Grafted Life Ministries

Caprice Applequist

Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan

The gift of spiritual direction changed my life! Through it, I have seen how present God is in the darkness and...

About Me

The gift of spiritual direction changed my life! Through it, I have seen how present God is in the darkness and the light. I am amazed over and over again at how much God can move through creating space for silence and listening.

I have a passion for studying the Scriptures thoroughly, and I believe contemplation has a role in developing a deep understanding of Scripture. I've also committed much of my life to building bridges between the Muslim and Christian communities to help break down barriers of misunderstanding. Through that, I have a significant amount of cross-cultural experience.

I really love meeting with people as a spiritual director. I find so many people (especially people who work in ministry) really long for space where they can share freely without any expectations to meet or goals to set.
I am especially interested in meeting with people who work in ministry, although I am open to meeting with anybody. I'm also trained in group direction and contemplative retreat leadership. I would be delighted to facilitate group spiritual direction or retreats.

Contact

Phone: (620) 755-5578

Website: www.capricejoyce.com

Email: capricejoyce@gmail.com

Prefer Contact By: Email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

Missionaries

Pastors

Young Professionals

Academics

Varied faith backgrounds

Expertise in...

Cross-cultural

Women's Spirituality

Retreat planning

Steve Arden

DUNDEE, IL, United States

Steve received his spiritual director certification from The Caritas Center for Christian Formation in 2018. Steve is a member of the...

About Me

Steve received his spiritual director certification from The Caritas Center for Christian Formation in 2018. Steve is a member of the ESDA (Evangelical Spiritual Directors Association) and the NESD (The Network of Evangelical Spiritual Directors).

His mission is to create a safe, non-judgmental place for people to become more intimately connected with God through exploration of their heart and soul.

Steve was a CFO and business owner for over 20 years. In 2016, he sold his company to pursue spiritual direction training.

As a spiritual director, he meets with clients who experience a broad range of concerns. Since a relationship with God encompasses all areas of life, spiritual direction sessions can cover relationship issues, family dynamics, struggles in faith, work related issues and childhood wounds.

Steve meets pastors, church staff members, missionaries, lay-people, therapists and business people.

Raised in a Jewish family, Steve received Christ as a teen-ager. Since then, he has served in churches in a variety of capacities: ministry leader, elder, teacher, shepherd to small group leaders, men’s ministry, marriage restoration programs and as a spiritual director to the staff at his previous
Church.

He has been married to his wife, April, since 1980. They have three grown children and one grandson.

Contact

Phone: (224)619-7565(cell)

Website: soulworkdirector.com

Email: steve@soulworkdirector.com

Prefer Contact By: email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: NO

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

men

women

pastors

church leaders

church staff

missionaries

lay leaders

business professionals

Expertise in...

men's spirituality

emotional soul work

expressing your feelings to God and others

marriage

Daily Examen

journaling

John Arndt

Tulsa, OK, United States

The sacred space that spiritual direction offers is one of my favorite spaces. I started this type of work 12 years...

About Me

The sacred space that spiritual direction offers is one of my favorite spaces. I started this type of work 12 years ago as a missionary in South Africa, where I began taking care of missionaries who headed into difficult countries. Those phone calls, where I began offering non-judgmental space for my friends and colleagues, were my first foray into this type of ministry. I restrained my advice and just began listening, using questions and quiet pauses to help them uncover the truth of what they were experiencing and where God might be in it.

Exploring together at your inner landscape, considering your life circumstances and relationships, and through it all, wondering what your experience of God is like... this is holy ground. It is a great honor for me to accompany my directees.

If you're hungry for more in your spiritual journey, if you are longing for a deeper connection with God, if you are frustrated with your current faith life, if you are deconstructing and wondering how to include God in the confusing swirl of your new reality, then spiritual direction is likely a helpful and healing place for you.

