Grafted Life Ministries

Molly Sparling

Fayette, ME, United States

With a background in neuroscience and trained by the Soul Shepherding spiritual direction training program, my approach to soul care combines...

About Me

With a background in neuroscience and trained by the Soul Shepherding spiritual direction training program, my approach to soul care combines the wisdom of ancient traditions, intimacy with Jesus, and Christ-centered psychology in the journey of your soul.

I was drawn to the ministry of spiritual direction after hitting a wall and experiencing a desert season in my ministry and life with Jesus- and needing healing from a long period of church conflict. I am passionate about sharing with others the empathy and renewal I have experienced through spiritual companionship.

If you desire to feel known and loved by God, I am honored to listen to the Holy Spirit with you, offering empathy and guidance in your spiritual and psychological development to help you experience God’s love more deeply.

It is only in the easy yoke with Jesus that we can experience Spirit-led ministry. Whether you are feeling tired from your journey, stuck at a wall, or in need of healing, you're invited to come as you are and explore the soul care you need to grow in Christ.

I offer in person sessions in central Maine and zoom sessions with clients around the world. It will be my privilege to meet with you and seek God together.

Contact

Phone: 2075574705

Website: mollysparling.com

Email:

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...

Pastors

ministry leaders

pastor's families

missionaries

business leaders

and anyone who desires to grow in intimacy with Jesus

Expertise in...

Spiritual disciplines

Ignatian Meditation

Lectio Divina

Breath Prayer

Healing Prayer

Psychological and Spiritual Development

Soul Care

Relationally Healthy Leadership

Certified Coaching

Rule of Life

Dark night of the soul

CHRIST Stages

Enneagram

Peter Spychalla

Madison, WI, United States

Peter Spychalla, PhD, DMin, offers ecumenical spiritual direction and contemplative retreat leadership. He has faith experience and training in Roman Catholic...

About Me

Peter Spychalla, PhD, DMin, offers ecumenical spiritual direction and contemplative retreat leadership. He has faith experience and training in Roman Catholic, Anglican, and broad Evangelical Protestant traditions. He serves as Associate Professor of New Testament and Spiritual Formation at Urbana Theological Seminary. His local faith community is Christ Church - Madison (Anglican).

Contact

Email:

Prefer Contact By: email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: NO

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Expertise in...

broad spiritual formation

Doreen Stelling

Nashville, ,

I spent 20 years on staff with an international discipleship ministry, and the last 14 years as a certified Spiritual Director...

About Me

I spent 20 years on staff with an international discipleship ministry, and the last 14 years as a certified Spiritual Director. I received my training in the contemplative/evocative approach through Audire School of Spiritual Direction in Central Florida. I have enhanced my practice with training with a holistic soul care perspective. This leads to integration of all aspects of the human experience. Primarily I am looking for how God is inviting us to new ways of being with Jesus in the midst of our circumstances. The focus is on building an intimate relationship with God,self and others over a lifetime, through all the problems, crises, joys, and blessings
I've worshipped in a variety of denominations over the years which has given me the experience to meet with people where they are in their own spiritual experiences.

Contact

Phone: 407-760-2958

Website: Ps23soulcare@gmail.com

Email:

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: NO

Languages Spoken

English

Tammy Stenzel

Wheaton, IL, United States

At the very heart of spiritual direction is soul care, from one Christ-Follower to another, for the purpose of examining, strengthening...

About Me

At the very heart of spiritual direction is soul care, from one Christ-Follower to another, for the purpose of examining, strengthening and making more intimate one's relationship with God. The Spiritual Director, through the practice of holy listening, helps the Directee to pay attention to and discern the movement of the Holy Spirit in his/her daily life. The Director and Directee meet together in the presence of God, with the session being led by the Holy Spirit of God. As the companionship unfolds, the Director encourages and emboldens, invites and inquires rather than prescribes or gives advice. It is a time for the Directee to be fully heard, fully accepted, and fully loved.

