Speaking

A message of honest grief and real hope.

Sheryl speaks from lived experience — the loss of her son Jon, and the biblical journey through grief that led to healing. Audiences leave with a clear framework, practical next steps, and the sense that they have been told the truth with compassion and clarity.

Send an inquiry

Topics

Signature keynote & breakout sessions

Sheryl’s signature series, Live Victoriously—Your Story Is Still Being Written, can be adapted to meet the needs of different audiences and time frames. Her books offer a natural opportunity to explore these themes more deeply, creating a meaningful extension of her speaking ministry. Although Sheryl has traditionally spoken to women’s groups, she and her husband, Joe, have recently partnered to develop a conference or four-part series designed to welcome men into the experience as well. By speaking honestly about how the loss of their child affected their marriage of more than forty years, they bring a deeply personal and moving perspective to the series. Their shared story has also expanded the message to include couples whose marriages are struggling under the weight of grief or other difficult circumstances.

Signature keynote

Live Victoriously – HEALA Biblical Journey Through Grief That Leads to Healing

Sheryl's signature message. Through her own story of losing her son Jon, she walks an audience through the four movements of HEAL — harnessing faith, evaluating the voices we listen to, accepting our scars, and learning to love and share our story — and shows that healing is possible through Christ.

Breakout & session topics

  • Healing After LossPractical, biblical steps for the long road after a loss of any kind.
  • Worship Through PainHow worship becomes a lifeline when words run out.
  • Hope After Suicide LossAn honest, gentle session for survivors of suicide loss and those who love them.
  • The Power of Your StoryWhy a redeemed story is one of the most powerful gifts you can give someone else.
  • Finding Purpose in the PainDiscovering what God can build from the hardest chapters.
  • Women's Ministry & LeadershipLeading women well through seasons of grief, growth and renewal.

Audiences

  • Women's conferences
  • Retreats
  • Churches
  • Grief ministries
  • Women's Bible studies
  • Community outreach

What attendees can expect

  • An honest, hope-filled telling of Sheryl's story
  • The HEAL framework, clearly taught and easy to remember
  • Scripture woven throughout
  • Practical next steps for the days after the event
  • A warm, approachable presence before and after the session

Invite Sheryl to Speak

Background

Speaking & ministry background

Sheryl recently founded Live Victoriously Ministries after sensing the Lord calling her to share more consistently about losing her son. Her story that healing is a journey nurtured through Scripture, prayer, worship, and authentic Christian community.

  1. One year after Jon’s death, Sheryl and her eldest son, Dan, wrote Walking Through Tragedy With Victory. Sheryl admits she initially wrote to survive.  The book, which focuses on the earliest season of grief, is now being revised and expanded as Walking Through Tragedy Toward Healing. It includes more perspective on her 10 years through the valley.
  2. Sheryl is also a contributing author to the collaborative book Rise and Shine, expected to be released in late 2026.
  3. Her newest book, Live Victoriously—HEAL, is expected to be released in mid-April 2027.

Sheryl’s speaking ministry began in her local church and has grown from more than 30 years of teaching and facilitating Bible studies, women’s groups, church gatherings, and more recently, grief-support communities.  Sheryl has built on her gifts by receiving education and training that include:

  • 2017, an eight-week course called Delivering Life-Changing Messages through Scripture at Western Theological Seminary,
  • 2022, a mentoring and coaching Course with Speak Up Ministries 
  • 2026 SpeakUp Speakers and Writers Conference
b895605b_speaker_cert.png
With so much happening, Joe and Sheryl are in the early planning stages of a cross-country RV trip where they will speak together and share about the ministry and books. 

Words from others

"Sheryl's willingness to be vulnerable and share her story gave me the courage to share my own. Her message of hope, faith, and healing is exactly what my heart needed to hear."
AshleyConference Attendee
I've known Sheryl for over twenty years. We used to be walking partners. I don't know if there's much she couldn't do if she wants to or the Lord tells her to. A few accomplishments I've observed: Sheryl and her family built a house. She has successfully run several businesses. She attended school with friends. Sheryl navigated a family tragedy with honesty and integrity and obeyed the Lord through it. Sheryl is wise, discerning, smart, focused, self- motivated, godly, kind, friendly, and someone you want to be your friend. She loves the Lord, and it shows in all she does. Kaye - Women's Ministry Pastor
Kaye LonneyWomen's Pastor, Grace FourSquare Churc
My memories of Sheryl go back to her high school days when she was a part of our youth group . Ever since I have known Sheryl, I have loved how her words come from her loving heart and she has a heart for Jesus! Always willing to be bold for HIM and sharing with others. Her contagious laugh and outgoing personality draws others to her. She is a beautiful example of placing Faith and Hope in the center of your life . I am grateful for Sheryl and her desire to share Her life with others. Karen Lipp Long time Mentor to Sheryl
Karen LippLong time Mentor, Sage Hills Church Wenatchee WA
I have known Sheryl many years. She is a very faithful woman of God and a strong visionary leader. When her son Jon ended his life, she chose to take the deepest tragedy a parent can experience and turn it into something positive. She started "Our City Cares" out of her grief, hoping to spare others the heartache she experienced. She said, "The devil messed with the wrong mama". I have also heard her speak at church and she is very inspirational and eloquent. I have walked with her (literally and figuratively) through highs and lows. She spearheaded a "Daniel Fast" in which I participated, and her leadership was invaluable. She has been instrumental in helping people cope with the tragedy of suicide, and I'm sure her new book will be very helpful to others. Sincerely, Sharon Frye, R.N. (Retired) Women’s Bible Study and small Group Attendee
Sharon FryWomen's Bible Study Attendee, Grace Four Square Church
Through the heartbreaking loss of her son to suicide, Sheryl has walked a deeply painful and profound journey. In the midst of her grief, she has found purpose in sharing her story, offering hope to others who are hurting, and pointing people to the love and hope found in Jesus. Tracie Hoffman-Ministry and Teaching Team Mate
TracieTeaching Team Mate, Grace Four Square Church
Over the course of several weeks, Sheryl conducted training for our church’s women’s ministry leaders. She demonstrated an ability to impart wisdom and encouragement with both authority and gentleness. Her questions were insightful, and she led us to greater clarity and deeper intimacy with Jesus and with one another. I recently purchased and read her book, Walking Through Tragedy With Victory. I eagerly anticipate reading her future books and having more opportunities to hear her speak. If I could sit at this woman’s feet, uninterrupted, for a week, I would! If anyone can successfully help women navigate their “seasons of life,” Sheryl Stephens is that woman.
AnneWomen's Leadership Training Event

Speaking inquiry

Invite Sheryl to speak

Tell us a little about your event. Sheryl reads every inquiry personally and will be in touch soon.