Rev. Mashaun Simon shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Mashaun, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
In March 2025, I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer — neuroendocrine carcinoma, stage 3. Less than a month later, I had cancer removal surgery and was in recovery for nine weeks. From the day of my surgery until the last day of my nine week recovery, our village showed us more love than I could’ve expected. The day of my surgery, a group of friends sat with my husband for the four hours I was under. During the week I was in the hospital, they sat with me during the day while my husband worked. And when I was released and sent home, they sent food, made donations, and even sat with me when my husband needed or wanted to get away and take breaks. Their support made a big difference in my recovery and allowed us the ability to focus on the things that mattered most.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
In addition to being a survivor of cancer, I often describe myself as a preacher, a teacher, a writer, and a scholar. Recently, I have added thought leader to the description. I am a metro Atlanta native. My first book is coming out in November 2025, Faith Deconstruction for Dummies. I am a lover of words, think all of the time, and I love to read. I am also an advocate of fairness and believe that time is valuable, so I’ve began approaching life from the perspective that making memories is important and freedom should be everyone’s goal — whatever that looks like for you.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Seminary. During seminary I was exposed to history, perspectives, and realities that shaped my relationship to my faith.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
In 2021, my father died. The previous year, my pastor and bestfriend died. Both of those experiences changed how I approached life and also my perspectives about life, work, ministry, and priorities. It was then that I began to focus more on my own well-being and living life in a way that was more intentional and about creating memories.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
If there is one belief that I once held tightly that has now changed its connected to my relationship to my faith and the church. I no longer believe the church as a physical institution is an exclusive pathway to God, the Divine, or one’s faith. I also no longer believe that about Christianity. I have found that any and all faith’s are related and are pathways to what is considered Divine if, and when, they are committed and focused on developing authentic and healthy communities that are also welcoming and rooted in belonging.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Yes, I do believe I am now doing what I was born to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mashaundsimon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mashaundsimon
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mashaundsimon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mashaundsimon