The primary goal of spiritual direction is growth. Growth in surrender; growth in awareness; growth in trust; growth in one's sense of belovedness; growth in love of the Lord; growth in Christ-likeness and overall growth in spiritual and emotional maturity. In spiritual direction, we seek to bring who and where we really are into the light of God's love, mercy and grace to enable us to grow up into the fullness of the life, freedom, grace and Kingdom-usefulness Christ longs for us to have. Spiritual Direction is not the same as discipleship, although elements of this will at times be present. It is also not instruction, counseling, therapy or problem-solving per se. The goal is to grow closer to the Lord. Joining with another into the sacred places of the soul, being trusted with one's heart, one's secret longings, one's intimate struggles and spiritual victories are a privilege that warrants great care and humility. I commit myself, to the very best of my ability, to both. As Christians, we are all on a journey, a journey meant to be lived out in authentic, accountable community. Spiritual Direction is just one tool, albeit an important one, in support of that journey. I look forward to companioning with you.

I have an Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Moody Bible Institute, and over 10 years experience working with men and women in various ministries to grow closer to God. I also studied Old Testament at Wheaton College. In addition, I hold a Master of Science in Management Degree from Benedictine University and held various roles in healthcare administration for 30 years.

Contact

Phone: 630-588-1201 Ext. 345

Website: Stenzelclinical.com

Email:

Prefer Contact By: Call the office line or visit the website to schedule an appointment or to learn more.

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English only

Specialties

Works with...

Men and Women of all ages

Expertise in...

Recovery

Lectio Divina

spiritual practices

overall spiritual formation

Joe Storr

Inverness, FL, United States

I received my spiritual direction training at The Institute for Spiritual Formation, Talbot School of Theology in 2012. I love to...

About Me

I received my spiritual direction training at The Institute for Spiritual Formation, Talbot School of Theology in 2012. I love to walk with men and women as they open their hearts--as they are--to God, as He is.

I have significant background in military service, homeless ministry, and church leadership. And I have a special place in my heart and ministry for pastors, missionaries, and other church and para-church leaders who may be experiencing challenging times.

Contact

Phone: (310) 920-1963

Email:

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: NO

Retreat Leading: NO

Cathey Stott

Dayton, OH, United States

Hello everyone! I offer Spiritual Direction and Soul Care virtually using FaceTime, zoom or telephone. Our conversations are focused on hearing...

About Me

Hello everyone! I offer Spiritual Direction and Soul Care virtually using FaceTime, zoom or telephone. Our conversations are focused on hearing the voice of the Hoy Spirit and discerning the Lord’s invitation for a deeper walk with Him. My heart’s desire is for those I meet with to notice and experience God in every area of their lives.

I have been a Pastoral Counselor for 25 years. My great joy is being a wife, mom, and grandma.

My Spiritual Direction training was through Sustainable Faith and my Enneagram training is through Motions of the Soul.

I would love to talk more about how your life would be enriched with the practice of Spiritual Direction. Feel free to email me. May God richly bless you.

Contact

Email:

Prefer Contact By: Email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Specialties

Works with...

Women

church leaders

Expertise in...

Enneagram

creativity

pastoral counseling

Heidi Stout

North Manchester, IN, United States

Hello, my name is Heidi Stout and first and foremost I am a daughter of God, friend and followers of Jesus...

About Me

Hello, my name is Heidi Stout and first and foremost I am a daughter of God, friend and followers of Jesus, and student of the Holy Spirit. It has been a journey to come to a place where I can say this is my identity. I love offering a safe space where others can honestly and vulnerably look at their views of God, self, and life circumstances and eventually find that God’s love encompasses it all. His kind presence is promised, but it takes time and practice to become aware of Him in our everyday lives: past, present, and future. I have been so blessed to have others accompany me on my spiritual journey and am now honored to companion directees as they seek this awareness.

