, celebrate growth, and carry burdens.
- Love one another (John 13:34) — this is a place of safety, honesty, and genuine brotherhood.
End with COP – Circle of Prayer (10 minutes)
Always close in a tight shoulder-to-shoulder circle.
- Share prayer requests, praises, and burdens.
- Every man prays. Cover one another, our families, churches, pastors, and the mission God has given us.
- This is a powerful time of unity and spiritual warfare. Never cut it short.

Core Principles

Love one another authentically.
Lift up your brothers daily.
Keep everything Christ-centered and anchored in Scripture.
Confidentiality builds trust, what is shared here stays here.
Take turns leading so the group remains a healthy starfish.

Tips for the Weekly Leader

Prepare: Pray over the material and have 3–5 solid discussion questions ready.
Facilitate, don’t dominate. Your main job is to create space for the Holy Spirit to speak through the group. Allow others to speak but cut someone off when necessary.
Model humility and vulnerability.
Watch the clock so all three sections receive proper time.
Follow up with brothers during the week as needed.
If you want a brother, you have to be a brother.

Closing Charge
Brother, you are not called to be perfect, you are called to be faithful. Show up, open the Word, love the men God gives you, and keep watch over the flock as Acts 20:28 commands. The sheepdogs are gathering. Let’s stand firm.

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” — 1 Corinthians 16:13