Online School
This page is currently under construction. For any questions regarding education programs, please reach out to contact@shepherdsgatemissions.com.
Recommended Academic & Spiritual Resources
Community Relational Soul Care
By Dr. Julie A. Larsen
Restoring God's people to spiritual vitality through holistic care principles.
Visit DrJulieLarsenCRSC.com →Liberty University & Academy
Lynchburg, VA
Premier Christian higher education and K-12 accredited online homeschooling programs.
Explore Liberty Academy →Light University & AACC
Dr. Tim Clinton, President
Online Christian counseling coursework and literature, including The New Christian Counselor.
Visit AACC.net →Holy Land Photos & Atlas
Dr. Carl G. Rasmussen
Biblical archaeology, geography, photography, and The Zondervan Atlas of the Bible.
Visit HolyLandPhotos.org →Experiencing God Studies
Dr. Henry Blackaby & Dr. Claude King
Transformational spiritual discipleship works: Experiencing God and Created to be God’s Friend.
Visit KingIsComing.com →Legacy of Shepherd's Gate Online Academy
SHEPHERD'S GATE MISSIONS ONLINE ACADEMY has closed as SGM pivoted its focus toward direct Christian counseling and emergency relief programs. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the dedicated instructors who helped countless students gain a new start in life.
The SGM Online Academy had been active since 2008. Dr. Julie Larsen began teaching online literacy and computer skills in 1992, beginning with special education students in Lutheran primary schools, expanding in 1998 to adult workplace computer instruction, and establishing SGM courses in 2008 for older beginners.
Because all courses were provided free of charge as part of SGM’s 501(c)(3) public charity mission, rising operational demands required transitioning students to external accredited partners. SGM continues to welcome donations to support its ongoing crisis relief and counseling programs.
Music Ministry & Sacred Hymnody
SGM is dedicated to preserving the rich history and spiritual heritage behind timeless Christian hymns. Scripture commands us to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, making melody in our hearts to the Lord.
Biblical Foundations of Praise
- “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” — Ephesians 5:19–20
- “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” — Colossians 3:16
- “Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.” — 1 Chronicles 16:8–9 (See also Psalms 95:2, 105:2)
Amazing Grace
John Newton (1779)
Nurtured in faith by his godly mother before her early death, John Newton later lived a wild life on the high seas as a press-ganged sailor and slave trader. On March 9–10, 1748, a violent sea storm threatened his ship with destruction. In desperation, 23-year-old Newton cried out to God for mercy and was delivered out of deep waters.
Newton grew into a powerful evangelical minister and abolitionist. Originally titled "Faith’s Review and Expectation," the hymn was written from his study of 1 Chronicles 17:16–17 ("Who am I, O Lord God... that You have brought me this far?").
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, Who called me here below,
Shall be forever mine."
It Is Well with My Soul
Horatio G. Spafford (1873)
Following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and the sudden death of his young son, Chicago attorney Horatio Spafford sent his wife Anna and four daughters (Maggie, Tanetta, Annie, and Bessie) ahead on the French liner Ville du Havre for a European retreat.
On November 22, 1873, the vessel collided with an iron ship and sank in 12 minutes. All four daughters perished. Arriving safely in Wales, Anna cabled her husband two words: "Saved Alone." Sailing across the Atlantic to join her, Spafford penned these words near the location of the wreck: "It is well; the will of God be done."
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul."