Defiance Church

Sundays at 10am mark the rhythm of life for Defiance Church in Glenwood Springs, where worship centers around the table and a diverse congregation gathers. Lead pastor Matthew Sheden, who holds a Masters of Divinity from the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, guides the community with a vision rooted in God's love. Sheden, originally from Chicago, brings theological depth drawn from the study of scripture, Karl Barth, and Stanley Hauerwas to his role teaching and shepherding the flock. The church identifies as Christian across various denominations, welcoming both those new to faith and veterans of the tradition. Central to their practice is a generous orthodoxy expressed through two historic creeds: the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed, which form the core of their shared belief. Pastor Sheden and his wife Kelli, along with their three children, embody the local lifestyle by swimming in Hot Springs, skiing Sunlight Mountain, fly fishing, attending baseball games, and cooking pizza together on Friday nights. Visitors are encouraged to meet Sheden for a coffee or a pint, bridging the gap between spiritual community and daily life in the valley.