Pat Horst has found pleasure in shepherding a tiny flock of woolies [sheep]. Says Pat, “My sheep have taught me much about the Good Shepherd, what is means to be a shepherd, and what it means to be a sheep [for we are the sheep of God’s pasture].”
Pat and her husband, Paul, live on a working agricultural farm in rural Pennsylvania in a Georgian-style farmhouse built in the late 18th century. She enjoys spending time and holidays with her husband, their adult children, and laughing at the antics of her grandkids. Pat finds it exciting to experience new cultures while traveling and learning from the women within those cultures. Creating specialty hand-poured candles and soaps are favorite past-times for Pat.
Pat’s educational journey includes a Bachelor in Social Work from Lebanon Valley College, a Master of Divinity degree from Evangelical Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. Of great influence to Pat was her study with Dallas Willard and the work she completed for his course while she studied at Fuller.
Pat is a 2008 graduate of Oasis Ministries, a two year program for the development of Spiritual Direction for Spiritual Guides. She has also studied with Tilda Norberg, Staten Island, NY, in the area of Gestalt Pastoral Care and has attended leadership training at Saddleback Church, CA and attended the National Mentoring Conferences at Denver Seminary, Denver, CO. In the past Pat has coordinated and participated in multi-cultural women’s conferences and retreat experiences.
Pat served as the Dean of Students and Director of Mentoring at Evangelical Theological Seminary in Myerstown, PA from 2003 until 2009 where she also served as Assistant Professor in Pastoral Ministry. She has served in pastoral positions and has held positions within the social work field. Recently Pat has completed a Chaplain Residency program at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and currently serves there as a Chaplain Associate. Pat also serves as Director of Witness and Outreach for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren. Pat’s continuing ministry includes her passion for sharing the hope of Christ through Shepherd’s Gate Renewal Ministries.
The development of Shepherd’s Gate Renewal Ministries began in 2004 as Pat became increasingly aware of the need to share the love, hope, healing and renewal that is available through Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd.
Pat shares, “Individuals who may have never entered a church as well as longtime church-goers seem to have an increased longing and thirst for God. At the same time, many are craving spiritual healing and renewal. I believe the answer to our longings is found in a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ and the revived community of believers. Shepherd’s Gate Renewal Ministries provides a setting for dialogue and ministry to share in that journey together.”