Most common frustrations

Pastors of churches with fewer than 150 members often face at least one of these struggles.

Isolation

Lacking professional connection and meaningful support networks, pastors crave genuine conversations with peers who understand their unique ministerial challenges.

Scarcity

Recognizing that additional help would transform their ministry, pastors face the harsh reality that limited church resources prevent hiring the staff they desperately need.

Overwhelm

Trapped in inefficient systems and administrative burdens, pastors watch their passion for ministry slowly erode under the weight of tasks that distract from their true calling.

I’m here to help

I’ve experienced isolation and limitations in ministry. I understand the overwhelming feeling of responsibility and that nagging question: “Am I making a difference?” You shouldn’t have to navigate these challenges alone.

With nearly twenty years of ministry experience, I’ve personally worked with many small-church pastors, and I’m eager to work with you! I’ve developed workflows and systems for small church contexts that work without requiring big-church resources.

As your ministry pacer, I bring an extraordinary balance of experience and innovation to help you rediscover the thrill of your calling.

Request your FREE
Discovery Call

Learn More

How I Can Help

Here are some of the ways you’ll experience transformative change that revitalize both your ministry and personal well-being:

Equip

Targeted Workshops

Learn to craft powerful sermons, build clear vision statements, manage volunteers better, create membership processes, and plan effective outreach.

Encourage

Pacer Checkpoints

Schedule sessions, once or twice a month, to foster personal growth, provide support during ministry transitions, and help maintain healthy relationships.

Edify

Ministry Relief

Enjoy your much-needed break for vacation or sabbatical with peace of mind, or target an area you want to see developed within your congregation.

I’d like to take a moment and recommend Pastor Dan Patrick and Ministry Pacer. I have known Dan for many years and appreciate his enthusiasm, energy, and vision of excellence when it comes to the Lord’s work. Most of all, Dan’s firm commitment to Scriptural authority in both his doctrine and ministry speaks highly of his desire to build the Body of Christ for God’s glory. And I believe God can use Dan and this ministry to do just that!

Pastor Joe Bowker

Berean Baptist Church

Macon, GA

Having pastored a church of around 100 people and served with Dan for nearly a decade, I can attest that his methods aren’t just doctrinally sound—they work. Ministry Pacer reflects over a decade of Dan’s successful experience leading our rural church. Unlike many church growth approaches that yield fleeting results, Dan’s program is founded on biblical principles that promote sustainable growth. His vision for ministry possibilities and enthusiastic encouragement can genuinely help your church thrive. I wholeheartedly recommend Dan’s assistance, confident that it will benefit you, your church, and your community.

Michael Cutler, Deacon

Anthony Baptist Church

Jersey Shore, PA

I have known Pastor Dan Patrick for about fourteen years and was even his pastor for a short period of time. He is innovative yet Bible based. He has a heart for God and a love for the church. He is a pastor’s friend. I highly recommend him to the pastor of the small churches that need someone to come alongside. His insight will help the pastor to be more efficient and give him more time to pastor his people.

Pastor Tony Newhouse

First Baptist Church of Thermopolis

Thermopolis, WY

I would like to encourage you to consider the ministry and resource of Pastor Dan Patrick. Having worked with him on a number of occasions, I can heartily recommend him to assist you in ministry. His strengths include a servant’s heart, superb organizational skills, and practical and passionate teaching and preaching. You and your church family will be encouraged and strengthened through his efforts.

Evangelist David Sommerdorf

Trinity Baptist Church

Austin, TX

It has been my privilege to know Brother Dan Patrick for about fourteen years and have seen his work for the Lord in several capacities. The strengths of Brother Patrick have excelled, though, when it comes to starting and strengthening ministries with children and teens. At the church in Jersey Shore, PA, where he served as Pastor for eleven years, I have seen firsthand several programs planned and carried out with the children and teens. The ministries are excellent in their approach to spiritual growth and also the life experiences of those involved. He definitely has some special and unique God-given abilities in these areas.

Pastor Steve Kihlthau, retired

Stockton Baptist Church

Stockton, CA

The Shepherd’s Path

Three steps to finding your stride

The Shepherd’s Path begins with a simple conversation – and your first step costs nothing but 30 minutes of your time.

Discover

Schedule a free 30-minute conversation where we’ll identify your church’s specific challenges and opportunities. This no-obligation call helps us understand exactly where you need support—whether it’s administrative burden, leadership development, or pulpit relief.

Design

Choose the partnership tier that fits your church’s budget and needs. From basic resources access to comprehensive coaching and pulpit supply, you’ll find a plan designed specifically for small church realities. Each option clearly outlines what you receive and the investment required.

Develop

Experience immediate relief and long-term growth as we implement practical solutions together. Regular check-ins ensure we’re addressing your evolving needs, while our resource library and coaching calls provide continuous support between our scheduled sessions.

The Shepherd’s Path removes uncertainty and creates a clear roadmap for strengthening your ministry without overwhelming your resources.

Request your FREE Discovery Call

Book Reviews

October 10, 2025

Strategic Quitting and Perseverance

Strategic quitting and focused perseverance guide leaders in choosing valuable work, avoiding dead ends, and fostering meaningful ministry impact.
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