Inviting you to live like God’s Word is true.
What if God really is in control? What if he’s truly with us and for us? What if there’s life after death? What if the greatest really is the servant?
Hi, I’m Shannon Popkin. From the platform, the page, or the podcast microphone, it’s my delight to invite women to open their Bibles with me, drink in the truth, then live like the story is true.
I’ve had the joy of speaking for groups of women across the United States and beyond. If I might be a good fit for your next event, retreat or conference, please use my contact form. I’d love to hear how I might be able to partner with you in serving your women!
Warmly,
Current Speaking Schedule
2022
February 2, 2022 – Clare MOPS in Clare, MI
February 11-13, 2022 – Proclaim Conference (Table Host), Concord, NC
February 23, 2022 – Westwood CRC MOPS, Kalamazoo, MI
March 19, 2022 – Hillsdale United Brethren Women’s Event, Hillsdale, MI
March 22, 2022 – Bloom at Chapel Pointe, Hudsonville, MI
March 26, 2022 – Kentwood Baptist Women’s Retreat, Kentwood, MI
March 30 – April 2, 2022 – She Writes For Him Virtual Conference
April 2, 2022 – Rehoboth Women’s Brunch, McBain, MI
April 22-24, 2022 – CranHill Ranch Women’s Retreat, Rodney, MI
April 30, 2022 – First Baptist Church Women’s Day, Upper Burrill, PA
September 9-11, 2022 – Lake Ann Ladies’ Retreat, Lake Ann, MI
September 22-24, 2022 – True Woman Conference (Revive Our Hearts), Indianapolis, IN
September 30 – October 2, 2022 – Camp Michawana Women’s Retreat, Hastings, MI
October 14-16, 2022 – Chantilly Bible Women’s Retreat, Chantilly, VA
Upcoming Events in 2023
2023
Speaking Schedule 2021
2021
February 18, 2021 – Ridgepointe Moms Group, Holland, MI
February 24, 2021 – Shores Community Church, Norton Shores, MI
March 13, 2021 – True Woman Conference, Meadsville, PA
March 19-21, 2021 – Prayer Retreat, Georgetown, SC
March 23, 2021 – Serious Writers “Writer’s Chat”, online
March 24, 2021 – Common Ground at Keystone Community Church, Grand Rapids, MI
March 25, 2021 – Virtual event in Panama with Editorial Portavoz
April 17, 2021 – Hillsdale United Brethren Church, Hillsdale, MI
April 23-24, 2021 – Cran-Hill Ranch Women’s Retreat, Rodney, MI
May 1, 2021 – Eastpointe Bible Church Ladies’ Retreat, Peru, IN
May 14-15, 2021 – ROAR Conference (online marketing conference for Christian influencers)
May 22, 2021 – Degage Ministries Spring Brunch (virtual)
July 14-16, 2021 – Speak Up Conference with Carol Kent (online) “5 Ways to Live Me-Free in This Measure-Up Influencer World”
July 23-24 – Gems Girls Conference (online)
September 16-18, 2021 – Gitche Gumee Fall Ladies Retreat, Eagle River, MI
September 23-26, 20201 – Camp Lebanon Women’s Retreat, Burtrum, MN
September 28 – October 1, 2021 – Becoming the Whole Woman Summit with LaVonda McCullough (Online)
October 8-10, 2021 – Bair Lake Bible Camp, Jones, MI
October 14, 2021 – Virtual Event in Mexico with Editorial Portavoz
October 16, 2021 – SALT Women’s Conference, Grand Haven, MI
October 22-23, 2021 – East Union Baptist Women’s Retreat, Hensley, AR
October 30-31, 2021 – The Ultimate Bible Journaling Retreat, Lake Ann Camp, Lake Ann, MI
November 5-6 – SHE Retreat, Geneva Center, Rochester, IN
November 13, 2021 – Blaine Community Church Fall Women’s Day, Blaine, MI
December 2, 2021 – Peace Church “Christmas Connection”, Middleville, MI
December 3, 2021 – Corner Bible Church Christmas Tea, Allegan, MI
December 9, 2021 – Christ Church Christmas Event, Muskegon, MI
Speaking Schedule 2020
2020
January 17-18, 2020 – Renelly Women’s Retreat, Metamora, MI
January 20-25 – The Storytellers Conference with Flourish Writers
