About Good Shepherd
"I am the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep" (John 10:11). This passage from the Bible is, a tremendous comfort. It reminds us of the love of Jesus, a love that will not let us go. In the midst of the turmoil, uncertainty and occasional heartaches of life, Jesus is our Good Shepherd. He is the reason for life.
"Giving the reason for life" is our motto at Good Shepherd. We desire to grow in our understanding of this reason for life as we gather on Sunday morning for worship, education, fellowship and Christian Education, and during the week in small groups, which we affectionately call "growth groups". These times provide opportunities to learn and grow, to build meaningful relationships and to serve others.
Regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey, it is our hope that you will discover plenty of opportunities to grow in your understanding of the reason for life found in Jesus at Good Shepherd.
The following information is designed to introduce you to Good Shepherd Church. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call us at (314) 846-2988.
Who We Are...
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church is a self-governing, self-supporting member of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Established in October 1988, we met in Oakville Junior High School for almost five years, until we moved to our current facility in July 1993. From the beginning, our preaching and teaching has been The Grace of God in Jesus Christ. It is this message we desire to communicate with our community, the nation, and the world.
What We Believe...
We believe in the God of creation who made heaven and earth, who has made Himself and His message of salvation in Jesus Christ known through the Bible. Our faith is not a blind leap into the unknown; it is assurance of eternal life grounded in the truth of God's Word.
Therefore we believe…
- In the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures
- In the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit
- In the deity of Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Virgin Birth
- In the forgiveness of sin only by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross
- In salvation by grace through faith in the guidance of the Holy Spirit
- ·In the return of Jesus Christ.
Sunday Worship & Christian Education...
Worship Service
Sunday morning worship provides the opportunity to gather with the entire congregation to celebrate the reason for life found in Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Our worship services strive to be a blend of the best elements from both contemporary and traditional styles. Services begin at 9:00a.m.
Children's Church
A special program is offered for children ages 3 through second grade during the 9:00 a.m. service. The children worship with their parents until the sermon begins and then are excused to attend their own service. They are taught from the same passage used for the regular sermon, adapted for their age group.
Nursery
Children from birth to age 36 months are cared for by volunteers from the congregation. All workers have completed a questionnaire and screening to work in this very important ministry.
Adult Christian Education Classes
Classes for adults provide an opportunity to study a book of the Bible or basic Christian beliefs in a relaxed, informal setting in which they are also able to build relationships with others.
Children and Youth Christian Education
Children are very important at Good Shepherd. A great deal of thought, prayer and effort go into making the ministry to our children one which leads them to a deeper understanding of Jesus and His love for them. Children and youth are taught a Bible-based curriculum in seven age groups from age three through senior high school.
Growth Groups
Groups of six to eighteen adults meet once a week to study Biblical topics or Christian books. This provides opportunities for friendships, spiritual nurture, outreach and accountability.
Prayer
We believe in the power of prayer. We meet weekly at the church to pray for the needs of the congregation, our community, our nation and the world. In addition, we have an active prayer chain to pray for special and/or immediate needs.
Ministries and Outreach...
Men's Discipleship Groups
Throughout the week, men gather at various restaurants in St. Louis for breakfast, mutual encouragement and Bible study. They also hold an annual retreat, a workday and several fellowships during the year.
Women's Ministries
Women of the church meet once a month to fellowship, pray and encourage one another in their walk with Jesus. They hold an annual retreat, a workday, a Concert of Prayer and many opportunities for developing friendships and support partners.
Youth Ministries
The vision for the youth ministry is to encourage junior and senior high students to grow in their understanding of their faith. Opportunities for growth include Wednesday evening meetings, Sunday morning education classes, fellowship events and outreach. These activities provide an environment for youth to strengthen their relationships with God and with each other.
College-Age Fellowship
College students and those of college age (18-24) meet weekly during the summer months for fellowship and Bible study.
World and Local Missions
We currently support, financially and prayerfully, missionaries in Central Asia, Chile, France, Peru and South Africa. We also support the Reformed University Fellowship at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Our mission teams minister to the Cherokee Indians in North Carolina, the Chippewa Indians in Minnesota and the children in Lima, Peru.
Community Outreach
We strive to be a source of support to our community through various ministries, including:
- Meal-a-Month: to support the Arnold Food Pantry by providing bags of food from a predetermined menu each month.
- Pro-Life Prayer Vigil: to stand in the gap in defense of the sanctity of life at Planned Parenthood on Saturday mornings.
- Habitat for Humanity - to organize and send a group to work on various projects throughout the year.
- Feed My People - to have various church members who volunteer their time to work at the Feed My People food pantry.