Garland, TX — When communities face hardship, leaders emerge who not only preach faith but also demonstrate compassionate action in everyday life. For nearly two decades, Pastor Robert E. Shepherd and his wife Tangie (or “Mrs. Shepherd”) have been stepping into that role in Garland, Texas — through their church, their service, and their vision of restoration.
Roots in Garland
Since its inception, Restoration has grown into a hub of hope, faith, and practical support in Garland.
The Shepherd family has lived in Garland since 2004, making this city not just their home, but their mission field.
In 2009, recognizing a deep community need, Pastor Shepherd founded Restoration Community Fellowship Church. He felt God’s call to minister to those who were spiritually, financially, and socially wounded— to restore what was broken.
Community Engagement & Service
Pastor Shepherd is not content to stay within church walls — he is actively involved in civic and community leadership:
- He serves on the City of Garland’s Unified Building Services Commission
- He is a member of the Leadership Garland Alumni Committee
- He contributes to the Leadership Garland Civic Engagement Sub-Committee
- He also works with the Garland Chamber’s Community Fellowship Breakfast Committee
- He is a Leadership Graduate Class 43
These roles make clear that his commitment is not only spiritual but strategic — he seeks to help shape systems, policies, and partnerships for the betterment of Garland.
Restoration’s Impact
Summer Enrichment Program
Over the last four summers, Restoration Community Fellowship has run a Summer Enrichment Program (10 weeks, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM). Offering both educational and recreational activities, field trips, arts and crafts, and healthy meals, the program aims to bridge the “summer slide” in learning and provide positive structure to youth in the community — at little or no cost.
Food Pantry & Family Support
Every Saturday, the church’s food pantry ministry serves around 160 individuals through food distribution. Beyond providing meals, Restoration offers:
- Marriage enrichment and mentorship programs
- Financial empowerment forums
- Support services and education focused on sustaining strong families
Pastor Shepard believes that healing and transformation require both spiritual care and practical tools.
How You Can Help
Restoration is always in need of volunteers and financial partners. You can support by:
- Volunteering at food pantry distributions (every third Saturday, 10:00 AM)
- Donating funds to sustain and expand community services
- Joining as partner organizations or sponsors
As Pastor Shepard says, “Be restored because you are.”
Why This Matters
In many cities, churches are seen as peripheral to civil life. But leaders like Pastor Shepherd show a different model — where the pastor is a community stakeholder, a civic contributor, and a hands-on servant. His work demonstrates that faith can fuel tangible restoration — one family, one child, one Saturday, one meal at a time.
Not all heroes wear capes, pastor shepherd and Restoration Community Fellowship Church are living examples of faith meeting action.
One Comment
So deserving of every honor that comes his way. He, his wife and amazing congregation.