I am a graduate of SentWell's (a division of NOVO) spiritual direction training, I trained simple-church planters in South Africa for years with All Nations, and have a Masters in Christian Formation from the University of the Nations.

I've been formally offering spiritual direction since 2019, and I would love to chat if you're interested in meeting in person or online! Contact me for a free exploratory meeting where we can see if we are a good fit.

Contact

Phone: 971-239-6642

Website: flourishdirection.com

Email: flourishdirection@gmail.com

Prefer Contact By: email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: NO

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

pastors

missionaries

deconstructing seekers

the holy restless

the spiritually hungry

ministry leaders

and church planters.

Expertise in...

cross-cultural

third-culture

life coach

vocational

Enneagram

CliftonStrengths

wilderness experience

Lane Arnold

Savannah, GA, United States

A spiritual director of women, I savor being with spiritual directees in the presence of the Holy Spirit: looking, listening, discerning...

About Me

A spiritual director of women, I savor being with spiritual directees in the presence of the Holy Spirit: looking, listening, discerning, and moving closer to Holy Trinity’s heart. Together, let’s notice the invitations of God. Let’s linger with the Lord as you stretch and grow into depth and wholeness of integration in all areas of your life with Christ. During lane changes, blind spots occur. Like mirrors, maps, and traffic signals, let’s notice & traverse the terrain of your own heart and soul. My heart delights in praying with and for you as you are journeying with Jesus. My practice focuses on prayerfulness, inner healing, spiritual disciplines, creativity, Scripture, and asking attentive questions. With parachurch and church organizations, in person and via Skype or FaceTime, my spiritual direction practice cares for the heart and soul of God’s women. Through Denver Seminary, I completed a two-year certificate program in Christian Formation and Soul Care. What are God’s invitations to you this day? I look forward to walking with you as you notice how our Good Father, our Lover Jesus, and Holy Spirit, wild & winsome, delights over you as you delve into the wonder of more life to the full.

Contact

Phone: 912-755-9395

Website: http://lanemarnold.com/

Email: lanemathisarnold@gmail.com

Prefer Contact By: email, phone

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

women

creatives

writers

intercessors

leaders

aging

Expertise in...

women

creativity

life coach

spiritual disciplines

intercession

inner healing

Sharon Arrington

Mechanicsville, VA, United States

NUMBER OF YEARS AS A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR: For 14 years it has been my privilege to support others as they navigate...

About Me

NUMBER OF YEARS AS A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR: For 14 years it has been my privilege to support others as they navigate life’s complexities and deepen their relationship with God. My role is to help you find God’s touch of love and support amidst life’s challenges, even amidst loss, illness, and unanswered spiritual questions. After many years in outward-focused roles, I shifted to guiding others inward, to experience God’s unconditional love and inner peace, no matter what you are facing.

EDUCATION/TRAINING/CERTIFICATION EXPERIENCE:
• M. Div. from Virginia Union University and a BA from UNC-Chapel Hill in Leisure Studies
• Completion of 5 Units of Clinical Pastoral Education & Board Certification as a Chaplain
• Licensed Associate Minister since 2019
• Advanced Certification in Spiritual Direction from Healing Care Ministries, OH,
• Spiritual Direction Certification from The Haden Institute, Flat Rock, NC.
• Experience in communications and customer service, including 20 years as a public speaker and image consultant, honed my listening and connection skills, which are invaluable in spiritual direction
• Publication: Author of (Still Standing: From Challenge to Intimate Victory) ISBN:978-0-9914118-0-1
• Membership in SDI, ESDA, APC, ADEC

SPECIALTIES AND FOCUS AREAS: (Women 40+ years)
• Spiritual Practices – exploring ancient and modern ways to deepen your connection with God
• Listening through Silence – quieting the noise for space to hear the voice of God
• Grief and Loss - boldly express thoughts, feelings and experiences without fear of judgement and introduce healing rituals
• Transition – discern God’s presence and guidance amidst change

Availability: Sessions in person, via Zoom, or by phone. An initial
30-mins phone conversation explores your spiritual direction needs and determines if there is a good fit.

STYLE OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTION:
• An empathic and transparent listener, drawing on experiences with life’s profound challenges
• Experience with grief, anxiety, divorce, mental illness, anxiety, and other difficulties have equipped me with a deep well of compassion to support others as they navigate struggles
• Helping you discover the transformative power of God’s love and the peace of mind that surpasses worldly concerns.

PERSONAL INFORMATION/INTERESTS:
I enjoy cooking, theatre, dancing, movies, writing, travel, and visits to Canada for time with my grandchildren, as well as combining spa treatments with spiritual healing.

Contact

Phone: (704) 458-6497

Email: sharon.arrington1@gmail.com

Prefer Contact By: email and phone

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

Women 40+: Find Your Spiritual Compass in Challenging Times

Expertise in...

Specialties and focus areas: (women 40+ years) • Spiritual practices – exploring ancient and modern ways to deepen your connection with God • Listening through Silence – quieting the noise for space to hear the voice of God • Grief and Loss - boldly express thoughts

feelings and experiences without fear of judgement and introduce healing rituals • Transition – discern God’s presence and guidance amidst change

Bernadette Ashby

San Jose, CA, United States

I have found that a key to a transformed life is refocusing our loves back to Christ. It would be my...

About Me

I have found that a key to a transformed life is refocusing our loves back to Christ. It would be my joy to journey with you as you pursue a life of freedom and an authentic life with God. Having been a follower, a wife and mom, and a Christian Worker for many years, I understand the challenges of living a serving, tired, hurried life. I personally have found my path through the practice of spiritual formation and contemplative disciplines. I understand your longing for peace and reconnection with God and I'm here to provide you with the space and time to listen to your story.

My experience and training includes a Masters of Religion degree from Trintiy Evangelical Divinity School. I also have a Masters of Education from SJSU. I received my Spiritual Direction Certification from Sustainable Faith which included the practice of the Ignatian 18th Annotation. I have also completed the 19th Annotation through Wellsprings in CA. I am also a certified and trained Harmony Triad Enneagram Coach through @iEnneagram Motion of the Souls. I love how the Enneagram can engage us in transformational change based on the Scriptures. I am also a trained Ignatian Spirituality Coach and Group Facilitator.

If you would like to explore Spiritual Direction with me, I invite you to reach out and contact me. There is no charge for an initial consultation.

Bernadette Ashby is happily married and has three adult children. She loves to play and teach piano. She is the author of "A World Where Everyone Plays."

Contact

Website: www.whatgivesyoulife.com

Email: mandbashby7@gmail.com

Prefer Contact By: Email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: NO

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

Women

Moms

Professionals

Married Couples

Young Adults

Students

and Christian Workers

Ignatian Spirituality.

Expertise in...

Enneagram and Ignatian Spirituality.

Krista Ashlock

La Mirada, CA, United States

I love the relational process of being with another, co-discerning the Lord’s movements in this person’s life. Spiritual Direction offers many...

About Me

I love the relational process of being with another, co-discerning the Lord’s movements in this person’s life. Spiritual Direction offers many things—healing, growth, curiosity, safety—but, above all, it’s sacred ground. To be invited into someone’s story, into both the joys and sorrows, to wonder with them, and to gently guide—well, at its core, this is a holy gift.

Nothing is off the table in our sessions together. Bring your questions, experiences, struggles, joys, heartbreaks—anything that you sense the Lord stirring within. Regardless if our time is seasonal or long-term, this space is for you. I’ve been with others in a variety of life stages (e.g., vocational changes, church skepticism/hurt, sudden loss, exploration and healing of early and often painful formational experiences, etc.) and with all ages. I fully believe in the supernatural power of presence and I love entering into the depths required of a “soul friend.” I’m really looking forward to being with you.