March 7, 2020 – Rooted in Christ Women’s Conference, Morrison, IL
March 14, 2020 – First Central Church of the Nazarene Women’s Retreat, Flint, M
April 18, 2020 – Eastpointe Bible Church Ladies’ Retreat, Peru, IN
April 24-26, 2020 – Cran-Hill Ranch Women’s Retreat, Rodney, MI
April 29, 2020 – Westwood MOPS, Kalamazoo, MI
May 22-23, 2020 – G4 Women’s Retreat, Seaford, DE
July 9-11, 2020 – Speak Up Conference, Grand Rapids, MI
July 15, 2020 – Grace Community Church, Hudsonville, MI
September 8, 2020 – Path of Life, Ludington, MI
September 24-26, 2020 – Camp Lebanon Women’s Retreat, Burtrum, MN
October 6, 2020 – Flourish Writers Conference (online)
October 13, 2020 – Small Group Leader Training at Grace Community, Hudsonville, MI
October 15, 2020 – Thrive Women’s Gathering at Ada Bible Church, Grand Rapids, MI
October 17, 2020 – SALT Women’s Conference, Grand Haven, MI
October 19, 2020 – Training and Encouragement for the “She Writes for Him” Online Writing Community
October 23-24, 2020 – Faith Community Women’s Retreat, Vacaville, CA
October 23 – 24, 2020 – Bloom Women’s Conference with Jenn Hand
November 14, 2020 – Blaine Christian Church Women’s Retreat, Blaine, MI
November 18, 2020 – Genesis Church, Petoskey, MI
November 16-18, 2020 – SEPA Summit with Editorial Portavos, Cancun, Mexico
December 3, 2020 – Ridgepointe Community Church, Holland, MI
December 9, 2020 – Shores Community Christmas Tea at Maranatha Bible, Norton Shores, MI
Speaking Schedule 2019
2019
September 9, 2019 – Alpine Baptist, Comstock Park, MI
September 13-15, 2019 – Lake Ann Women’s Retreat, Lake Ann, MI
September 27-29, 2019 – SpringHill Women’s Retreat, Evart, MI
October 12, 2019 – G4 Women’s Retreat, Seaford, DE
October 18, 2019 – Breathe Writer’s Conference, Grand Rapids, MI
October 24, 2019 – “She Found Joy” tour @ Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI
October 28 – November 10, 2019 – Speaking Ministry Trip to the Middle East
November 18, 2019 – Central Baptist Church, Jonesboro, AR
November 19, 2019 – Family Life Today, Little Rock, AR
November 20, 2019 – Central Baptist Bible Study, Jonesboro, AR
November 30, 2019 – Riverside Women’s Christmas Event, Three Rivers, MI
December 5, 2029 – Life Change Women’s Event, Dorr, MI
December 7, 2019 – Lakeside Community Christmas Brunch, Alto, MI
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March 1-2, 2019 The Chapel Women’s Retreat, Wadsworth, OH
April 12-13, 2019 – Southside Bible Women’s Retreat, Denver, CO
April 26-27, 2019 – Lincoln Lake “Flourish” Women’s Retreat, Gowen, MI
July 10, 2019 – Maranatha Bible Conference Women’s Luncheon, Muskegon, MI
July 11-13, Speak Up Conference, Grand Rapids, MI
July 26-27, GEMS Leadership Conference, Grand Rapids, MI
Speaking Schedule 2018 and before
2018
January 10, Allendale MOPS, Allendale, MI
March 2-3, 2018 – County Line Church Women’s Conference, Andrews, IN
March 9-11, 2018 – Women’s Retreat at Cran-Hill Ranch, Rodney, MI
April 10, 2018 – “Bloom” at Chapel Pointe, Hudsonville, MI
April 19, 2018 – Calvin Seminary Wives Dinner, Grand Rapids, MI
April 21, 2018 – Robinson Baptist Church, Grand Haven, MI
April 26, 2018 – Moms Connected @ Chapelstreet Church in Geneva, IL
April 28, 2018 Red Brick Church in Stilman Valley, IL
May 1, 2018 – MITT @ Hastings Baptist Church, Hastings, MI
May 5, 2018 – Standale Baptist Church, Standale, MI
May 19, 2018 – Forest Hills Baptist Church, Forest Hills, MI
June 5, 2018 – Ada Bible Church, Summer Bible Study Kick Off, Cascade, MI
June 28-30, 2018 – Speak Up Conference with Carol Kent, Grand Rapids, MI
