Meet Denise Shannon | Certified Spiritual Director, Pastor, and Officiant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Denise Shannon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Denise, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
The opposite of stagnation for me is taking risks. The worst thing I can imagine in life is to stay comfortable where I am at. I believe that the only way to grow and become a better person is to take risks, even if I have no idea what the outcome might be. Every step I have taken in my personal life and career has been about stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things or learning new things. I believe that we only have this one life to live and that it is our responsibility to live every moment as if it will be our last. I do not want any regrets at the end of my life and by stepping out and doing new things, even if I fail, will insure that I will not regret at least trying.

I have taken risks all throughout my life……each time thinking that maybe I was crazy for even thinking about a new thing to do or try. Each time, I have grown and learned new things as well as things about myself. I have grown as a person, as a wife, as a Mom as well as in my career roles. I was an RN for about 22 years when I stepped out to answer a call to go back to school and become an ordained pastor. I have most recently left the church that I was a pastor for to step out into my business full time.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Sassy Preacher Lady Ministries is dedicated to celebrating transformation by nurturing personal growth through discovery, creativity, and connection. We provide a sacred, judgment-free space where individuals can explore their lives, spirituality, and unique paths without fear of criticism. Our creative offerings—such as Soul Collage workshops, labyrinth walks, and customized retreats—offer individuals and groups the opportunity to reflect deeply, create stronger connections with one another, and experience a profound sense of belonging and renewal. These experiences allow for self-expression and spiritual growth in an environment that fosters openness and acceptance.

In addition to our creative offerings, we provide meaningful opportunities for connection through group events like tea dates, where friendships are built, and support is freely given. These gatherings allow individuals to engage in heartfelt conversations and build a community rooted in love and understanding. Sassy Preacher Lady Ministries also offers officiant services for weddings, celebrations of life, and baptisms, ensuring that life’s most significant moments are honored with warmth, spiritual depth, and personal significance. Through all our services, we strive to create an environment where each person can feel celebrated, supported, and spiritually enriched.

It hasn’t always been easy to get to where Sassy Preacher Lady Ministries is today. While time and money are always obstacles when running your own business, the biggest challenge is being able to adequately describe our services and convincing people that they need our services. This takes being willing to try and then go back to the drawing board time and time again to try a new approach. The biggest lesson I have learned is that not trying is actually a failure. Trying and failing is okay and leads to a life that is not full of regret.

I want people to know that I believe that each and every person is a spiritual human being (not necessarily religious) and that it is our spiritual selves that can get misaligned with our values and beliefs sometimes, making us feel out of sorts or that we don’t have a purpose. Having a companion that can walk the journey with you, allowing for your own self-reflection and growth, is sometimes all that you need. All the answers are already inside of each of us. Sometimes, we just need someone to listen and be present so those knowings can rise to the surface.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my best friend anywhere outdoors. Colorado is such an amazing place with so much to see and do and the climate is perfect, no matter what time of year. I would spend much of the time taking my friend to the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park……..visit the Stanley Hotel. Go hiking in the National Park, look for elk and other wildlife and soak in the beautiful scenery. The ducky derby in Estes Park the first weekend of May is always fun!
Highlands Camp and Retreat Center…….would book a night or 2 for rest and rejeuvenation. Several hikes are available as well as the most gorgeous view of Mt. Meeker. In winter we would snowshoe. There is always a moose to see!
Nederland………..must stop at Blue Owl books and coffeehouse to browse, enjoy a cappucino and/or ice cream.
Idaho Springs…….have lunch at Beau Jo’s iconic pizza restaurant.
Garden of the Gods…….head toward Colorado Springs and drive through as well as get out and do a short hike. Unbelievably beautiful area unlike other states.
Pikes Peak Cogway……….take the cogway to the top to check out the weather and view. Bighorn sheep for sure!
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo…….feed the giraffes!
Benet Hill Monastery………….a place of beauty, stillness and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many people that are important for my success…..probably too many to name here. My husband, Jerry and my children: Kelly, Allison and Logan are the first ones that I give a shout out to. Without their love, willingness to put up with my crazy work schedule at times or indulging my want to go back to school and work full-time, I would not be where I am today. I appreciate all that they have sacrificed so I could take the steps I have.

I also want to mention Rev. John Anderson and Rev. Miriam Dixon for being my mentors, my biggest cheerleaders and the people that influenced me the most as I became an ordained pastor. I learned so much from each of them and they continue to influence my work today.

The women in my peer advisory board (Emily, Jenny, Mary G, Mary W, and Kay) as well as my networking She Leads group have been the support and the relationships that have kept me grounded, motivated and feeling supported.

Website: https://www.sassypreacherlady.org

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-shannon-sassypreacherlady

Facebook: https:”www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567739231790