Contact

Phone: 7142704760

Email: krista.ashlock@gmail.com

Prefer Contact By: Email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: NO

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

pastors/church leaders

undergraduate/graduate students

Melinda Athey

San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA, CA, United States

I am a spiritual director who approaches direction sessions with curiosity and acceptance, listening deeply for the resonance of the Divine...

About Me

I am a spiritual director who approaches direction sessions with curiosity and acceptance, listening deeply for the resonance of the Divine in the grit of everyday life. An InterVarsity alumni, trained Spiritual Director through Spiritual Director's Institute, Mercy Cente,r Burlingame. I am IFS Level 1 Therapist. As an alumni of RIchard Rohr's Living School through the CAC (Center for Action and Contemplation) we can explore faith and action.

Contact

Website: www.ccofsv.org

Email: contemplativepathliving@gmail.com

Prefer Contact By: Email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

women

men

moms

young adults

parents of children with disabilities

third culture kids (TCK)

post incarcerated women

students

church leaders

education professionals

business professionals

people in transitions

artists

Expertise in...

Internal Family Systems Practitioner

women's spirituality

lectio divina

group spiritual direction

supervision

art

creativity

faith deconstruction

retreats

TCK

contemplative practices

Kristi Atkinson

St. Louis, MO, United States

I am so grateful to be able to walk alongside others in the ministry of Spiritual Direction. To prayerfully hear their...

About Me

I am so grateful to be able to walk alongside others in the ministry of Spiritual Direction. To prayerfully hear their stories, and notice with them where God is lovingly active in their life, is a gift.

I am especially passionate about seeing people of all ages come alive to the depth of love that Christ has for them, and as they do, shedding what harms or hinders them. I have worked in a variety of cultures, with at-risk youth, with those in their last stages of life, and with early childhood. I have seen the God who carries us with faithfulness, mercy, lovingkindness, and goodness in all seasons and stages.

I began my personal experience with Spiritual Direction in 2009. And after God used this ministry to untie many knots in my own life and walk with Him, I entered training to become a Spiritual Director. I received my certification from Christos Center (Minneapolis, MN) in 2015.

Contact

Phone: 612-889-1279

Email: kristiratkinson@gmail.com

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

Children and parents

mid-life transitions

body dysmorphia and eating disorders

Expertise in...

Creativity

grounding in God's love

recovery

lectio divina

imaginative prayer

and making contemplative practices fit everyday life.

Kelly Attwood

Monument, CO, United States

More than any other person, or experience, God used spiritual direction to transform my academic understanding of Him into a felt...

About Me

More than any other person, or experience, God used spiritual direction to transform my academic understanding of Him into a felt personal experience. I continue to marvel at how the Holy Spirit uniquely moves within each person as they seek to draw near to God. It is with this marvelous deepening that I pursued and received training in spiritual direction at Denver Seminary.

Having survived team conflict on the mission field and walked through deep betrayal, disappointment, and challenging family re-entry trials; I am passionate about serving missionaries and those in ministry. My desire is to journey alongside others, listening well to help others see God in their story.

My husband and I have loved serving together; in youth ministry for an Asian church, as missionaries to Mongolia and Kazakhstan, assisted international student campus ministry and am currently facilitating marriage courses and informal theological education internationally. The last five years, my husband and I have led marriage programs at our church as well as offer pre-marriage counsel to engaged couples. My heart aches to see marriages reflect what God intended…a picture of life-long love that represents Him and overflows to all those around.

I have been married over 31 years to my wonderful husband John. We have four adult children and I am privileged to be their mom.

We all need companions in our faith journey, and I consider it a joy to journey with others in this form of soul care. As a spiritual director my pace is slowing down…being still…and hearing the Lord; resting in the Lord’s presence.

