Kent Humphreys’ most recent and most well-received book yet! This 50-page guide to Understanding God’s Plan for Transforming Leaders is a must-read for any pastor and the strong and driven business leaders (horses) that he shepherds. “Ride” along with Kent as he lays out a plan of action for bridging the gap between these very two different but equally important kinds of people in this “animal kingdom” of God.
Using the mental picture of a shepherd caring for his sheep, Kent Humphreys likens the shepherd to a pastor and the congregation to sheep, into which a few horses (strong business leaders) have been let loose. It is hard to understand these horses, who are just as capable of causing chaos with their strength and of standing quietly off in a corner of the pasture by themselves. How is a pastor to understand and equip these potentially powerful creatures to be part of the “flock” and then to go out into their workplace to minister and influence it for God? The answer to that question is the focus of this book. Taking the example of how Jesus handled His “horses”, a simple plan is offered that can build bridges between pastors and workplace leaders, impacting both the church and the community.
About the Author
Kent Humphreys has been a business leader for over 30 years. While
owning and operating a nationwide general merchandise distribution
business, he worked with the nation's largest retailers. After selling
the family business in 1997, Kent continued to be involved in real
estate, manufacturing, and medical distribution businesses. In 2002,
he became president of Fellowship of Companies for Christ Inter-
national, an organization that equips and encourages Christian
business owners who desire to use their companies as a platform
for ministry. Kent Humphreys has been a business leader for over
30 years. While owning and operating a nationwide general merchan-
dise distribution business, he worked with the nation's largest retailers. After selling the family business in 1997, Kent continued to be involved in real estate, manufacturing, and medical distribution businesses. In 2002, he became president of Fellowship of Companies for Christ International, an organization that equips and encourages Christian business owners who desire to use their companies as a platform for ministry.
For many years, Kent has spent much of his time ministering to business leaders and pastors across the country through speaking, writing, and mentoring. He has spoken in sixteen seminaries across the United States and Canada and at numerous international conferences. He is on the board of trustees for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, The Navigators, and Integris Hospital in Oklahoma City. His latest book, Lasting Investments: A Pastor's Guide for Equipping Workplace Leaders to Leave a Spiritual Legacy, will be released in February of 2004.
It seems that every pastor begins his vocational ministry with his cross hairs aimed at growing his church, and I was no exception. The idea, in short, was to try to get people on the outside to come inside and be “one of us”, isolating them from the outside as much as possible. In the past twelve years, God has done a work in my heart to understand that the work of the church is not just the programs that occur inside the buildings of the local congregation, but the ministries that God gives the church out in their worlds of work and community.
Jesus said, “I will build my church,” so the burden is off of me to do that. In fact, a focus on church growth can be the best way to limit Kingdom growth for our Lord. The fact is, Jesus trained, equipped, encouraged, and then sent His strong leaders out to take the gospel where the people were, to live it, to demonstrate it, and to expect a harvest. From that He would “build His church.”
So what practical steps can we, as pastors, take to model what Jesus did? How do I, as a pastor, equip the “sheep” (most of the congregation) and encourage the “horses” (that small group of leaders within each congregation) to focus on their part of the Kingdom and let Jesus build His church? Kent Humphreys has made this seemingly difficult process into an understandable and workable one.
It has been with great anticipation that I have waited for a book like this one to be available to myself and other pastors, a book that is filled with not only Biblical principles, but practical steps explaining how to understand, have a relationship with, and equip the business and community leaders in our congregations.
Pastors, there are a lot more of them than there are of us. Train them and send them out!
And be ready for your church to grow!
Pastor Ray Ivey
Cherokee Hills Baptist Church
Oklahoma City
A Letter from India
I can’t thank you enough for helping me understand men in the workplace… horses…
It all fell together so perfectly and now it makes sense. I pastor a church that is by design at least 20-30 percent horses. They would just sit there and not do a thing about what I was saying. Finally, I realize why I have been so frustrated. I especially thank you for guiding me to the right question…
Rev. Jeremy Dawson
Pastor – Central Delhi Congregation
Delhi Bible Fellowship
From North Carolina
Dear Kent, I will never be the same since your session and book --Shepherding Horses.
It was transformation-- as a business woman -- the concept resonated with a thundering lightening bolt...lights went off and I knew exactly why I was a challenge at times. God put that power in me, and He has broken me not once but many times to keep me under control. And I praise Him for that!
I really like myself and now know that the Lord created horses -- mares -- me---for His work and pleasure. Thanks a million and I believe God is going to elevate you to new heights. Bless you!
Donna K. Thornton
From Mexico
Thank you for sending your book, Shepherding Horses. I began reading it and found it enlightening and helpful in my role at Marketplace and in my local church. One of our chaplain leaders in Mexico has been asked by a group of pastors for help in their ministry and mentoring to high powered businessmen in their churches and your book fits the need precisely. I wanted you to know that your ministry to pastors through your book is reaching into the heart of Mexico.
God bless you and many thanks.
Dan Truitt
