When the charismatic pastor of Kentucky's biggest and most popular megachurch collapses on stage in front of thousands, a frenzy of speculation erupts. Is he sick? Washed up? Or is it that woman? Mysterious and strikingly beautiful, could "Meadow from small-town Louisiana" be responsible for the revered Timothy's downfall? Desperate to escape scrutiny, Timothy inflames rumors even more when he takes a sabbatical with the lovely Meadow-to Shady Gully, Louisiana.

A jaunt to his hometown also fits the bill for Sterling, the handsome lead musician at Northlake Christian Church. Since his love life and secret aspirations are in the tank, he eagerly joins Timothy's exodus. When they arrive in Shady Gully they find a thriving community with several new businesses, including Sterling's sister's booming Veterinary Hospital. While Sterling grapples with his failures-which seem especially magnified in light of his sister's success-Timothy seeks counsel with Father Patrick, a man of faith and the only one he can trust with his sordid history.

Despite the mounting challenges, The Shepherds resonates with the power of kindness, reveals a life-changing epiphany, and erupts in a battle between good and evil as a clever priest joins forces with a weary, defeated evangelist to overcome a grotesque injustice.