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Contact

Phone: (972) 603-6103

Email: kattwood91@gmail.com

Prefer Contact By: email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

missionaries

missionary kids

ministry workers

home-school moms

pre-marriage couples

couples

Expertise in...

cross-culture

team conflict

re-entry

marriage

pre-marriage

life coach

Tasha Austin

Huntington Beach, CA, United States

At the heart of my spiritual direction practice is a desire to create a grace-filled space for you to seek God...

About Me

At the heart of my spiritual direction practice is a desire to create a grace-filled space for you to seek God and his particular movements in your life. I consider it an honor and a privilege to sit with others and be privy to the work of God in their lives. God has blessed me so much through this ministry with which he has entrusted me.

I grew up in a ministry family, the daughter of pastors turned missionaries. This sparked in me a deep love for serving God and loving his people well. That, along with my personal experiences of ministry, also exposed me to some of the negatives of ministry life (loneliness, burn-out, personal and interpersonal brokeness, etc.) and gave me a deep heart for serving those who serve.

After completing a BA in Psychology, I felt God leading me to the Institute for Spiritual Formation (ISF) to work towards an MA in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, which is where I received my training as a Spiritual Director. I continue to offer spiritual direction there through the Center for Spiritual Renewal.

I have been married to my husband, Jake, since 2016 and we welcomed our son, Finn, in 2020 and our daughter, Rosalie, in 2023. The transition into motherhood impacted every area of my life and I'm so grateful for the role that receiving spiritual direction played as I navigated my life with God in that season of major change. I have since had the opportunity to walk with other young moms in spiritual direction, which has been a blessing. Seeing God's work in the lives of others never ceases to encourage me.

I offer spiritual direction in the Huntington Beach area where I live, and I am also available for online direction.

Contact

Phone: 805-453-9145

Email: tasha.g.austin@gmail.com

Prefer Contact By: email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

Women

Students

Ministry Families

Missionaries

Moms

Pastors

Expertise in...

third-culture

burn-out

ministry families

anxiety

women's spirituality

parenting

motherhood

Sarah Austin

Springfield, MO, United States

Feeling burned out? You’re not broken. You’re tired. I offer Christ-centered soul care for the weary, the wondering, the worn out...

About Me

Feeling burned out? You’re not broken. You’re tired. I offer Christ-centered soul care for the weary, the wondering, the worn out. I know that edge between compassion and collapse because I’ve been there. After nearly a decade in anti-trafficking ministry, I hit a wall of secondary trauma, soul fatigue, and big questions about God, justice, and how long I could keep going. But contemplative practices like centering prayer, silence, and spiritual direction helped me find my way home—to God, to myself, and to sustainable rhythms of grace.

Now I companion others on that same healing path. I work primarily with missionaries, nonprofit leaders, and ministry professionals navigating burnout, deconstruction, or transition. Whether you’re crawling toward sabbatical or secretly Googling “quitting ministry,” you’re welcome here. This is a space to rest, not perform. To breathe, not strive. To listen, not fix.

I hold a Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and a spiritual direction certificate from Portland Seminary. I’m the founder of Steadfast Center, where I offer one-on-one direction, contemplative group spaces, and staff formation for kingdom workers across the globe.

Let’s sit together with God. You don’t have to figure it all out. You just have to show up. 🧡

Contact

Phone: 417-761-9222

Website: https://interest.steadfast.center

Email: sarah@steadfast.center

Prefer Contact By: Email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

women in ministry

non-profit leaders and staff

missionaries

pastors and clergy

non-clergy church/ministry staff

Expertise in...

burnout

compassion fatigue

perfectionism

spiritual formation

highly sensitive people

sex trafficking

Katherine Austinson

Omaha, NE, United States

I am passionate about helping people connect intimately with God. Facing my losses, loves, triumphs and fears, I have personally benefited...

About Me

I am passionate about helping people connect intimately with God. Facing my losses, loves, triumphs and fears, I have personally benefited from spiritual direction from spiritual companions over the last fifteen years. There have been many thrills and many trials on my journey as a child of God.

