Our History
Life Model Works (2014) is a nonprofit 501c3 continuing the 50+ year legacy of Shepherd’s House, Inc. which was founded in 1970 in Van Nuys, California. Life Model Works has evolved from a ministry for vulnerable children to a counseling center and, ultimately, a resource hub for Christian groups. Since the 1990s, our organization has been developing the Life Model to help heal trauma and strengthen relationships using brain science and biblical principles. Life Model Works leads the way in blending relational growth and spiritual wholeness into church discussions on topics like women in ministry, race, narcissism, and what it means to be a mature elder. We provide training, resources, and support to help churches and organizations grow in joy, maturity, and transformation.
1970
Shepherd's House Inc. Is founded as a ministry for kids living on the streets in Los Angeles, California.
1970
1975
Shepherd’s House shifts focus to becoming a low-fee counseling center staffed by volunteer counselors and faculty from Fuller Seminary.
1987
Shepherd's House begins conducting a review of how people recover from trauma and why some recover while others with similar experiences do not. This research over time becomes the basis for the Life Model.
1987
1990's
Pastors, missionaries, and other counselors begin seeking the help of counselors at Shepherd’s House for traumas and addictions.
1999
After years of gradual research completed by a coalition of theologians, philosophers, psychiatrists, pastors, psychologists, and clinicians, the Life Model study findings are published in the book Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You.
1999
2000
Shepherd's House shifts focus to becoming a resource for the church, with Dr. Jim Wilder serving (and continuing to serve) for many years as the primary developer and chief neurotheologian of the Life Model.
2001
The 19 Relational Brain skills, based upon recent discoveries in neuroscience, are developed to give ordinary people the skills they lacked, and to help them train others in these brain skills.
2001
2002
Shepherd’s House begins to develop books, tapes, videos, and conferences that would teach the full range of thriving – from brain skills to prayer ministry to multi-generational community growth. These programs were soon called THRIVE: Changing My Generation and Thriving: Recover Your Life. Since 2018, relational brain skill training has been provided by THRIVEtoday, a partner ministry.
2012
Shepherd’s House rebrands as Life Model Works (LMW)
2012
Present
After many decades of patient development, LMW has begun to capture the attention of ministries all over the world who make discipleship to Jesus their central task and goal. The LMW focus is to spread the Life Model and consult with churches and organizations so these communities can apply its principles within their unique contexts. The LMW team continues to write books, host conferences and seminars, and train a growing company of people, church movements, and organizations across the U.S. and the world