September 20-22, 2018 – Gitche Gumee Bible Camp, Eagle River, MI
September 27-29, 2018 – True Woman Conference (Blogging Team), Indianapolis, IN
October 5-6, 2018 – Bridge Bible Women’s Retreat @ Camp Geneva, Holland, MI
October 12-14, 2018 – Grace Adventures Camp Women’s Retreat, Mears, MI
October 23 – November 3, 2018 – Speaking trip to Asia
November 15, 2018 – Ridge Point Community Church MOMS Group, Holland, MI
December 3, 2018 – Cornerstone Church Christmas Women’s Event, Caledonia, MI
December 6, 2018 – Women’s Christmas Event, Liberty Bible Church, Chesterton, IN
2017
January 12, 2017 – Lowell MOPS, Lowell, MI
January 26, 2017 – Control Girl Launch Party @ Baker Book House!!! Grand Rapids, MI
February 2, 2017 – Ada Bible Thrive Gathering (Knapp Campus), Grand Rapids, MI
February 9, 2017 – Book Signing at Kregel Parable Christian Store, Grandville, MI
February 16, 2017 – Book Signing at Liberty University Barnes & Noble, Lynchburg, VA
February 24-25, 2017 – Friend Retreat, Metamora, MI
March 10-11, 2017 – Christian Ministry Conference, Grand Rapids, MI
March 13, 2017 – Alpha Women’s Center Volunteer Appreciation Banquet, Grand Rapids, MI
March 15, 2017 – Trinity Lutheran MOPS, Clinton Township, MI
March 23, 2017 – Ada Bible Thrive Gathering (Cascade Campus), Cascade, MI
April 12, 2017 – momLife at Mount Pleasant Community Church, Mount Pleasant, MI
April 21-22, 2017 – Ravenna Baptist Retreat @Maranatha Bible Camp, Muskegon, MI
April 28, 2017 – Winning at Home bus trip, Chicago, IL
May 6, 2017 – Grandville Bible Ladies’ Tea, Grandville, MI
May 13, 2017 – Millington Church of God Ladies’ Tea, Frankenmuth, MI
May 16, 2017 – Ada Bible Church, East Paris Campus, Grand Rapids, MI
May 19, 2017 – Kilpatrick MOPS, Woodland, MI
May 20, 2017 – First Baptist Church of Newberg, Jones, MI
June 14, 2017 – The Rock, Grandville, MI
July 13-15, 2017 – Speak Up, Grand Rapids, MI
September 9, 2017 – “Come to the Table” at Hudsonville Reformed Church, Hudsonville, MI
September 16, 2017 – Homefront Church, Jenison, MI
September 28-29, 2017 – Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference, Muskegon, MI
October 6-7, 2017 – Breathe Christian Writer’s Conference, Grand Rapids, MI
October 24, 2017 – Mom to Mom at River Terrace Church, East Lansing, MI
October 26, 2017 – Lowell MOPS, Lowell, MI
November 4, 2017 – Immanuel Church “Ladies’ Day”, Holland, MI
November 11, 2017 – Living Life Women’s Retreat, Muskegon, MI
November 16, 2017 – Thornapple MOPS, Grand Rapids, MI
November 28, 2017 Jamestown Baptist Ladies’ Tea, Hudsonville, MI
December 2, 2017 – The Chapel, North Canton, OH
December 13, 2017 – Kilpatrick MOMSNext, Woodland, MI
December 20, 2017 – Trinity Church, Lansing, MI
2016
January 29-31, 2016 Springbrook Community Church Ladies’ Retreat, Huntley, IL
February 25, 2016 Lowell MOPS, Lowell, MI
March 7, 2016 – Calvary CRC Mom & Co., Holland, MI
March 12, 2016 – Women’s Day at Grace Evangelical Free, Rockford, MI
March 16, 2016 – Ada Bible Church, Kentwood, MI
March 23, 2016 – Hope Church MOPS Group, South Haven, MI
April 15, 2016 – Highland Hills Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, MI
April 22, 2016 – MomBreak, Grandville, MI
April 29-31 – Lifestream Ladies’ Retreat, Allendale, MI
May 3, 2016 – Lake Center MOPS, Portage, MI
May 5, 2016 – Home Front Bible Study Group, Jenison, MI
July 7-9, 2016 – Speak Up Conference, Grand Rapids, MI
September 9, 2016 – REAL Sisters at Kentwood Community Church, Kentwood, MI
September 13, 2016 – Coffee Break at First Christian Reformed Church, DeMotte, IN
October 4, 2016 – Corinth MOPS, Byron Center, MI
