By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Sheila Johnson became burdened years ago for the plight of young women who were asking, “Who am I?”
Eventually her burden for helping these girls find the answer in Christ became a call to form the Uncommon One ministry, whose mission is to help young women “to seek and find their TRUE God-given identity.”
Formed in 2022 with her friend Cindy Nardini, the Pineville-based group empowers, equips and encourages young women via connection groups for 5th-12th grade girls. Licensed mental health professionals offer mental health tips. Meanwhile, community service and outreach projects as well as other events unite participants and inspire growth.
Johnson, wife of Louisiana Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Johnson and a member with First Baptist Church, Pineville, said her background in coaching (she served as head women’s basketball coach with Louisiana College, now Louisiana Christian University) helped prepare her for this calling. She also is the career scoring leader of LC’s women’s basketball team which contributed to her 2006 induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
“I’ve always had a heart and passion for girls and letting them know they are enough, that they can achieve and be anything they set out to be, and that God has purposed each one of us with gifting and calling on our lives,” Johnson told the Baptist Message. “When Cindy Nardini and I felt the calling on our lives, we believed the Lord placed on both our hearts a desire to make a difference in the lives of girls. We didn’t know at the time what would it look like, but we felt our calling was to impact young girls’ lives and help them look at who they are and their identity in Christ.”
Nardini said she was thankful to answer God’s call to become involved with Uncommon One.
“God whispered to me about this ministry for years before I finally trusted Him and obeyed,” she said. “My reasons for ‘not’ were because of my already full schedule – work, family, church involvement, etc.
I recognized the need and even was passionate about the idea, but He had to do a work in me before I was ready to follow.”
She said the ministry has blessed her and allowed her to connect with other women who not only love the Lord but are willing to invest in other ladies for His Kingdom.
“The need for genuine connection among young women is so needed right now,” she said. “When that connection is based upon our connection/foundation in Christ and His truth, then there is something extra special about it.
“The world is hungry for it, and He has called us to go and share,” she continued. “Uncommon One seeks to do that through small groups. He called me to serve and I’m so grateful He didn’t give up on me.”
Board member Tonya McIntosh said Uncommon One has allowed her to build on her passion in life – discipling women. Not only has she led Bible studies and mentored young girls and women in central Louisiana but even discipled women at a drug rehabilitation facility in north Louisiana.
“The women were eager to hear the Gospel, feel the love of other women, and know that our God is in the redemption business,” she said. “I received the blessing and privilege to take our Uncommon One movement to the facility. He is our identity.
“All other identities that we find in this life will crush us,” she added. “Being able to share the life-giving power of the Gospel is the reason I want to give and support this ministry.”
