Authentic Life & Leadership
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When EVERYTHING a
Leader Does is Wrong
Have you ever noticed how one moment of hurt or disappointment can change the way you see someone—especially a leader? My husband Larry and I were on staff at several churches in our first years of our ministry before we were lead pastors -- he as a youth pastor and...
Theology is Not the Answer for Grief
When Gus first died, I wanted to stay at home all the time. The reason was simple. I didn’t have the emotional bandwidth to be sweet when others said or did annoying things, so I stayed to myself. There are people I encounter who love me very much but aren't the best...
Everything Hidden Will Be Revealed
(It Just Takes Time)
What I am about to share has been difficult to come to terms with this past week. In my heart, I already knew it, but having proof hurts just the same. I have said several times that even though Gus (my bio father) is dead, our story isn’t over. It won’t be until...
When Weak Women Impact You Forever
Every year I choose a word of the year. My word for 2023 is STRONG. I’ve heard it said that some people are strong because they had no choice but to be. I don’t believe that. There is always a choice to be strong or weak, and some people make the wrong choice. Like...
“Are You Okay?”
Why We Need to Ask the Question
A few decades ago, my husband hired a youth pastor at the church where we were serving as the lead pastors at the time. We had known this couple for several years, adored their family then, and still do now. Bart and Jen (not their real names) had felt a call to the...
When Pastors Tell You You’re Fat
(In a Roundabout Way)
This is me, getting ready to delve into a place that’s one of the most vulnerable for me, but I think someone needs to go there and I'm picking myself for the job. If someone doesn’t say to you, “Hey, I’m fat and need to get in shape and I could use your help…” DON’T...
You’ll Always Be Forgiving Somebody
Seven months ago I met my biological father, Gus, for the first time. Four months and fifteen days ago I brought him home to live with me, and became his full-time caregiver. It was the most amazing journey I have ever been on, and it was also one of the hardest. As...
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BIO
Dr. Deanna Shrodes
Dr. Deanna Doss Shrodes is an author, speaker, and spiritual life strategist whose work has been featured by CBS News, People Magazine, The New Yorker, Woman’s World, GOD TV, and HuffPost. She holds a Master’s in Ministerial Leadership and a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern University, where she also serves as an adjunct professor.
Dr. Shrodes currently leads as Women’s Ministries Director for the Pen Florida District of the Assemblies of God and directs the Stronger Leadership Network, where she mentors pastors and leaders through practical coaching, spiritual formation, and cohort-based development. A sole author of five books and a contributing writer to five others, her latest work, Uncommon Answers, was released by Chosen Books (a division of Baker Books) in April 2025.
Known for a warm pastoral presence and clear, actionable teaching, Dr. Shrodes speaks at conferences, churches, and leadership gatherings on calling and purpose, prayer and spiritual formation, women’s leadership, and organizational health. She is married to her college sweetheart, Larry; they have three grown children and five grandchildren.
Areas of Focus: spiritual formation & prayer, the Holy Spirit, leadership development, marriage, mentoring, calling/purpose, healthy ministry culture, making leadership transitions.
Become Your Most Authentic Self
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Are you tired of being who and what others expect you to be, instead of who God created you to be?
If you find the pressure of other people's expectations exhausting and you are ready to be the authentic YOU that you were always meant to be, Deanna would like to gift you with an ebook, 29 Ways to Become Your Most Authentic Self.
It's time to break free and finally live according to your divine design!
