Rev. Dr. Yolanda Denson-Byers

Rev. Denson-Byers is the Senior Pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Edina, MN. She hails from Saint Louis, Missouri. She has degrees from Wesleyan University (B.A.), Harvard University (M.Div.), and Luther Seminary (D.Min.). Pastor Yolanda has been ordained over twenty-five years and has served as a campus pastor, solo pastor, hospice chaplain, and now our senior pastor. She is a gifted orator and writer who nonetheless affirms, “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words only when necessary [Assisi].” Her favorite part about being a pastor is the privilege of being in relationship with - and hearing stories from - church and community members.

Pastor Yolanda is married to her phenomenal wife, Tasha. They currently have five children ranging from a toddler to a young adult. They have a dog named Pax. In her “free time,” she enjoys writing, reading, hiking, hanging out by salt water oceans, and visiting with friends.