Shepherds Wives Fellowship (SWF) was organized two years ago by Marsha Davey, wife of Shepherds Theological Seminary (STS) President Stephen Davey, when she realized there was a need to minister to the wives of students attending STS. Marsha understood that encouraging students’ wives would enhance their seminary experience and make everybody feel welcome to the seminary and the community in general. Today the group is led by Lucy Burggraff, wife of STS Chaplain Dr. Dave Burggraff, and Linda Pettegrew, wife of STS Dean Dr. Larry Pettegrew, and Marsha.

“Our desire is to see that they [STS wives] have a strong sense of their convictions,” said Lucy. The focus of the group? Simply put, the goal is for women to develop and foster a daily walk with the Lord, using their home for ministry and counseling. Each month, approximately 25-30 women attend; that’s roughly half of STS wives. The women are currently learning about the attributes of God. During February, they are studying and discussing God’s great love. And, in celebration of Valentine’s Day, Marsha will be providing a timely program, “Romance on a Dime.”

Not only do the wives of current seminary students reap the benefits of SWF, the leaders do as well. As someone who headed up a similar fellowship for 14 years prior to coming to Colonial, Lucy said she has learned much over the years from observation. “It [a fellowship for students’ wives] has reaffirmed to me just how important it is to work as a team in ministry, to be supportive of your husband in his calling. This is about God and what God can do in the life of somebody that’s surrendered.” Lucy offered this advice to young women whose husbands are preparing for ministry: “I would tell them to try to glean as much as you possibly can during the years that you’re in seminary. There’s a wealth of opportunities at Colonial. When God called your husband, that call included you.”

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 (NAS)