by Ella Cousins
A shepherdess is a spiritual leader within the church of God. She understands the biblical responsibilities of womanhood and is capable of instructing young women to live lives that reflect Jesus in their homes, work, and church. The position of shepherdess answers the call of the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy for women to serve in spiritual leadership capacities within the local congregation.
Titus 2:3-5: “Elder women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and to train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”
Purpose and Goal:
To mentor, teach and minister to the women and children of the church, including married and single women.
Responsibilities of Shepherdess
1. Attend monthly shepherdess meeting.
2. Visit/call assigned women/children of the church on a regular basis.
3. Pray with, support, and build up the women within congregation.
4. Regard information about members as confidential.
The shepherdess team members will be assigned families with whom they will develop a relationship and provide support as well as fellowship with mothers and children through telephone calls, postcards, etc. Shepherdesses provide a supportive system that will facilitate a more holistic development of our members’ and families’ personal and spiritual growth. Caring, sharing and supporting each other and the community will help hasten the soon coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Remember, the Lord says: “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NKJV).
The Shepherdess Team
Ella: My name is Ella Cousins. I am happily married to Howard Cousins, I am a mother and Nana, and I have a great son-in-law. I am retired from the Lansing School District after 38 years as teacher and principal. I am a part of the Worship & Praise Team and Department Head of Shepherdesses.
I enjoy singing as well as running, which involves doing marathons and half marathons for the past 15 years. When you don’t see me running, I am doing my strength training workout at IQFit. Working out for me is therapy. I know when I work out I feel good, and it keeps me focused. I love to talk to the Lord when I run or walk. It’s so refreshing and uplifting.
My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Keila: Keila Lounds is a wife, mom, and daughter of her Savior, Jesus, who is her best friend. She is passionate about helping people improve their health. She’s a certified fitness instructor and plant-based nutrition coach. She is also a life coach and helps mentor women to live a life with Christ at the center, ever growing closer to Him.
Keila is our Women’s Ministry leader, leads a walking group called “Women Walking in Faith,” and coaches plant-based health and exercise groups on Facebook with her husband, Jason. She would love to have you join these groups!
Lindsey: Lindsey Mills is a wife, mom, sister, and friend. She graduated with her Master’s in Public Health from Andrews University in 2017 and enjoys music as both a job and a hobby. She loves serving in ministry with her husband and baby girl, Chloe. She spends her time caring for Chloe, cooking, and working on all sorts of music-related projects.
Lindsey grew up in a loving Seventh-day Adventist home and gave her heart to Jesus at a young age. Since then, she has served young people as a canvassing leader and then as a pastor’s wife for the past 10 years. Her greatest desire is for herself and others to be ready when Jesus comes back so we can all go home.
Janie: Hi everyone! My name is Jane Harris, but you can call me Janie 😃
Happily married to Pastor Craig Harris. Never a dull moment! We have 2 daughters, married to great sons-in-law, and 2 fun grandchildren.
I work at the Michigan Conference office as Women’s Ministries director, which I love! I love planning restful, fun, spiritual weekends for the women in Michigan.
On the side I love to rehab furniture. I love to see the old become new again!
(There is a sermon illustration in there somewhere!) 😍 Singing and prayer walking is one of my favorites also! You will usually find me creating an event or crafting and sewing while listening to an audio book.
Amy: My name is Amy Campbell. I am the proud wife of Bill and mother to Kirsten (22), Noah (19), Jack (18), and Lexie (13). At the current time I am not working outside of our home. This precious family of mine keeps us plenty busy.
I have had different Bible verses that were my favorite depending on the season I was in, but lately my favorite is Isaiah 41:10. When I feel the stress of the world, and I start to worry about my family and loved ones, it brings me comfort to know that God is holding us in his righteous right hand.
Karen: I’m Karen Dunneback, I’ve been married to my husband, Rod, for 53 years. We have 3 amazing children and 10 awesome grandchildren. I retired from the Michigan Conference almost a year ago after working there for 30+ years.
I am looking forward to being a Shepherdess this year, reaching out and being there for others. I enjoy spending time with family, crafting, and antiquing.
