About

Who Am I?

My name is Jared Sparks. I am a Christian, husband, father, friend, and pastor. I have been married to my wife Jordan since 2010. We have two sons Ransom and Valor. I have been in pastoral ministry for ten years and God has given me opportunities to serve as a Church Planter, Campus Pastor of a mega-church, Associate Pastor at a traditional church, a Biblical Counselor at a counseling center, and now as a Pastor at Christ Church in Carbondale Il. Christ Church is a member of NAMB and the Sojourn Network.

I hold to the 1689 London Baptist Confession.

The Shepherd’s Crook

I started the Shepherd’s Crook (501c3) because I love Jesus and I love pastors. In 2 Tim. 2:8 old pastor Paul tells young pastor Timothy to “Remember Jesus Christ.” I mean did Timothy forget? Why did Paul remind a pastor about Jesus? In all the ministry/church planting hoopla that is out there today, there seems to be few voices who call people to “Remember Jesus Christ.” Well that’s the point of The Shepherd’s Crook. That’s it! I want to come alongside you, as the Chief Shepherd pulls us in, and I want to remind you and myself of Jesus Christ. Do you need care? Do you need counsel? Do you need help understanding Pastoral ministry? Let’s come to Jesus together.

Board Members

Jared Sparks: Pastor at Christ Church Carbondale

Mark Goldman: Pastor of Herrin Illinois FBC

Andy Claud: Pastor at Christ Church Carbondale

Joseph Hawkins: Pastor at Anna First Christian Church

Pastoral ministry is a high calling - but it can also be a lonely one. I'm grateful for resources like The Shepherd's Crook who provide an ear of understanding to the unique struggles a pastor faces. I'm hopeful that through a greater commitment to community that pastors can not only help others hear of and experience the grace and understanding of the Great High Priest, but know such compassion more personally themselves.

I've served for more than a decade as a bi-vocational pastor at a small church. I've been blessed to have what so many small church pastors don't have - a team of committed lay elders and a wonderfully supportive church body. I'm so grateful that God has given Jared Sparks a burden to provide pastors with a place where pastors like me can find encouragement, support and help.

I’m excited to see Jared launch this site with the goal of serving pastors. Pastors need encouragement, provocation for growth, and good resources to arm them for the rigorous work of ministry. I think this material is going to help in that noble pursuit!

Learn more about Jared Sparks and The Shepherd’s Crook — who we are, what we believe and how we can help you.

Resources

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