October 7-8, 2016 – Breathe Writer’s Conference, Grand Rapids, MI
November 8, 2016 – MUMS at Calvary Baptist, West Branch, MI
November 17, 2016 – Hudsonville Reformed Church, Husdonville, MI
December 1, 2016 – Lake City MOPS, Lake City, MI
December 11, 2016 – The Lakes Women’s Christmas Event, West Bloomfield, MI
Speaking Endorsements:
Podcast, Radio & TV Interviews
Speaking Topics for Women’s Events & Retreats
Me-Free in a Measure-Up World
When’s the last time you glanced sideways and wondered how you measured up? Comparison is a constant battle, and your enemy wants to use it against you—first by driving you to prove yourself and get ahead, then shaming you when you don’t. But Jesus invites you to live as he did—focused on your measuring cup’s spout instead of the lines. When you tip your cup, the lines become irrelevant.
With humor and candor, Shannon shares about her own comparison struggles, and how living me-free is restoring her confidence, freedom and joy!
Contact us for more detailed session options for your retreat or multi-session conference. Check out Shannon’s book on this topic at ComparisonGirl.com.
Surrendering Your Burden of Control
The woman who lunges for control isn’t trying to exasperate anyone; she’s trying to make everything turn out right! Yet a life of trying to get and take and keep control only makes everyone miserable—herself included.
Shannon Popkin had no idea she was a Control Girl until God opened her eyes. As she shares her story of recognizing her burden of control, and her struggle to lay it down, Shannon invites you also to find the peace, security, hope, and joy that comes—not from gripping onto control, but from surrendering to the One who truly is in control.
Contract us for more detailed sessions options for your retreat or multi-session conference. Check out Shannon’s book on this topic at ControlGirl.com.
Surrendering Christmas
From pies to decorating to gift-giving, women tend to put a lot of effort into making everything turn out “right” at Christmas. But our drive to create the “most wonderful time of the year” often turns us into exasperating Control Girls, who cause everyone to cringe instead of celebrate.
With humor and passion for celebrating Jesus, Shannon tells the story of Mary—the mother of Jesus—who offers a beautiful example of surrender, that very first Christmas. Come find the hope and joy that Jesus offers to any woman who chooses to make Christmas all about Him.
Check out Shannon’s book on this topic at ControlGirl.com.
The Goal of Hearing “Well Done” (Even If You’re Outdone)
Glancing sideways only distracts, discourages, and distances you—which is why your enemy keeps enticing you to do it! But the King has untethered you from the burden of getting ahead and the shame of being outdone. And now you’re a steward with a choice. How will you invest what the Master has placed in your (not her) hands?
As we consider Jesus’s Parable of the Talents, you’ll be encouraged and challenged to:
- cast off talent-burying fear and shame
- examine your God-given capacity to serve
- make faithfulness (not measuring up) the goal
- anticipate the thrill of hearing “Well done!”
Live Like It’s True
Try as it may, the world cannot yank the pen from God’s hand and rewrite it’s own metanarrative. He is the author. The story—which is still unfolding—is His. He invites you to both know Him through the written parts, and share Him with others as you live like the story is true.
Is your life telling this true story? For instance, what difference would it make if you lived like it’s true:
- …that God knows your hair count, and has your days numbered?
