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Joining The Team!

Rebecca Lang • March 28, 2022

Rebecca Lang is our new Director of Community Development

When Pastor Kevin Urichko asked me to join him in the expansion of Shepherd Ministries, I was elated. I am privileged to have worked alongside him serving the congregation at Northland Church for years. So much of what I’ve learned has been by observing Kevin intentionally care for, equip and lovingly shepherd people. I’ve had a sideline seat watching God use Kevin in ways that illuminate His mercy, grace, and power to transform lives. It’s been awesome! His wife Linda has become a dear friend to me and our families have grown close over the years, doing life together through our small group, family trips and our love of food, fun and fellowship, even running!


During my tenure at Northland I had the opportunity to work and lead in many different areas and I believe these experiences will only enhance the ministry ahead of me at Shepherd Ministries. Whether it was my time in the bookstore, working in Adult Equipping, mobilizing volunteers across the church, planning and executing large scale events, or leading several departments as an Executive Director, every opportunity has taught me something valuable that I will employ in this new role. 


After working sixteen years in business followed by eleven years in ministry at Northland, I’m excited about taking next steps on the path God has prepared for me.  Also joining me in this new season is my family and countless friends I’ve met over the years. My husband Jeff is one of my biggest supporters and no matter what I've endeavored to do, he’s been my cheerleader, my encourager and covered me in prayer. He’s also a valuable sounding board, processing everything with me and offering sound, biblical advice to help me make the best decisions. My children, Lola and Max, have also been by my side in ministry. They, along with Jeff, have graciously dived feet first into serving the church and supporting me and the people God has placed in our life. Serving others is a family priority and I know as we head into this new ministry, they will be just as willing and enthusiastic about joining me in serving others. 


I’ve built a reputation of being a connector. It is what I love to do! Whether I’m connecting people to ministry opportunities, care and counseling, or to meet up for a cup of coffee, I feel energized! It is the place I believe God uses me the most and allows His love to shine through. Connections that build relationships and foster community are what I am the most passionate about. That is why I am eager to work with Pastor Kevin, dreaming and designing a ministry that connects people to one another and to the transformative power of God. No matter where people are in their life, I want them to experience the love of Christ.  I find it to be this simple: Love God. Love others. 


I can’t wait to see what God will do and the people who will jump in along the way. Every step of the way He has been faithful to me through some incredible friends who love Jesus as much as I do. Even more, they have the same heart for making Jesus known. What an amazing journey ahead! 

By Kevin Urichko November 29, 2023
Update & Video
August 10, 2022
James Price Memorial Fund Established
By Kevin Urichko August 11, 2021
I am so excited to post this new website today and begin to share with friends. I anticipate a full launch next week! While I want to tell you story upon story about how the Lord has been leading me into this new role of service within Central Florida, for now, I’ll keep it simple and start at the beginning… Jesus’ heart of compassion for people is what led me into ministry many years ago. As an early teenager, I remember reading this passage in the Bible about Him: Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:35-36 NIV) Countless others who are involved in some form of ministry also attribute these verses to their “calling.” Yet all these years later, it’s still Jesus’ care for those who are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd, that stirs my heart. This passion answers the "WHY" of my role in Shepherd Ministries... So many people are struggling alone and in deep need of a connection to the Lord. This is who I'm called to serve - especially those who are not connected to a local church at this time. I’ve received so much kindness and compassion from the Lord, often through His people, during some of the most difficult times in life. For me and so many others, responding to His message (“good news of the kingdom”) has made all the difference. By following Jesus, being His disciples, we all get to pass on what we’ve received from Him to others. With that in mind, let me give a big THANK YOU to Roger Shepherd and the Florida Counseling Foundation board for reactivating Shepherd Ministries and calling me to be a pastor at large for our local community! While this website and my role are new, Shepherd Ministries is not. Jesus has used Roger to bring much compassion into my life (and many others) over the years. I’m grateful to be passing that along with him… So, let me know if you (or someone in your life, work, neighborhood…) need the kinds of services described in this website. As I mentioned above, I am specifically hoping to reach people who don’t have a church home - may even have mixed feelings toward organized/institutional religion - but find themselves in need of a pastor. Reach out and let me know! In the near future I’ll write much about the kind of ministry that’s modeled after shepherds. While Scripture is full of such allusions, most modern Central Floridians have never even seen a live sheep, let alone a real shepherd! We will learn and grow together… In closing, an important “shepherd” lesson I’ve learned over the years was reinforced today as I worshipped with my Community Art Connection friends at Rhythms of Grace. We are just beginning to focus on Psalm 23, and it couldn’t be more timely for me! “The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing (or, I shall not want).” He provides! Pastors get to be "under-shepherds," but Hebrews 13:20 reminds us that Jesus is the “great Shepherd of the sheep.” He is the source of every need for all of us. May we realize and truly live that core truth of His Kingdom: The Shepherd makes sure we truly lack nothing. Blessings to you! P.S. Take a second look at the banner above... Yes, that's a real rainbow over what was once shepherd's fields, just outside of Bethlehem. Photo credit goes to Linda! P.P.S If you haven't already done so, check out the rest of our website - starting here .
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