I’ve been a follower of Christ for decades, now. I am a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, mentor and friend. With my B.A. in Psychology from Concordia Moorhead, I have worked as a nonprofit manager for much of my career. I have worshiped and served with Christian congregations in Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska. I enjoy being creative through cooking, spending time in nature, hugging my grandchildren and reading literature as often as possible. My soul is filled up daily through centering prayer.
Growing in deeper communion with God, I have sensed God’s call to companion others and have trained as a spiritual director through the Christos Center for Spiritual Formation. My directees have commented that the safety created in our sessions helps them come away knowing they are heard, validated, and refreshed by thoughtful perspectives.

Contact

Phone: 1-507-766-3194 (cell)

Website: http://katherineaustinson.com

Email: kaustinson912@gmail.com

Prefer Contact By: Email, phone or text

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: NO

Retreat Leading: NO

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

women of all ages

Pastors

ministry professionals

Linda Axon

Kansas City, MO, United States

The longing of my heart has always been to help others in the Body of Christ to know and experience God...

About Me

The longing of my heart has always been to help others in the Body of Christ to know and experience God more fully and thereby, be changed into His image. I have taught bible studies, led prayer groups, served on the mission field, done Spiritual Direction and am on the leadership team of my church. As your Spiritual Director, I will pray for you, pray with you, listen for your heart and the heart of God, encourage you, and ask questions that may clarify things for you. I can also help you with major decisions. We will look to the Holy Spirit, who is the true director in Spiritual Direction.

Contact

Phone: 520 500 7273

Website: Under construction

Email: sonoranrain@gmail,com

Prefer Contact By: Initially, I prefer email but will answer phone or call back if you leave a message.

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: NO

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

College age and above

lay leaders

moms

married. person the chronically ill

aging persons

people who just desire to know or experience God more~

Expertise in...

Helping people who just want to know and experience God more deeply and more consistently

Lectio Divina

Other Contemplative Prayer

Spiritual Formation

Ignatian Spirituality (no certificate)

Major Decision making

Making a Rule of Life

Dark night of the soul

Dealing with a chronic illness

Aging

Craig Babb

Kansas City, MO, United States

I began practicing spiritual direction as a tool in my pastoral care tool box 30 years ago in the local church...

About Me

I began practicing spiritual direction as a tool in my pastoral care tool box 30 years ago in the local church. In 2000 I launched Rhythm of Grace as a platform to work with a wider population in areas of spiritual formation with direction being a key component. Besides further training specifically in the art of spiritual direction I also have spent time in completing doctoral studies in the area of adult spiritual development. I meet with both male and female directees in person or via FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype.

Contact

Phone: (913) 221-7223 (cell + office)

Website: www.rhythmofgrace.org

Email: Craig@rhythmofgrace.org

Prefer Contact By: email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: NO

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

pastors

church leaders

young adults

mid-life adults

aging adults

Expertise in...

Expertise in men's spirituality drawing on Ignatian

Benedictine

Celtic

Lectio Divina

Visio Divina

Enneagram

Myers-Briggs working to establish helpful rules of life especially during dark night seasons

Elisabeth Badenhop

Columbus, OH, United States

We all need a safe place, to be honest and tell the truth about what it is like to be human...

About Me

We all need a safe place, to be honest and tell the truth about what it is like to be human. Living in a broken world is hard. Neither faith nor skepticism exempts us from that reality. Faith may give us hope that all things will be made new and set right one day, but that does not mean life isn’t extremely painful. Our beliefs don’t take away the experience of the wilderness or the dark night; they often lead us there. Sometimes, the most tragic part of life in a broken world is the feeling that we are alone and have nowhere to go with our doubts, fears, and even our anger. Of course, there are beautiful and redemptive parts of life with God, and it matters that we notice and pay attention to those as well. Whatever season you find yourself in, you do not have to walk alone.