I am happily married to my best friend (a pastor) for nearly 3 decades now, mom to a multi-cultural adoptive family, advocate for a special needs son (autism), mentor to women/teens/young adults in my church, and an English instructor for non-English speaking adults. This life has presented beautiful blessings and deep grief, giving me compassion for those who experience the tension of these in their lives as well. It is possible to hold gratitude, pain, and questions all at once before our good God.

I received Spiritual Formation, Spiritual Direction, and Leadership certificates through The Leadership Institute and am currently a Co-Director for The Leadership Institute’s (TLI) School of Spiritual Direction. I feel honored and humbled to join the Holy Spirit in directing directees and the participants in our school. Spiritual formation and spiritual direction have transformed the way I abide, parent, lead, and live. I am so grateful to God for this lovely and unexpected blessing!

I am willing to do spiritual direction in person or virtually and look forward to meeting you, should God lead you my way!

Contact

Phone: 260-901-0629

Email:

Prefer Contact By: Text/phone or email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: NO

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

Pastor’s wives

missionaries

women who work in the home or outside the home

female college students

moms of special needs children

adoptive moms

chronic pain

Expertise in...

Women’s spirituality

spiritual formation

spiritual practices

spiritual companionship/friendship

Lectio Divina

guided silent retreats

rule of life

Enneagram

third-culture

autism

adoption

intentional discipleship parenting

Jean Street

Davenport, IA, United States

The work of the Holy Spirit in a person's life is so precious and individual. As a spiritual director, I love...

About Me

The work of the Holy Spirit in a person's life is so precious and individual. As a spiritual director, I love the privilege of coming alongside someone as they seek how God is with them through the good times as well as the hard seasons of life. As a pastor, it concerned me that so many people seemed to have trouble working through hurts and disappointments. The spiritual formation that comes through direction was the thing that seemed to be missing. So I was very excited first to experience the new ways of being with God through practices learned through direction myself and then to offer the same opportunities to others.

I have completed 2 years of Spiritual Direction training through Sustainable Faith's School of Spiritual Direction. Since then, I have been offering Spiritual Direction both through our church, The Vineyard Church of Davenport, as well as in our community. It seems as if God has specifically gifted me to be able to see the big picture for people and offer observations that they may not have considered.

As a wife, a pastor, a mom to adults with special needs, and a grandmother, I understand how full our lives can become. I love to help others slow down and see God's work in their lives. How do I personally slow down? I love long bike rides with my husband, drinking coffee with friends, and taking walks in God's beautiful world.

Contact

Phone: 309-737-5389 (cell)

Email:

Prefer Contact By: email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: NO

Retreat Leading: NO

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

pastors

leaders

professionals

marginalized

Kaysie Strickland

Chattanooga, TN, United States

“Life is not a straight line it’s a downpour of gifts, please— hold out your hand.” — Julia Fehrenbacker I believe...

About Me

“Life is not a straight line
it’s a downpour of gifts, please—
hold out your hand.”
— Julia Fehrenbacker

I believe that life is a downpour of gifts. But the complexities and traumas of life can make those gifts seem hidden. Everyone, therefore, needs a companion, someone who can hear your story — the mundane and the momentous — and help you notice the glimmers of Light. As a trained spiritual director, I rely on deep, prayerful listening and discernment in order to walk alongside you as you cultivate a deeper friendship with God. I am convinced that God is present and at work in the most ordinary, messy, beautiful, and real circumstances of our lives. Together, we will listen for the voice of Love in your everyday life.

“This is the first, the wildest and the wisest thing I know: that the soul exists and is built entirely out of attentiveness.” ― Mary Oliver

Contact

Website: www.listeninghouse.co

Email:

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...

Ministry leaders

mothers

students

creatives

Expertise in...

Women's spirituality

creativity

recovery

rule of life

dark night

trauma or grief

Joshua Strickler

Mishawaka, IN, United States

As a spiritual director, my desire is to journey alongside you and help you find where God is working in your...

