Shepherdess International was officially recognized as a part of the Ministerial Association in 1988. The purpose of the Shepherdess organization is to provide ministers' spouses opportunities for spiritual growth, to train ministers' wives as paraprofessionals in team ministry with their husbands, to help the wives understand their role, to improve home relationships, and to provide fellowship and support.
One of Shepherdess International's goals is to make conference administrators aware of the need for local Shepherdess organizations that can provide sup port for the spouses of ministers. A Shepherdess chapter in every conference and mission worldwide would do much to assist and encourage ministers' wives.
Statistics obtained from all the church's divisions and attached fields show an in crease in the number of Shepherdess International chapters in 1989. Five years ago, when the program was in its infancy, only North America had organized chapters. We are delighted that the importance of this support group is being recognized worldwide. Every division is now participating. Sixty-five percent of all Seventh-day Adventist conferences/missions worldwide now have chapters.
Ministers' wives who have been involved with the Shepherdess organization are enthusiastic. Following are some excerpts from letters received at the General Conference from around the world.
South African Union: "The ladies are all very enthusiastic about the Shepherdess organization."
Non-SDA: "I've been receiving Shepherdess International Resource Bulletin for a while and I thoroughly enjoy it and am edified by it. My husband and I have even used some of the material in Bible studies and discussion groups in our church. Your denomination is one of the few I cite as a good example of service to its clergy families."
Africa-Indian Ocean Division: "Shepherdess International will go a long way to strengthen the weak, and throw more light on some matters that need to be taught and known. I thank God immensely for this organization."
North American Division: "I feel that Shepherdess International is filling a need."
"The Shepherdess club voted to relay a message of appreciation to the General Conference for their timely insight in establishing and supporting a Shepherdess program at the General Conference level."
"Please relay to the 'powers that be' how desperately we want this support to continue."
Inter-American Division: "Your visit has awakened everyone to the fact that more needs to be done for ministers' wives. Your visit was indeed an inspiration."
Southern Asia Division: "I believe this Shepherdess organization can be a means of blessing to our women when they meet together sharing ideas and resources concerning how to become more effective working alongside their husbands."
South Pacific Division: "I would like to take this opportunity to encourage your continuance with the Shepherdess International program—it has been of infinite blessing to me."
If your conference/mission is missing out on this blessing, contact your conference Ministerial Association secretary. He should have a set of guidelines for organizing a club.
