A faithful community, ready for what comes next

Church of the Good Shepherd is a Christ-centered Episcopal parish with a strong foundation in worship, community, and shared ministry—and a clear desire to grow into what comes next.

We value thoughtful, scripture-centered worship, active lay leadership, and a community where people care for one another in meaningful ways. Good Shepherd is a place where people show up for one another—both in everyday moments and in times of need.

At the same time, we recognize that we are in a moment of opportunity: to strengthen Christian formation, to welcome new people and families, and to deepen our impact beyond our walls.

We have invested in the future of over 60 youth parishioners through $1,000 college scholarships.

Who we are: Grounded in worship, shaped by community

Our mission is to walk in love, gather as a worshiping community, grow in the knowledge and love of God, and serve our neighbors with generosity and humility. 

At Good Shepherd, all are welcome. We believe we are all God’s children, loved equally, and that our diversity strengthens our community.

We are grounded in worship rooted in Word and Sacrament, and in shared ministry between laypeople and clergy. We value compassion, pastoral presence, and spiritual growth, and we seek to live out our faith through relationships and service both inside our parish and in the wider community.

We continue to listen for God’s call and embrace new opportunities for mission.

Church of the Good Shepherd, circa 1907

Church of the Good Shepherd today

Our story: Rooted in faith, growing through change

Founded in 1907 as a small wooden sanctuary known as “The Little Church in the Wildwood,” Church of the Good Shepherd has been part of the Pitman community for more than a century.

As the parish grew, so did its physical and spiritual presence. Our current stone sanctuary was consecrated in 1941, and Good Shepherd became an independent parish in 1948. Over the decades, generations of parishioners have gathered here to worship, serve, and build a community grounded in faith.

We celebrate both continuity and growth. In 2007, the parish marked its centennial with a year of shared remembrance and gratitude, honoring the people and milestones that shaped our first century. Throughout its history, Good Shepherd has been a place that values strong relationships, active ministry, and a deep sense of belonging. We are blessed with both multigenerational families and new members who continue to shape our life together.

While we honor our past, we are not bound by it. As a parish, we continue to grow and adapt, trusting that God is guiding us as we continue to shape our future together.

The Women at the Well soup sale is a yearly tradition supporting parish life and outreach.

The women’s retreat is an annual gathering for reflection, fellowship, and renewal.

The Caring Hands group knits and crafts items that offer comfort to those who need it.

Life together: Active, relational, and shared

Good Shepherd is an active and engaged parish where ministry, fellowship, and outreach are shared across the congregation.

Coffee Hour follows every Sunday service and is a central part of parish life, offering a consistent and welcoming time for connection. It is often where conversations linger, newcomers are welcomed, and relationships begin to take root. Parish meals, seasonal celebrations, and special events throughout the year strengthen relationships across generations.

Several ministries reflect the heart of our community:

• Women at the Well (ECW) supports outreach, fellowship, and spiritual growth, including community collections and the parish scholarship fund for graduating seniors.
• The Brotherhood of St. Andrew engages in service, fellowship, and outreach, including seasonal drives and parish events.
• Caring Hands creates prayer shawls, blankets, and other handmade items for those facing illness, grief, or life transitions.
• Prayer Warriors offer ongoing intercessory prayer for those in need within and beyond the parish.
• Fellowship Friday, a monthly luncheon, welcomes both parishioners and the wider community.

A parishioner shares the spirit of the season by portraying St. Nicholas.

Artisans showcase handmade goods, creating a warm and welcoming experience.

Our annual Holly Fair is a signature event involving nearly the entire parish. It raises funds, strengthens fellowship, and draws the wider community into our life together.

Pitman Pantry volunteers provide food and essentials to neighbors in need.

We also partner with local organizations including the Pitman Pantry, Angels Community Outreach, Unforgotten Haven, Camden Christmas, and the Pitman School District. A yearly Red Cross blood drive is another longstanding expression of our outreach. In 2025, the Vestry established a Grant & Fundraising Committee to expand financial support for parish life and ministry.

Worship: The heart of our common life

Worship at Good Shepherd centers on the Holy Eucharist and reflects the richness of Episcopal liturgy. Parishioners consistently describe worship as a source of spiritual depth, meaning, and connection. Scripture-centered preaching and music play a central role in our worship life, contributing to both energy and reflection. Worship is not only a weekly gathering, but the foundation of who we are as a community of faith.

Formation: A renewed opportunity for growth

Throughout its history, Good Shepherd has offered a wide range of Christian formation opportunities, including Sunday School, youth confirmation, adult education, and small-group Bible studies and discussions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these programs were paused and have not yet returned to their previous levels of participation. This presents both a challenge and a meaningful next step.

As reflected in our 2026 parish survey, we are seeking renewed energy, creativity, and leadership in Christian formation—especially for children and youth, and for adults seeking to grow in their faith and daily discipleship.

Connected beyond our walls: Technology and communication

Good Shepherd has expanded its digital presence in recent years, building on lessons learned during the pandemic.

We livestream our Sunday worship services on YouTube using an in-house system supported by a dedicated operator. In addition to weekly worship, we stream seasonal services and life events, allowing family and friends to participate from near and far. We communicate through weekly e-newsletters and updates using Flocknote (a software platform we use to connect with our members), and maintain both public and internal communication through Facebook, with plans to expand into Instagram.

Our website is currently being redesigned to improve accessibility and better reflect our parish life.

We see digital ministry as an important and growing way to stay connected and extend our reach.

A place to call home: Pitman and the surrounding region

Church of the Good Shepherd is located in a residential neighborhood in Pitman, New Jersey—a walkable, historic, and close-knit community of approximately 8,700 people.