- …that He controls the trajectory of each planet and each unmasked sneeze?
- …that humility is what’s valued in the Kingdom, and each Dixie cup shared with a toddler is noticed by God?
- …that Jesus rose from the grave with both scars and glory—and you will, too?
Discover how to better know the story, share the story, and live like the story is true!
A God Who Leans Low
He’s got the whole world in his hands, but what about my little world? Does God see? Does He care? Is he for me? If I see God as distant and uncaring, I won’t surrender control; I’ll grip on even tighter. Yet this is how the skeptics responded when Jesus came to town, and they missed out on seeing the signs that were clear to everyone else: God truly does lean low.
With compassion and conviction Shannon shares stories of watching God lean low and involve himself in the details of her small life—but only after she surrendered. Are you ready to surrender to the God who leans low?
↓ More Speaking Topics for Moms’ Groups ↓
↓ More Speaking Topics for Influencers/Leaders/Youth ↓
Topics for Moms Groups
Control Girl Mama
Control Girls can be uptight, overprotective, angry, fretful, pushy, frantic, irritable Mamas—but only because they’re trying to make it all turn out right! Yet trying to control everything tends to make everybody miserable (including the Mama). As Shannon shares about her journey from Control Girl to Jesus Girl, she will invite you to find the peace, security, hope, and joy that comes–not from gripping, clamping, and clawing after your own version of perfect, but from surrendering to the One who truly is in control.
Comparison Girl Mama
Comparison isn’t a game; it’s a trap set by Satan. He knows that when we measure ourselves against other moms we emerge feeling either inferior or superior—and both lead to bondage. But Jesus invites us to be part of His kingdom, where freedom is found—not in measuring up, but in pouring your life out.
With humor and candor, Shannon will share about her own comparison struggles, and how participating in Jesus’ upside down kingdom is restoring her confidence, freedom, and joy.
Treasure Maps that Lead Little Ones to God
Left to themselves, our kids will spend the rest of their lives hunting the empty treasure of this world. So how can we draw a ‘treasure map’ that leads our little ones to God (especially since they can’t see God, and they can see Thomas the Tank Engine or whatever else they momentarily fixated on)? Fortunately, we don’t have to turn our kids into treasure hunters; they already are treasure-hunters! God placed an insatiable desire for more inside our kids to draw them toward Himself, knowing that He is the only one who can ever satisfy them.
With the perspective she’s gained from parenting her kids into their teen, Shannon Popkin will give you six guidelines for drawing a treasure map that leads your little one (or older child) to the one true treasure–God.
Why we have “MOPS”, not “POPS”
There’s a reason we have MOPS instead of POPS. It’s because God embedded in YOU a unique drive and desire for relationships. He designed you to be the relational expert of your home! But that doesn’t mean your work is easy. You won’t be able to distance yourself from problems or hope things fall into place. No, relationships will be the most challenging work of your life; but also the most rewarding!
In her humorous, yet encouraging way, Shannon Popkin will share several biblical patterns for creating extraordinary relationships between the people who matter most: your family.
Rachel and Hannah
Rachel was the beautiful woman with the adoring husband who worked seven years just to get her. But Rachel’s thirsty story was anything but satisfying. She lived her whole life chafing against God’s providence, and failed to see the amazing story that she was part of. In contrast, Hannah—who lived through a remarkably similar situation—found security and joy in surrender.
Contact Shannon
Writers, Speakers, Leadership, Youth, Ministry Conference Topics
The Goal of Hearing Well Done (Not Well Ranked)
Do you struggle with inferiority or a sense of inadequacy? Are you driven to raise your stats or your rank? Your enemy wants you to be distracted by comparison and driven to measure up, but Jesus wants you to steward your gifts well.
Drawing from Jesus’ Parable of the Talents, Shannon will offer guidance to help you
- Eliminate your talent-burying fears
- Identify your talents (not somebody else’s)
- Examine your capacity and calling
- Stay faithful to the Master
When Ministry Leaders Compare
Matthew 19:27 – 20:16
IF you’ve been here longer and worked harder in God’s ministry vineyard, it can be frustrating to watch God bless the one who just showed up late or has produced less. On the other hand, it can feel intimidating to serve beside someone who has produced far more.
