Paul and Karon Rose got clean and sober in 1980.  While attending Hillcrest Baptist Church in Richmond, Indiana their faith began to grow. As they both started to recognize their spiritual gifts, the Lord began to equip them for a lifetime of service.  Paul attended and graduated from Hillcrest’s Bible Institute and in 1985 became an Ordained Minister of the Gospel.  Relocating to Nashville,TN Paul became involved at the Nashville Rescue Mission working with men struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and homelessness for the next 15 years.  Drawing on his past life experience with addiction and his love for the Lord, Paul positively impacted many lives.  In Nashville, Karon pursued higher education and attained a Masters Degree from Trevecca Nazarene University focused on mental health.

 The Rose’s returned to Richmond in 2000 and seeing the need for a ministry to serve men struggling with addiction, Paul founded The Shepherd’s Way Christian Ministries, Inc., 501 (c)(3) in 2002.  

 The Shepherd’s Way Christian Ministry

  The initial program, called the Shepherd’s Way, was a transitional house for men who struggled with drug or alcohol addiction. It consisted of a six month program in a residential setting.  During their time at the transitional house men, were required to obtain employment, attend recovery meetings in the community, attend church and participate in classes focused on recovery from a Christian perspective.  Between 2002 and 2013 nearly 300 men passed through the program.  The men’s program ended in 2013.

  The Victory House Women’s Program

   In 2008 Karon became involved in the ministry when she recognized the need for a similar program for women thus the Victory House Transitional Living Program was opened, based on the same structure as the men’s transitional house. The ministry now served both men and women.

   Cross Road Christian Recovery Center for Women

  Karon realized the need for a more intensive recovery program for women and in 2010 the ministry acquired a 7.6 acre property formerly known as the Smith-Esteb Memorial Tuberculosis Hospital located 5 miles south of Richmond.  The program was named the Cross Road Christian Recovery Center for Women.  Initially a six month residential program it is now four months in length and is offered at no charge to the women coming into the program.

 * More about these programs can be found under Current Programs.