Founded in 1905, Pitman retains a distinctive character shaped by its historic Grove district (established as Methodist summer camp meeting site) and a strong sense of community. The town is known for its tree-lined streets, active civic life, and a vibrant arts and dining scene centered on the Broadway Theatre.

Faith remains an important part of community life, with many local churches and an active ministerium. Our proximity to Rowan University connects us with students, faculty, and staff, extending our reach across Gloucester County and the wider South Jersey region.

Pitman is conveniently located near Philadelphia and within reach of major East Coast cities and the Jersey Shore. The town also offers a highly regarded, walkable K-12 school district.

Our campus: A space for worship, gathering, and ministry

Good Shepherd’s campus reflects both its history and its ongoing life of ministry. Our sanctuary, with its recently restored stained-glass windows and historic character, is a place where generations have gathered to worship, celebrate, and pray.

Our parish hall, classrooms, and meeting spaces support fellowship, formation, and outreach.

A strong foundation to build on

Good Shepherd is a parish with a strong foundation in faith, relationships, and shared ministry. Our worship life is a central source of spiritual depth and vitality. Parishioners consistently name scripture-centered preaching and music as life-giving and essential to their faith.

We are also a parish shaped by strong lay leadership. Members are actively engaged in ministry and share a deep sense of calling and responsibility.

A spirit of care and connection defines our community. People experience Good Shepherd as a place where they are known, supported, and valued. There are many ways to engage beyond Sunday worship, reflecting a genuine desire to grow in faith and serve others.

A community that shows up in generosity

Good Shepherd demonstrates a strong and growing commitment to our mission. In our 2026 stewardship campaign, the number of pledging households increased from 66 to 75, with total pledged giving rising from $196,000 to $223,000.

This growth reflects broad participation across the congregation, including new and returning pledges and increased commitments. Special challenge gifts further strengthened the campaign, bringing total 2026 financial commitments to nearly $240,000.

This response—during a time of transition—reflects both the dedication of our parish community and confidence in our ability to support a full-time rector. That same spirit of generosity is reflected in our longstanding commitment to outreach, including more than $60,000 in college scholarships awarded over the past 25 years through parish-led fund-raising efforts.

Facing challenges with steady progress

In recent years, the parish has navigated budgetary challenges. While the 2025 budget anticipated a deficit of approximately $51,000, active financial management, expense control, and a period of clergy transition reduced the year-end shortfall to about $10,000.

Building on that progress, the 2026 budget reflects a more balanced and sustainable position, supported by increased pledged giving and continued alignment of expenses with the parish’s priorities. The vestry has approached this budget with a clear commitment to supporting a full-time rector while maintaining long-term stability.

A snapshot of where we are

2025 Budget (for context)

• Planned Deficit: ($51,849)

2025 Actual

• Total Operating Income: $247,030 
• Total Operating Expenses: $257,102 
• Net: ($10,072) deficit 

2026 Budget

• Total Operating Income: $255,000 
• Total Operating Expenses: $245,636 
• Net: $9,364 surplus 

These steps position us to move forward with greater clarity and stability as we continue to grow in faith and mission.

Where we are being called to grow

Like many congregations, Good Shepherd is navigating a time of transition and opportunity. Christian formation has not yet returned to its pre-pandemic level of participation, and there is a clear desire for renewed energy and direction.

While many opportunities for engagement exist, they are not always widely known or easy to participate in, particularly for those with work or family commitments. This highlights a need for more flexible ways to connect.

We also recognize the need to more intentionally welcome new people—especially families with children and youth—and help them move from first visit to deeper belonging. These challenges reflect a parish that is ready to grow and respond faithfully to where God is leading.

Looking ahead: Faith, community, and purpose

We look to the future with gratitude and a sense of possibility.

We seek to build on the strength of our worship and community while becoming more outward-facing and inviting. We hope to welcome new people and create clear pathways for connection and belonging. We envision renewed energy in Christian formation for all ages, and a deepening partnership between clergy and lay leadership.

With thoughtful leadership and shared commitment, we believe we are well-positioned to grow in faith and mission.

What we seek: A rector to lead and partner with us

Good Shepherd is seeking a rector who will build on our strengths while helping us grow into the next chapter of our life together.

We are looking for a leader who brings clear, faithful vision and strong strategic leadership. We are a parish with active and engaged lay leadership and a desire to move forward in mission. We seek a rector who can help us discern priorities, communicate direction clearly, and guide us with purpose and energy.

At the heart of this leadership is strong, scripture-centered preaching. Our congregation values sermons that are thoughtful, engaging, and grounded in faith, helping us connect the Gospel to our daily lives. Pastoral presence is essential. We value a rector who is approachable, compassionate, and attentive—someone who will walk with parishioners through both joyful and difficult moments.

We recognize that we are in a period of transition and opportunity. We are seeking a rector who is comfortable with leading change thoughtfully and faithfully, helping us strengthen areas such as Christian formation, connection for newcomers, and engagement across generations. We are not seeking to be remade, but to be guided forward with clarity and purpose. We are looking for a rector who will help us discern that path and lead us into the next chapter of our life together.

We value a collaborative leader who will work in partnership with our lay leadership, encouraging participation, developing gifts, and supporting a shared sense of ministry.

Above all, we seek a rector who will help us grow—deepening our faith, strengthening our community, and guiding us as we continue to live out our calling as a parish.

Life extends beyond our doors in joy and connection—a glimpse of the hopeful, growing community we are called to lead together.

An invitation: Join us in this next chapter

We believe God is already at work in the life of Good Shepherd—through our worship, our relationships, and our shared commitment to serve.

We are grateful for who we are, honest about where we are, and hopeful about where we are called to go next.

If you are a priest who is drawn to strong community, meaningful partnership in ministry, and the opportunity to lead with clarity and purpose, we invite you to consider joining us in this next chapter.