When Jesus responded to one of the disciples who was comparing, he told the Parable of the Vineyard Workers. Drawing from this story, Shannon offers five ways the Kingdom frees you from comparison.
5 Platform-Building Questions Every Christian Influencer Must Ask
Social media offers more opportunities to spread the light of Jesus than ever before–but it also presents new and unique challenges. We set out with a passion to serve others, share truth, and give of ourselves. Yet our good intentions are easily eclipsed by desires to promote ourselves, receive affirmation, and gain recognition.
Is there a way to gather followers and still follow Jesus? Is there a way to both take up our cross and build up our stats? Shannon Popkin believes there is. Come get guidance on these five questions, every speaker and writer must ask.
5 Ways to Live Me-Free in This Measure-Up Influencer World
There’s never been a time where it’s easier to get a message out into the world. And there’s never been a time where it’s easier to slip into the measure-up trap of comparison, as you do so. As a Christian influencer, here are five ways to guard against the measure-up fear and get-ahead pride which is sure to distract you from God’s work or lead you into bondage.
Preparing for Spiritual Attack in Ministry
Many new writers and speakers are caught off guard by the spiritual gloom or added temptation, which often accompany a writing/speaking project. When we—as writers and speakers—cast words of light and truth out into the darkness, we also throw rocks at the enemy’s hornet nest. And Satan doesn’t fight fair. Yet God has not given us a spirit of fear. Come develop a step-by-step plan for protecting against and overcoming spiritual attack in ministry.
Participants will:
- Learn to identify the enemy’s condemning attack vs. conviction from God
- Define the unseen spiritual battle—God’s goals vs. Satan’s
- Develop an offensive plan (physically, spiritually, emotionally) for times of intense ministry
- Create a defensive strategy for times of attack—how to fight back
Comparison Game War
Comparison isn’t a game; it’s a strategy of war used by an enemy who loves to divide us. Satan knows that when we compare, we pull away—with either a sense of inferiority or superiority. Division. Jealousy. Pride. Unworthiness. Each one has “Satan was here” graffiti spewed all over it. But what if we showed Satan to the door and ushered King Jesus to His throne at this conference?
Jesus invites us to a kingdom where greatness is achieved—not measuring up, but by pouring yourself out. And Jesus invites us (the leaders) to go first. As we huddle up and collaborate on how to better share truth and spread the gospel, let’s link arms in solidarity. Let’s enjoy the sweetness of unity. Let’s empty ourselves—as Jesus did, and be free!
Control Girls in Ministry
Control Girls aren’t trying to be inflexible or exasperating; they’re just trying to make things turn out right. But by clamping down and claiming their turf, Control Girls work against God, not for him. From the pages of Miriam’s story in Numbers, Discover how women in ministry can cultivate a culture of surrender, not control.
5 Tips for Leading the other Control Girls in Your Church
As a leader, you’re likely threatened by the other Control Girl in the room. But if you clamp down with white knuckles, you only strangle the growth of your church, and invite her to do the same. Drawing from the truth of the Bible and inspiring examples, Shannon offers five tips for leading the other Control Girls in your Church (or organization).
Building a Platform to Elevate Jesus (Not Me)
In a media driven world, does God approve of our efforts to build a platform and expand our reach? Are we compelled by the Great Commission or a great need for affirmation and recognition? Is there a way to gather followers and still follow Jesus? Get practical help on examining motives, relinquishing control to God, and developing godly strategies for growing your platform.
Jesus, help me stop comparing!
(Great for Teens/ Middle School/ Youth leaders)
“How do I measure up?” a girl intuitively begins to wonder, as her eyes flutter open to differences she never noticed. And that’s when Satan pounces–tempting her to compare. Jealousy, pride, inferiority, self-loathing, and mean girl tactics are some of comparison’s bitter fruits which can poison a girl’s life for decades. Thankfully, King Jesus came offering a cure.
With humor, compassion, and passion for God’s word, Shannon will share her own struggles with comparison, along with the immense freedom, joy, and connection she’s found from living inside Jesus’ kingdom–where the last are first, the greats are servants, and measuring up comes from pouring your life out.