Shepherding God’s Flock

The 4 C’s
Over the last several months the Pastors, Elders and a special Task Force have been in the process of organizing and structuring BBC to more effectively Shepherd The Flock at BBC.  We determined that the best way to Shepherd the Flock here was to think in terms of 4 spheres of Shepherding or 4 spheres where we know and are known.  We have defined this with the 4 C’s.

The 11 Communities
As we took a look at Brampton and beyond where the people from BBC live, we chose to divide up the area into 11 Communities. These Communities are related to and defined by Brampton designations, and based on Postal Codes. 
Click here to view a map of the 11 Communities (PDF).

Over each of these 11 Communties is a Community Shepherd. This role is presently being filled by 6 of the Pastors with most presently taking on 2 Communities each. Within each Community are 1 or 2 Cluster Shepherds.

These Cluster Shepherds also watch over a Cluster of 2 or 3 small groups or Cells which are associated with the Community based on the Postal Code of the primary leader (Shepherd) of that Cell.

What Does This Mean For You?
If you are presently a part of one of our adult growth groups, nothing changes.  You really have the best deal.  You are associated with a small group of people who can care for one another and encourage one another in your journey with Jesus.  However you also become associated with one of the Clusters and a Community based on the Postal Code of the leader of that growth group.  You now have an association with a particular Cluster Shepherd/Elder and also of a Community Shepherd/Pastor.  See the chart posted in the Lobby which outlines this.  These Shepherds are there to serve you and guide you and your small group as well. 

If you are not a part of a growth group then your particular Community is defined by your own Postal Code.  You too have a Community Shepherd/Pastor and also 1 or 2 Cluster Shepherd/Elders overseeing that Community.  These Shepherds are there to serve you.  They are also there to guide you to discover a Cluster or Cell gathering that will help form you as a more fully devoted follower of Jesus. 

The Goal of The Shepherding Plan
It is our prayer and goal that the Shepherding Plan will accomplish the following: 

• Provide the highest level of shepherding with the lowest level of structure
• Be proactive and responsive in Shepherding
• Spread the task so that no one is overwhelmed and all are shepherded
• Allow people at BBC to know and be known to a greater extent
• Provide a structure that encourages and enables mission and outreach where we live in and through missional incarantional Clusters. 
• Help us accomplish our overall vision – “To honour God by reaching, teaching, and equipping people to become a community fully devoted to following Jesus.” 

Stephen Semple
Pastor of Small Groups