The Shepherdess Ministry was created under the authority of the Session to care for Chapelgate women (and non-member women at a pastor’s discretion) in crisis or distress. The ministry integrates the pastoral staff, a shepherdess and an oversight elder by partnering an elder with a shepherdess to walk alongside and team shepherd a woman in crisis. In addition, shepherdesses are available upon request when officers are called to minister in situations where the absence of a woman is awkward or inappropriate and where the counsel and help required could benefit from the perspective of a woman.