Elisabeth Badenhop is a Spiritual Director based out of Columbus, Ohio. She is a wife to Aaron, a mother to two brilliant and hilarious daughters, and the founder of Rooted Soul Care. Rooted Soul Care was birthed out of Elisabeth’s own dark night of the soul. While working in full-time ministry, she found herself in the middle of a faith crisis; deep disillusionment led to doubt, shame, and isolation. Although that season was profoundly troubling and painful, it formed her in a way that she now views as a great mercy.

Elisabeth is trained and certified by Sustainable Faith’s School of Spiritual Direction. She brings 20 years of experience working with people in various ministry contexts. She also brings a trauma-informed perspective to her work and has extensive training in the Enneagram, which she can incorporate into her sessions if desired.

She offers both in-person and virtual appointments; you can even walk during your time together if that would be helpful for your body. She offers potential directees an initial 1-hour complimentary exploratory session.

Contact

Phone: 5745368679

Website: www.rootedsoulcare.org

Email: Elisabeth.Badenhop@gmail.com

Prefer Contact By: Email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

ministry leaders

professionals

deconstructing and reconstructing

missionaries

wounded by the church

spiritual abuse survivors

disillusioned by faith

Expertise in...

Religious Trauma

Spiritual Abuse

Grief

Enneagram

Embodiment

Ministry Burnout

Transitions

Dark Night of the Soul

Internal Family Systems

Renee Baffert

San Clemente, CA, United States

I am a lover of God, people, nature, and animals. I have been a Spiritual Director for 11 years and also...

About Me

I am a lover of God, people, nature, and animals. I have been a Spiritual Director for 11 years and also did my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, which I combine my training from my Masters in Spiritual Formation and Soul care to provide and integrative experience towards spiritual growth. I love helping people live out their fullness of their humanity and see that God is with us in everything, and in things like sports activities or the fights we have with those we love just as much as He is in a 'spiritual' discipline we are practicing.

I love to help individuals learn to be honest with themselves and God...to be with you on the journey of knowing Jesus fully accepts and wants us.

Nothing you say could probably shock me. I look young but i have walked a deep journey full of loss, loneliness, goodness, questioning, happiness, anger, fear. I know He is big enough to hold us all in everything we think, feel and do.

I love walking with individuals through their grief, depression, loss, relationship difficulties and being with you as you discern where God is working.

I completed my MA in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care at Talbot School of Theology in 2013, I currently am a Spiritual Director at the Center for Spiritual Renewal at Biola University. As well, I have a private practice in San Clemente where i enjoy leading spiritual direction in person and over Skype. In 2010, I attended two years at Loyola Institue for Spirituality where i experienced the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in the form of the 19th annotation retreat in daily life. Years later, I went through training in how to lead others through the Spiritual Exercises/ 19th Annotation Retreat in daily life. I am available to lead others through the Spiritual Exercises and design personalized retreats for individuals and groups. I do not believe you can fully be with people where you first have not gone yourself. I have participated in a 3 week solitude retreat called the Intensive Journey inward, that forever changed my life. It is my joy to help design retreats that encourage places of solitude and peace combining nature and connection with one’s Creator.

I would love to help you journey towards attaching to God and to others. I am just a fellow wounded healer, and would love to journey with you as you discover more of your Abba's deep love and tenderness towards you.

Contact

Phone: 562-506-3563

Website: www.spiritualdirection-journey.com

Email: renee.michelle7@gmail.com

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

Life transitions

Grief

Anxiety

Wounded by the Church

Deconstructing/Reconstructing

Women's Spirituality

Feeling disconnected with God

Expertise in...

Life transitions

Grief

Anxiety

Spiritual trauma

Myers-Briggs

Enneagram

Psychology

Family Systems

Life Coach

Chris Baker

Whittier, CA, United States

I completed my spiritual direction training at the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Biola University in 2009. Having lived and worked...

