On and For a Purpose
Program

The Shepherds College On and For a Purpose Program equips churches to empower individuals with IDD to embrace their God-given purpose and develop the skills for greater independence—through facilitator-led sessions in their own communities.
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About O4P

The On and For a Purpose Program provides churches and organizations with a purpose-driven curriculum focused on faith, life skills, personal growth, and job readiness. Through a comprehensive subscription, members gain access to 40 training sessions, facilitator certification, digital workbooks, and engaging strategies. This program helps transform ministries and support individuals with IDD in embracing their God-given potential.

Faith
Journey

Grow spiritually through foundational truth rooted in scripture

Life
Skills

Manage effectively 
the demands and challenges of everyday life

Personal
Growth

Develop self-awareness,
self-esteem, and positive interpersonal relationships

Job
Readiness

Promote essential work behaviors for obtaining and maintaining workplace success

What We Provide

  • Facilitator Guides: Step-by-step lesson plans that make teaching simple and effective.
  • Student Handouts: Engaging, easy-to-use materials that help students apply what they learn.
  • 8-Week Course Structure: Flexible lessons designed for weekly ministry gatherings (1–2 hours).
  • Faith-Based Curriculum: Rooted in Scripture and focused on helping students discover their God-given purpose. 
  • Ready-to-Use Online Resources: Activities, discussion questions, and tools that promote interaction and real-world application.

View a Sample 

Facilitator Guide

A step-by-step guide for facilitators with pacing strategies and engagement activities to deliver lessons.

Student Handouts

Material guiding learners through lessons, verifying understanding, and serving as a take-home reference.

Online Lessons

Online lessons featuring videos, graphics, and key information for engaging front-of-class presentations.

“The lessons have helped me understand that God made me for a purpose and some strategies to use when I am struggling.”
- Carolyn (learner)
“The lessons are easy to follow and have good engagement opportunities for students and having access to the content saves me time in having to create and develop content."
- Jacoby (Facilitator)
“It is nice to have curriculum made by a Christian organization whose beliefs align with ours that we don’t have to modify.”
- Rebecca (Director)
Introductory pricing for first year. 

$5,000
$4,000

Onboarding

Start

Facilitator onboarding session, training, and support getting program started. 
Facilitator Resources

Train

Facilitator handbook, student workbooks, online lessons, and access to engagement strategies. 
Continued Learning

Grow

Peer networking, webinars, and a free registration to SC Education Symposium 2026

How To Get Started

Start by recognizing the God-given potential of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and valuing their journey toward greater independence. Identify passionate champions in your church and community who share this vision. Subscribe to the On and For a Purpose Program and complete facilitator training. Then, promote the program, recruit participants, and launch a life-changing experience that empowers and enriches individuals with IDD.

01.

Find your champions 

Identify those who will play a part in making the program successful as facilitators and volunteers. 

02.

Subscribe to O4P

Sign up for an annual subscription to the On and For Purpose Program.

03. 

Set up the details

Plan the location, date, and time to hold the classes.

04. 

Facilitator Training

Take and complete the facilitator training to prepare to run your program.

05. 

Identify Learners

Promote and recruit learners throughout your community. 

Learn more

Enter your email to learn more, or contact O4P@shepherdscollege.edu
Thank you!
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