Diocese President


Missionary Cheryl L. Sheppard was appointed and confirmed by Apostle W. Michael Fields, in February 2021 to work in the leadership capacity as the Women's Council President of the Mid-Atlantic Diocese. It is an honor for Missionary Sheppard to serve as the Diocese President, and work alongside the 14 local churches. Her vision for 2025 is to "Shine your Light ToGetHer". She is proud to hold for three years Best State Diocese Report for the International Women's Council (IWC) 2022, 2023 and 2024. She strives to get ALL the local churches under the Mid-Atlantic Diocese to participate, and support in the Kingdom Building! Missionary Sheppard's foundational Scripture is Psalm 119:105 - Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. She relies on the word of God for everything she says and does! She believes that if you abide in the word of God and the Word of God abides in you, you will have perfect peace because your mind is stayed on Him! Missionary Sheppard believes that we must be doers of the Word of God, not just hearers of His Word.

  • As a businessperson, she has run a successful business for the past 36 years with her husband.

  • " She is an active member in her community and schools.

  • " She provided daycare in Fairfax County for 12 years so that she could be home with her two sons. Those children are now grown and have children of their own and visit her often.

  • " She was a substitute teacher for the County of Fairfax during her son's middle and high school years.

  • " She is an officer and member of the local Minnie H. Peyton Community Center. In 2024 Cheryl was awarded the Elder George L. Marshall Civic Award for 'Leading Chairperson' of the Black History Committee. In 2025 Cheryl received the "Heart of the Community Award" for her continued commitment to the community and creating a warm and welcoming environment for all.

  • " Cheryl is an active member on the Board of Edgington Court Homeowner's Association, where they have resided for over 41 years.

  • " She has been married to Elder David Sheppard for 48 years. Elder Sheppard is the Associate Pastor at the Redeemed Church of Christ. She is the mother of two sons and a grandmother of eight grandchildren.

Cheryl attended Hampton Institute (now a university) in 1975-1976. Her family moved the end of her freshman year to San Jose, California where she attended San Jose State College, Home of the Spartans. She majored in theatre arts and communications. She had dreams of becoming a star on the stage! Her husband often reminds her that she is his star and her grandchildren! The ultimate dream is her relationship with her Lord and savior Jesus Christ! He has made me glad; I will rejoice for He has made me glad.

The Mission

Bishop R.C. Lawson, Establishmentarian of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ (COOLJC) of the Apostolic Faith Inc. prayed to God for ten years for a national organization and program which would include all of the women of COOLJC. His prayers were answered in 1952 when God gave the late Mother Delphia Perry a vision for an Auxiliary which would include every woman in the organization. The purpose of the Auxiliary would be to "help foster the gospel, educate, and help mankind at home and in foreign lands." For more information and details about the International Womens Council (IWC) click here.

Upcoming 2025 International Women's Council
For enrollment, hotel information, flyers, etc. click here!