Shepherdess International

Shepherdess & Women's Ministries? | Why a Shepherdess Organization?

Introduction

Shepherdess International is an entity of the General Conference Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association with the specific responsibility of nurturing the pastors' spouses and children.

History

Shepherdess International was officially recognized in the early 1980s. However, for several decades the Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association has provided support for the entire ministry family. Marie Spangler and Ellen Bresee were the co-founders. Ellen Bresee served as the first Shepherdess International Coordinator. Sharon Cress currently serves as the Director of Shepherdess International.

Mission

• Increases awareness of the value pastoral spouses bring to the church. These women comprise the single largest group of volunteers serving the church.
• Provides support and encouragement to pastoral spouses in their unique role.
• Promotes opportunities for spiritual growth, professional enhancement, and role development for pastoral spouses.
• Helps pastoral spouses to understand their importance, to recognize their unique spiritual gifts, and to serve their church in the areas in which they are most comfortable rather than being overly controlled by congregational expectations.
• Trains pastoral spouses as paraprofessionals in team ministry.
• Provides fellowship and support to a group who have little opportunity to develop deep roots in one location.
• Produces resources to enhance the ministry of pastoral spouses.