Rev. Denise Cordova waits calmly for me as I walk into the sanctuary of Temple Sinai, which also serves as the pulpit for Rev. Cordova’s sermons every Sunday. Cordova, who moved to Reno from Rocky Ford, Colo., in 1985, is active in both the gay and lesbian community and in the spiritual community. She has been a member of the Metropolitan Community Church since 1992 and became pastor of the local branch, MCC of the Sierra, five years ago. When not preaching, she handles insurance claims for the the Nevada Attorney General’s office. Although these seem like very different duties, Cordova sees both jobs as important contributions to her community. “I get to help people become empowered to become their best selves,” she says. “That’s what we’re all supposed to be doing.”
What does a pastor do?
A pastor preaches, leads the congregation in worship. I believe a pastor should be bringing the good news to everyone. I perform weddings and holy unions. And I do funerals as well. I pray a lot.
Is your job important?
I believe my job is very important because the universe lacks love, and if pastors don’t sow love or empower people to love … who will?
What was your first job?
Housecleaning. I started when I was 9 and did that for four years.
Did you like it?
No [laughs]. I had to ride five miles on my bike, each way, for 50 cents an hour. Not including travel time.
Who has been the biggest personal influence on your life?
My grandmother. She came to the United States from Mexico when she was 14—with no education whatsoever. And she spoke no English at all. But in spite of her lack of education, she was a wise woman. She taught me that happiness is an issue of the heart, more than the head.
Who would you want to have lunch with that you have never met?
Mother Teresa. I would like to know how she was able to put the flaws of humanity aside and truly love people. She was one of the most Christ-like people in my lifetime.
What are your hobbies?
I like listening to Christian music, mostly. And writing.
What kind of writing? Fiction, poetry or … ?
Well, something kind of in between short stories and fiction, like prose and poetry. And then also my sermons.
What scares you?
People’s indifference. Indifference is like straddling the fence; you’re not making any concrete decisions. And if we’re not willing to make decisions, then we’re willing to let others choose how we live.
What’s your passion?
Well … Jesus.
And finally, say you’re going on a road trip. What tape or CD gets stuck in the player?
Hmm … only one? Probably the Belladonna disk by Stevie Nicks.