Shepherdess

What is Shepherdess International?

It is a program funded by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists under the auspices of the Ministerial Association to meet the specific needs of ministers‘ spouses.

Shepherdess International began with a pilot program in 1984. Having proved its worth, the program became a regular entity within the General Conference in the spring of 1988.

Why is it needed?

Most ministers‘ wives do provide positive support for the church in general and for their husbands‘ work in particular.

Yet these surveys indicate there is a need for an effective support system to encourage and strengthen them in their roles as women, wives, mothers and leaders.

These committed women are doing a great, though often unrecognized work for the church. Many have expressed the need for more training, as they feel inadequate to meet the demands of their various roles.

What are its goals?

This action was taken to encourage and professionalize the pastor‘s wife in order to:

• create an awareness of the need for local Shepherdess organizations to provide support for the spouses of ministers.
• promote and provide opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
• clarify her role as a minister‘s spouse.
• train her as a paraprofessional in the ministry.
• help her form close relationships.
• develop meaningful home relationships.

Visit the Sheperdess website.