Interview with the Founders
1. What is SHIELD and how did you get the inspiration?
Through relational investment and permission, SHIELD is the ministry or mechanism through which we bring the Kingdom of Heaven into the workplace. This is especially valuable to those who do not attend church, are not relationally connected to other Believers, and otherwise do not have readily available access to experience the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It might be hard to believe, but there are millions of people here in the US that have yet to hear the Good News!
The vision for SHIELD came through a vision. The LORD gave it to me (JT) when I was in the midst of a terrible moment. Wouldn’t it just show the faithfulness of God to receive the vision for your next assignment in the very moment your previous assignment is ending?! That is the story of SHIELD’s conception; one only God could write!
2. Tell us a little about yourself. Who are you? What do you do in your free time? Tell us about your family.
JT: I’m an outdoor exploring, European car enthusiast who loves his wife & kids. More practically, I’m an ordinary guy who was crazy enough to drop what I was doing to follow Jesus. I live for His kingdom. I serve for His glory and the blessing of His people. My greatest purpose in life is to lead others to experience the fullness of salvation and freedom which only come through Jesus. I also really like to have a good time ; ) FUN should’ve been my middle name! If you’re wondering, my middle name is Thomas, after my dad.
Kara: As a Colorado girl at heart planted in Florida, I yearn for the day the mountains become my home again. I learned early on as a new Believer that His plans are far beyond anything I could have designed on my own and He can be trusted! Florida has been a tremendous gift to our family and we are grateful for how the Lord puts us divinely where we need to be and when. Married to my favorite person for over 16 years, we parent four incredible kids who keep us on our toes and fill our home with “vibrant” life. Some may call it chaotic, definitely crazy, but all we see is evidence of life being fully lived! I am passionate about seeing people walk away from the things of this world and take hold of God’s Kingdom right here and right now; to see people come alive as sons and daughters and walk in their inheritance never gets old.
If I’m not doing laundry, helping with homework or taxiing my kids around, you can usually find me leading a women’s Bible study with a latte in hand or looking for any other reason to gather women together. Sometimes I even get a chance to take in an episode of Last Man Standing or Seinfeld.
3. Who is SHIELD for?
SHIELD is for everyone, more specifically everyone in the workplace. We have two primary groups we focus on. First, we offer an on-call service (as needed or as desired services) for Christian business owners to offer their employees, much like many other “employee benefits.” Second, we offer one-on-one relational discipleship for the owners and/or executives. The heart behind this is two-fold. Your employees are your most valuable asset and by far your greatest opportunity for investment. You, the owner & executives, are crucial in the success of your mission. No one else can be you. God gave the vision, the dream, the assignment to you. Investment in yourself, in your care, in your support, your growth and your focus is paramount to fulfilling the mission. We stand in for you as Aaron and Hur stood in for Moses. If you’ll let us, we’ll lift up your arms as you execute God’s plan.
4. What is one thing you hope your clients will take away from this service?
Our greatest hope is that people will walk in the fullness of what God offers to us in Christ. All are called, all are chosen, but few respond in faith..Our greatest hope could be summarized in our desire to lead people to themselves - their true selves - as the son or daughter of God they were purposefully created to be.
5. What are your hopes for SHIELD in the future?
Effective faithfulness. Our mission is to lead people to their place in God’s kingdom and our hope is that we do this well, continually.
6. What is your secret to cultivating a Kingdom heart?
Humility. We must remain humble if we’re to experience the Kingdom here on Earth.
It’s only from a position of humility that we receive salvation. It’s in humility we experience the growth, maturity, strength, wisdom, provision, ability and resources of Heaven. It’s only from a position of humility that we can partner with God in this life. If we don’t acknowledge that He is God, then we are likely trying to be god and build our own empire.
It’s through a humble heart that we grow in having a Kingdom heart. This is counterintuitive and certainly counter-cultural. In culture you excel best by proving yourself, by focusing on self elevation, and seeking for self. Contrastingly in the Kingdom, you rise by serving others and you grow by submitting yourself to God and His plans. In God’s economy, the first are last and the last are first.
