Friends say she, “sprinkles” her joy wherever she goes!
Pastor Sonny Hennessy, equipped with a Theology degree and a profound grasp of the Jewish context is a lifelong learner. She brings a unique perspective to life, drawing from her agricultural upbringing, the Biblical narratives and 26 years of full-time ministry. She is engaging, warm and vulnerable both on and off the stage.
Sonny serves as Lead Pastor of Life Church Green Bay and Life Church Northwest in the Seattle area. Her husband Shawn, is the Senior Pastor of both and Chaplain for the Green Bay Packer’s. Life Church topped Outreach Magazine's, “Fastest-growing churches in America” list 3 times and continues to reach thousands of people. The Rise After the Fall Podcast is Shawn and Sonny’s ministry to Pastors and Leaders which includes personal coaching, crisis counseling and being invited to rest and restore at their Retreat Center in NC called The Reserve.
Sonny is the CEO of The Exchange Brand which includes; A Coffee, Eatery & Mercantile, A Salon & Parlor, A Boutique-Hotel style Retreat on 20 acres called The Reserve and Real Estate holdings for long and short term rentals. She helps buyers and sellers with referrals to agents from all over the nation. Sonny coaches and consults for churches, business owners and leaders to realize life-giving growth personally and professionally.
Sonny is author of an upcoming book for Women Pastors and Jesus. Plus.Life., Proverbs 31 day devotional, and A Bright Jesus Life. She is also the owner of the award-winning design firm The Exchange Design. Her first building received 2 awards: “Wisconsin Mainstreet Award for Best Renovation of a Historic Building” and “De Pere’s Best Historical Society Award”. The Exchange Coffee & Eatery has been featured on news segments, cooking shows, commercials and photoshoots due to the unique atmosphere.
Giving Back
Sonny and her husband Shawn host a podcast called The Rise After the Fall to encourage Pastors and Leaders before they fall or who have fallen that it’s safe to get the help they need and to have hope for the future. For those who have been hurt by a pastor, there is also healing through our trauma informed therapy intensive at The Reserve. Shawn and Sonny have founded The Exchange Collaborative to offer a Pastoral Restoration Program for the entire family. See HERE
Sonny’s Family
Her greatest accomplishment is her healthy marriage to Shawn and their close bond with their kids, Isaiah James and Aubree Rose.
Isaiah is graduating in April 2027 with a Biblical Ministry Degree from Southeastern University.
Aubree is wrapping up her Senior year in 2027 also, attending The Belonging Co. in Nashville with Southeastern University to receive her Worship Ministry Degree.