The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Sheri Rose and Steve Shepherd. Photo provided

Sheri Rose and Steve Shepherd knew they were meant to work together from the day they said "I do."

The couple experienced this reality during the first eight years of their marriage as Steve managed and directed his wife's fast-growing speaking ministry. Sheri Rose touched thousands of women around the country with her message of hope and encouragement.

Four years ago, however, Steve took a job with Multnomah Publishers and Sheri temporarily dropped out of the speaking circuit to have a baby.

"We've learned a lot the past four years," said Steve. "But now we feel that the Lord has something else for us to do."

That "something else" is Shepherd Family Ministries, a venture which will allow the Shepherds to work -- and minister -- as a team again.

Steve, who held the position of Director of Marketing and Creative Development at Multnomah, will put his expertise to work on his wife's behalf.

"As Sheri's speaking engagements increased, I put a little effort into the ministry just to see what would happen. God blessed it, and now here we are," he said.

Steve's role in Shepherd Family Ministries will be directing Sheri Rose's conferences. He also plans to do more writing and resource development.

"We are doing our first marriage conference this February -- in Hawaii," said Steve. "That's when I get to speak."

Other resources offered by Shepherd Family Ministries include books written by Sheri Rose, video and audio tapes, and even a new line of jewelry, called "His Princess."

Sheri Rose, who admits she feels most at ease speaking to "30-plus women," has recently begun directing her message of encouragement to younger ladies.

"Since I didn't become a Christian until I was 24," said Rose, "I didn't feel like I had a message for teens. But after I'd speak to women my age, they'd come up to me and ask me to speak to their daughters as well."

According to Rose, the Girl Talk conferences evolved as a response to this request.

"Right now, with no efforts on our part to promote it, Girl Talk conferences are booked out 18 months in advance," said Sheri Rose. "I'm excited about this ministry. My goal is to get young girls to have an eternal view of what matters most. I want them to visualize what an important role they play in the future."

For more information contact Sheri Rose at [email protected]