About Me

I completed my spiritual direction training at the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Biola University in 2009.
Having lived and worked in Canada, America, Mainland China and Hong Kong, I have a love for cross-cultural ministry and doing spiritual direction with people who have been formed by significant cross-cultural experiences.

I love being part of a small, local, "neighborhood" church and have a deep heart for pastors and others in full time ministry. I am married and have three children.

I work as the Assistant Director of the Institute for Spiritual Formation (ISF) at Biola University and help supervise our nearly 100 staff spiritual directors, as well as helping with our Practicum training program. I am also the Assistant Director of ISF's "Church Training Initiative", which is tasked with producing a robust spiritual formation curriculum for the church and wider community.

In May, 2011 I completed my Master of Divinity with an emphasis in Spiritual Formation & SoulCare at Talbot School of Theology. I am currently working on a part-time distance PhD on Dietrich Bonhoeffer through the Theological University of Apeldoorn in the Netherlands.

Due to my work, study, and family obligations I am not taking any new directees at this time.

Contact

Phone: 562-944-0351 x3211

Website: https://bakerbonhoeffer.wordpress.com/

Email: christopher.j.baker@biola.edu

Prefer Contact By: Email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Shirley Bakker

Edmonton, AB, Canada

I met a man, His name is Jesus, He changed my life. The journey into the deep mysterious, ever-present love of...

About Me

I met a man, His name is Jesus, He changed my life.

The journey into the deep mysterious, ever-present love of God, is the greatest adventure of my life. One of my greatest joys is to come alongside another traveler and listen as they share their story and then listen with them to the heartbeat of God for them within their story.

Recently I had a vision of sitting with Jesus and God in a “daily staff meeting.” They were discussing the people and events around me. As they did, Holy Spirit would dance and move between them; every now and again darting off to complete the work set out. I was comfortable there. As I sat still, alert and watching, I was invited to accompany others into this setting, full of peace and love. Would you join me? I would love to share the journey with you.

I would love to sit with you in spiritual direction in person or on line.

I am mom to two adult (one married) children, music teacher, and pastor’s wife for over 30 years. I love the outdoors, people, golfing, traveling and learning! My favorite color is the first hint of fresh mint green on the trees as the forest awakens each spring.

My credentials: Bachelor of Religious Education, Spiritual Direction and specialized training in the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. My qualifications: a lifetime of listening and praying with people and a deep relationship with my Beloved Father, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit.

If you would like to investigate travelling together in spiritual direction, please contact me for a free introductory session.

Contact

Phone: (780) 778-0246

Email: bakker27@telus.net

Prefer Contact By: email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

youth

students

academics

disabled persons

elderly

seniors

married

single

terminally ill

Expertise in...

Ignatian Spirituality

grief

rule of life

dark night

Ellen Balzun

La Mirada, CA, United States

One of my favorite things is to help people discover the love that God has for them and the story that...

About Me

One of my favorite things is to help people discover the love that God has for them and the story that He is inviting them into. I firmly believe the observation of the Orthodox scholar Alexander Schmemann, that the only real fall of humanity is failing to live a "eucharistic life"--a posture of joyful receiving from our Heavenly Father. As a spiritual director, my desire is to help the souls whom I have been entrusted with to explore what it looks like to live life "eucharistically," to live with open hearts and hands, ready to receive the gifts God chooses to give.
I received spiritual direction training from the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot School of Theology and graduated from the program in May of 2023.

Contact

Email: ellen.balzun@biola.edu

Prefer Contact By: Email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: NO

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

Students

church leaders

Expertise in...

Lectio Divina

developmental spirituality

rule of life

women's spirituality

List of ESDA Spiritual Directors

Caprice Applequist

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Steve Arden

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

John Arndt

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Lane Arnold

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Sharon Arrington

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Bernadette Ashby

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Krista Ashlock

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Melinda Athey

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Kristi Atkinson

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Kelly Attwood

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Tasha Austin

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Sarah Austin

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Katherine Austinson

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Linda Axon