Pastor and Staff

Valerie and her partner, Justin Shenk, arrived at Madison Mennonite in 2019. She previously served in pastoral roles in Virginia and London, England.  

Valerie considers herself an Anabaptist ecofeminist, caring deeply for the Spirit’s shalom-inspired liberation of the earth and all its inhabitants.  Valerie received her Master of Divinity from Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, VA, where her capstone project focused on building a creation care theology informed by Anabaptist women farmers. She currently(/occasionally) blogs at valerieshowalter.com.

I was born and raised on Madison’s Northside. I am 1 of the 4 children of Chris and Mary Butler. I have 3 children: Mirah (29), Maia (25), Myles (14), and 3 1⁄2 grandchildren: Keith (3), Ky’Moni (2), Ra’Mya (3), and a granddaughter due 7/4/23. Family is everything to me, and my children, grandchildren, and I spend every Sunday with my parents for food and family fellowship.

I am a published author and my main focus in life is to bring happiness, joy, and Jesus to everyone that I meet through my servant heart. I am excited for the opportunity to work with this congregation and share all of my gifts with each of you.