I’m Pastor Chris Cahill—a Marine veteran, ordained pastor, and Gospel-centered strategist with one mission: to help churches, ministries, and mission-driven leaders grow strong, serve well, and stay faithful—without losing focus on Christ.

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For nearly 30 years, I’ve walked in the tension of leadership and service. I’ve been a financial consultant in boardrooms and a pastor on sidewalks. I’ve helped churches clarify their vision, steward their resources wisely, launch outreach teams, and build discipleship pathways from scratch. Through it all, one principle has guided everything I do: “Serve first, last, and always.”

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I founded Shoestring Shepherd because I’ve lived the struggle of pastoring a small church on a small budget with a big heart. I know what it’s like to preach the Gospel one moment, troubleshoot the church website the next, and then try to figure out how to make the offering stretch to cover outreach and Sunday snacks. And I know how frustrating it is when marketing agencies promise results but offer no real understanding of the Church. Too often, they focus on more paid ads, expensive websites, or surface-level SEO—while completely missing the deeper goal: transformation through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Shoestring Shepherd exists to change that.

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This isn’t about slick branding or hype-driven campaigns. It’s about stewarding what God has already given you—your people, your tools, and your mission—to fulfill the Great Commission with clarity, compassion, and conviction. We help churches access and manage over $100,000 a year in free marketing grants, apply simple growth strategies, and equip their members for organic outreach rooted in prayer and purpose.

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I bring a unique blend of practical experience and pastoral heart. I hold a B.A. in Education from the University of Tampa and an M.A. in Theology and Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University. I’m also a licensed financial advisor and hold several professional designations, including Accredited Asset Management Specialist, Chartered Retirement Planning Consultant, and Certified Retirement Plans Specialist through the College for Financial Planning.

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But beyond the titles and training—I’m a husband of nearly 30 years, a father of two, and a local pastor who still believes in praying with the broken, equipping the called, and celebrating every quiet act of faithfulness.

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I wrote The Shoestring Shepherd and built this platform because I believe the local church is still God’s Plan A. I believe small churches aren’t small to God. And I believe you don’t need a massive budget or mega-church numbers to make an eternal impact.

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As Ephesians 4:12 reminds us, God gave us leaders “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” That’s what I’m here to do—help you do the next faithful thing, together, in prayer, with eyes fixed on Jesus.

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Because in the Kingdom of God, it’s not about becoming known.
It’s about making Jesus known—and faithfully stewarding all He’s placed in our hands for His glory.

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That’s why I do this—and why I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

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If you’re a church leader who’s serious about reaching more people for Jesus…

If you’re willing to put in the work, think strategically, and steward your resources with faith and wisdom…

If your heart beats for the Gospel and you refuse to let limited time or budget hold back your calling...

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Then I want to partner with you.

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Not as a consultant barking orders—but as a fellow shepherd who believes that every soul matters, and every moment counts. Because I want to see new hearts reached, just as much as you do. And I believe that when we lead with the Gospel, use what we have with intention, and move forward in unity, the Kingdom advances—without delay.

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Let’s stop waiting for the perfect conditions.
Let’s start building—faithfully, smartly, and together.

He’s already given us what we need.
Now let’s go use it—for His glory.