About Blessing Ranch

Since 1994 Blessing Ranch has become the place of choice for pastors and other Christian leaders in search of restoration and renewal in their lives and ministries.  The Ranch has emerged as a leader in the growing movement of Pastor Care by focusing on how to help pastors and other Christian leaders address personal and professional issues.

Some leaders come because they are facing personal or professional crises; some because they have simply grown weary in well-doing. Others come because they are contemplating a major transition in ministry or desire to deepen their well or rekindle their flame. 

Blessing Ranch was founded on the concept of Biblical blessing. Blessing Ranch exists to give leaders the blessing they need in their lives and ministries. 

The Ranch is an offering to God from Dr. John and Deanna Walker who served for many years as a minister and minister’s wife. After several years of successful private practice as a psychologist, following many years of an effective preaching ministry, Dr. Walker felt called by God to begin a ministry called Blessing Ranch to bless other Christian leaders. 

The ministry of Blessing Ranch seeks to assist Christian leaders who are facing difficult life circumstances, who are in need of a second wind, or who simply desire to be refreshed in their journey and strengthen and deepen their relationship with God.

Blessing Ranch Staff
“It is with joy and enthusiasm that we seek to bestow a blessing on Christian leaders, that they might bless others.” - The Blessing Ranch Staff 

Dr. John Walker serves as Chief Executive Officer and founding director of Blessing Ranch.  As a licensed clinical psychologist, he provides professional psychological services and continues as a long-time pastor.  His educational experiences include a B.A. in Christian Ministry from Lincoln Christian College, a M.A. in Psychology and Religion from Christian Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Indiana State University.  Following several successful ministries in the Midwest, Dr. Walker moved to Texas in 1985 to work as a professional psychologist in such settings as hospitals and clinical institutes, eventually founding Cornerstone Psychological Associates.  In 1993 he and his wife Deanna felt called of God to move to Colorado to begin Blessing Ranch.  The Ranch allows Dr. Walker to combine his many years of preaching ministry and psychological practice for the benefit and blessing of Christian leaders across the country and around the world.  Dr. Walker also shares his gifts as adjunct professor of Pastor Care at Lincoln Christian Seminary in Lincoln, Illinois, and Visiting Lecturer at TCMI Institute in Vienna, Austria, the largest evangelical seminary in Europe.

Hope Karabensh serves as part-time bookkeeper.  She is a graduate of Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado.

We are currently seeking another individual who has a PhD in psychology as well as ministry experience to serve as an associate on the Ranch.  If interested please contact Dr. John Walker via email or phone.

Blessing Ranch Beliefs
Blessing Ranch is a not- for-profit Christian ministry that holds these basic beliefs:

• We believe in One God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt 28:19-20).
• We believe in Jesus Christ as Lord, His virgin birth, miracles, atoning death, resurrection, ascension to heaven, and return (Matt 16:16).
• We believe in the Scriptures as the infallible inspiration of God (I Cor 2:6-13).
• We believe in the Holy Spirit and His ministry to us to live holy and godly Christian lives (John 14:15-17).
• We believe in Salvation through Jesus Christ and His provision of eternal life (John 3:16).
• We believe in the Church and in the unity of all believers (I Cor 12:12-27).
• We believe in the Great Commission mandate to go and make disciples of all people, teaching them to obey Jesus Christ (Matt 28:18-20).

In addition, Blessing Ranch is guided by these core values:

• Blessing Ranch values God’s leaders and seeks to bless them by showing honor and respect and care for them through the services offered.
• Blessing Ranch values God’s Word by submitting every policy and practice to God’s written revelation.
• Blessing Ranch values God’s guidance by living lives of prayer, reflection, and listening for God’s leading.
• Blessing Ranch values God’s call by seeking to serve Him and His people with excellence.
• Blessing Ranch values God’s resources that He has entrusted to this ministry by exercising good stewardship of all the Ranch’s resources.

Blessing Ranch Accountability
Blessing Ranch Board of Directors
Blessing Ranch is accountable first to God and then to its guests.  The Ranch’s ministry is also accountable to a Board of Directors who provides oversight.  The Board consists of pastors, elders, ranchers, professors, and other professionals who are committed to making this ministry a ministry of blessing.

Tim Goodman, Preaching Minister at Clover Road Christian Church, Hannibal, MO
Bill Kroeger, Family Life Minister at LifeBridge Christian Church, Longmont, CO
George Ross, Preaching Minister at NorthSide Christian Church, New Albany, IN
Lou Sickenius, Executive at IBM, Longmont, CO
Tom Tanner, Vice President of Academics at Lincoln (IL) Christian College & Seminary
Joel Vaad, Maxwell Ranch Manager, Livermore, CO
John Walker, Chief Executive Officer, Blessing Ranch, Livermore, CO
Deanna Walker, Attorney, ConocoPhillips, Livermore CO

Financial Accountability
Blessing Ranch has an annual audit conducted by an external auditing firm to ensure that all funds are used properly and appropriately. The Ranch continues to operate debt free. The ministry adheres to the highest accounting standards and sound Biblical stewardship. 

Professional Standards
Professional psychological services are conducted by a licensed professional psychologist adhering to a strict code of professional ethics and conduct.