From the office of the MW Grand Master:
To the Worshipful Masters, Wardens, Secretaries, and Brethren of Alabama Freemasonry
Each year, it is the duty of the Grand Master to appoint a Membership Committee to assist our Lodges in matters of growth and retention. This year, I have renamed that committee. It is now known as the Shepherding Committee, not just in name, but in purpose.
The Shepherding Committee has been tasked with more than reviewing membership rolls. It has been charged with helping Lodges reconnect with their members, restore fellowship, and renew the bonds that define who we are as Masons. To support this mission, every Lodge will have access to a complete Shepherding Toolkit. This includes a full Shepherding Guide, printable flyers, one page summaries, a dedicated website, Masonic education materials, a public video message to share, and regularly scheduled hybrid learning sessions through Google Meet. These resources are prepared to teach, support, and strengthen the work of every Lodge in our Grand Jurisdiction.
What Is Shepherding
The Shepherding Program is a grassroots initiative designed to restore, strengthen, and rebuild the fraternal ties that bind us together. It focuses on welcoming back suspended members, reconnecting with those who have grown inactive or unadvanced, and creating Lodge environments that feel warm, engaging, and meaningful. To shepherd is to guide and care for our brethren. It means looking after each other, not because we are required to, but because we want to. This program is not about dues. It is about people. It is about saving and strengthening what we love most about Freemasonry, one brother at a time.
The Three Phases of Shepherding
Shepherding is built around three core areas of focus we designed, known as The Three R’s: Reinstatement, Retention, and Revival. These are not steps that must be followed in a strict order. Every Lodge is different. Begin where it makes sense for your Lodge. What matters most is that all three phases are eventually embraced, because each one strengthens and supports the others.
Reinstatement focuses on those we have lost. These are members who were suspended for nonpayment of dues or who never completed their Masonic journey. Reaching out does not require a formal letter. Often, it begins with a phone call, a text, or a simple conversation in town. With patience and genuine concern, we can help them find their way back to the Craft.
Retention is about those already sitting among us. Greet every brother by name. Offer a short educational or inspiring message. Make space for family. Host a meal. When a Lodge feels welcoming and alive, brothers return, and often bring others with them.
Revival is about visibility and outreach. Lodges that are active in their communities naturally draw interest. Host a barbecue. Donate to a school. Recognize a local teacher or first responder. Show the public who we are and what we stand for. Freemasonry thrives when the world sees its good works.
These three areas are not seasonal projects or temporary efforts.
They are a continuing cycle of care.
Program Successes in Alabama
Shepherding is already working. More than ninety Lodges across Alabama have formed committees and begun this journey. Many are seeing real results.Some have welcomed back suspended brothers. Others have restarted degree work and initiated new candidates. Some have seen attendance rise just from personally reaching out to men they had not seen in years.
One Lodge saw four men return in one month following a few phone calls. These are not difficult tasks. These are acts of care and attention. And they are making a difference.
Shepherding in Alabama
In 1961, Alabama had more than 76,000 Masons and 434 Lodges. Today, there are fewer than 17,000 Masons and fewer than 260 Lodges. That is a 78 % drop in membership numbers and a 41 % drop in Lodge numbers. This decline did not happen overnight, and it will not be reversed overnight. But it can be reversed. The Shepherding Program gives us a clear foundation to begin on. It reconnects us. It strengthens our lodges. It restores the purpose and heart of Freemasonry in Alabama.
What Your Lodge Can Do
If your Lodge has not yet started a Shepherding Committee, I encourage you to do so. The Worshipful Master may appoint the committee and ask for volunteers. It does not have to be large. Three to five committed brothers are more than enough. Stewards, deacons, officers, Past Masters, and the secretary are often a natural fit for this work. This program is not limited to large or well funded Lodges. It is for everyone. Every Lodge can find its own way to participate. Every brother has something to offer. Whether your Lodge is small or large, vibrant or struggling, you can be part of this movement. Make use of the resources. The Shepherding Guide contains call scripts, templates, event ideas, and practical steps for reaching brothers and strengthening your Lodge. Use the Modern Tools and Timeless Brotherhood flyer. Today, communication often happens through text messages, social media, and short video updates. Post photos of your Lodge’s activities. Share events. Use your Lodge website or Facebook page to be visible in your community.
My Grand Lodge Shepherds have been visiting Lodges across this Grand Jurisdiction to share this message and assist brethren in understanding the program. Please welcome them when they visit and give them an opportunity to speak. This is a message that benefits us all.
The Shepherding Committee also holds monthly educational sessions, in person and virtually. These are open to all Master Masons. If you have questions, these classes are the place to ask them and receive helpful answers. Please attend if you are able.
All program materials can be found at the link below or under the Master Mason – Resources Tabs of The Grandview Membership Portal. (For smartphone users, scan the code below)
https://sites.google.com/view/shepherding101/home
If your Lodge needs help, do not hesitate to ask. Each Group has Grand Lodge Shepherding Representatives who are available and ready to assist.
Group 1: Zach Griffith (256-926-8202)
Group 2: Mike Brewer (502-542-2580)
Group 3: Ron Forrest (205-304-1009) *Chairman
Group 4: Zach Grizzard (256-239-5269)
Group 5: Randy Smith (251-923-7767)
This is not just another committee.
This is our opportunity to restore what has been lost.
This is the work that will shape the future of Freemasonry in Alabama.
Shepherding is how we save brothers, Saving brothers is how we save Lodges, and Saving Lodges is how we save Freemasonry.
Richard A. Schultz
Most Worshipful Grand Master
Grand Lodge of Alabama F. & A.M.
