Chasing the Strays - Building a Culture of Relational Shepherding · Relational Discipleship Podcast summary

Key takeaways

Follow-up and Shepherding Are Biblical Responsibilities – Churches are called to shepherd their flock actively, as shown in Ezekiel 34, emphasizing the pastoral obligation to chase and care for the disconnected.
Systems Amplify Personal Care – Implementing tools like church apps, reports, and manual tracking helps churches stay relationally connected, especially as attendance grows.
Relational Engagement Is Key – The heart behind chasing the strays is love and pastoral care, not just metrics, emphasizing ongoing relationship building.
Start Small and Do What You Can – Churches should begin with manageable steps, using existing resources, and grow their follow-up systems gradually.
Provide Leadership and Culture Support – Success depends on top-down commitment, with church leaders modeling and championing relational shepherding.
Balance Persistence with Wisdom – Discern when to keep reaching out and when to let go, trusting God's sovereignty and understanding when individuals are truly turned away.
Every Member Has a Role – Volunteering, small groups, and staff all contribute to a culture of relentless, loving care, making the church a true shepherding community.

Summary

Introduction and Context of the Chasing the Strays Concept

Moose introduces the podcast episode focused on 'chasing the strays,' emphasizing the biblical and pastoral responsibility to care for church members who have become disconnected. Gabe Cleave shares his background, the growth story of the Hayden campus, and how their church systematizes tracking and following up with church attendees, highlighting the importance of personal relationships, systems, and a heart for shepherding.

Defining 'Chasing the Strays' and 'Connecting the Unconnected'

Gabe clarifies the difference between 'chasing the strays'—those connected through membership or service who haven't attended in 3, 6, or 9 weeks—and 'connecting the unconnected,' such as visitors or first-time attendees who haven't yet taken next steps like membership or joining a group. The conversation details how these groups are identified, followed up with, and integrated into the church community, utilizing systems and relational approaches.

Systems and Processes for Follow-Up and Shepherding

The episode discusses the practical implementation of follow-up, including the use of church apps, reports, and manual methods like handwritten lists when necessary. Leaders are responsible for personal follow-up through calls, texts, and visits, tailored to relationship strength. The importance of consistent, relational contact is stressed, along with the need for church-wide buy-in and top-down leadership support. The process includes tracking interactions, documenting conversations, and making intentional efforts to shepherd individuals toward spiritual maturity.

Building a Culture of Care and Connection in the Church

Moose and Gabe highlight the significance of a church culture that models Christ-like shepherding—prioritizing people over systems, providing excellent hospitality, and intentionally creating environments where people are valued. They discuss the importance of small groups, serving, and relationships that foster genuine community and enable the church to look after its flock effectively. The conversation emphasizes that every member can play a part in caring for others, and failure is part of growth, not an excuse to stop pursuing.

Challenges, Failures, and Personal Stories

They share anecdotes about resisted or challenging follow-up situations, including one case where a long-connected member moved to another church after unmet expectations. The importance of perseverance, sensitivity, and knowing when to let go is discussed, alongside the emotional toll on pastors and leaders. The value of building relationships and trusting God's sovereignty in shepherding efforts is stressed, along with personal stories that illustrate the heart behind relentless pursuit and compassionate detachment when necessary.

Practical Tips and Starting Points for Churches

The conversation concludes with encouragement for churches to begin small, use whatever resources available, and focus on heart-led, relational ministry. Gabe offers his contact info for those who want to discuss starting or improving their follow-up systems, emphasizing that this process is a long-term journey rooted in loving God's people well. The importance of the 'pursuit of excellence'—doing the best with what is available—is underscored.

Show notes

When people start slipping away from church community, they become spiritually vulnerable. But a pastor can’t look after everyone alone. How do you build a ministry where everyone notices who is missing—and steps up to pursue them?

In this episode, Moose and Gabe Cleave discuss how to move your church from basic attendance tracking to a deeply personal culture of shepherding. They share practical ways to empower small group leaders, staff, and volunteers to spot the gaps, notice quiet disconnections, and actively bring people back into the fold.

Listen in as Moose and Gabe walk through how to implement these leadership guardrails in your own ministry—and what it really looks like to “chase the strays” in a practical, everyday way.

Host: Mark “Moose” Bright - Director - Relational Discipleship Network Special Guest: Gabe Cleave - Campus Pastor - Real Life Ministries: Hayden Campus - Hayden, ID

Originally Aired: June 16, 2026 / 2:00 pm (pst)

Chasing the Strays - Building a Culture of Relational Shepherding