About Me

As a spiritual director, my desire is to journey alongside you and help you find where God is working in your everyday life. I am grew up in the Pentecostal tradition, but I have spent most of my adult life in non-denominational or Reformed churches. I am a worship leader by training but have a passion for theological aesthetics, theology and culture, and spiritual formation. I work in the business world by day and offer spiritual direction during the evenings and weekends. Having spent much of my adult life in dual roles (unpaid church work while working a full-time job), I enjoy helping people see where God is working in their lives in the many contexts in which they find themselves.

I have a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Christos Center for Spiritual Formation, an M.A. in Theology and Culture from Northwest University, and a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from George Fox University.

Contact

Website: www.joshuastrickler.com

Email:

Prefer Contact By: E-mail

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

men

women

worship leaders

musicians

artists

anyone

pastors

professors or academics

Expertise in...

music

art

church calendar

vocation

Lea Sulman

La Mirada, CA, United States

Through my own personal journey into the blessedness of being found in Christ and at the same time into the reality...

About Me

Through my own personal journey into the blessedness of being found in Christ and at the same time into the reality of the brokenness of my own soul, I have discovered a desire to simply be with others as they journey into their own hearts and discover their own sense of being blessed in the midst of brokenness. I love witnessing what the Spirit is doing in the hearts of His people and accompanying them along the way.

I received my training as a spiritual director through the Institute For Spiritual Formation at the Talbot School of Theology where I also received a Masters of Divinity in Spiritual Formation. Prior to seminary, I studied literature and writing, giving me an appreciation for the integration of the arts in spiritual direction.

Contact

Email:

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...

Adults

College Students

Seminary Students

Athletes

Educators

Ministers

Artists

Expertise in...

Lectio Divina

Trauma

Art

Creativity

Body-Spirit Connection

Dark Night

Rule of Life

Retreat Crafting

Literature

Christy Summers

Colorado Springs, CO, United States

Becoming a Spiritual Director seemed like a natural next step after fifteen years of experience as a leader in different Christ...

About Me

Becoming a Spiritual Director seemed like a natural next step after fifteen years of experience as a leader in different Christ centered healing programs and settings.

Personally receiving the freedom that Jesus promises has me in awe of His gracious persistence. He never gives up on us. ""I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ"" Philippians 1:6

Accompanying individuals on their spiritual journey with God is a sacred gift that I humbly receive as I am blessed to witness His masterful and loving ways of deepening relationship with each unique person in unique ways.

My Spiritual Direction practice is a part of ""Redeemed Seasons Ministries"", a non-profit ministry started by my husband, Mark, and I in January of 2016. Redeemed Seasons ministers to Christian men and women who seek to deepen their relationship with Jesus, and seek to address the impacts of wounding and brokenness in their stories.

Contact

Phone: (360) 860-0134 (cell)

Website: www.redeemedseasons.org

Email:

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Mark Summers

Colorado Springs, CO, United States

Mark Summers is an ordained Deacon in the Anglican Diocese of the Rocky Mountains and serves on the staff at Holy...

About Me

Mark Summers is an ordained Deacon in the Anglican Diocese of the Rocky Mountains and serves on the staff at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Colorado Springs. Mark is also co-founder of Redeemed Seasons Ministries, a small ministry focused on providing care and spiritual direction to men and women struggling in their relationships, especially with God.

Mark comes to ministry after a long, successful career in technology management, where he used his legal education and his people skills to form and lead teams that had transformational impacts on the organizations in which he worked.

In 1998, a disruptive personal crisis drew Mark to Jesus, and he committed his life to the Lord in earnest. After almost a decade of volunteer service in local churches, God brought Mark through an accelerated season of discipleship and growth, kindling a deepening heart for the relational mission field.

In 2015, God called Mark and his wife, Christy, to engage their faith and make the leap to full-time ministry for the relationally broken. They launched Redeemed Seasons in January of 2016. Mark received a certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction in May of 2017.

Mark and Christy work one-on-one, couple-to-couple and in small groups with men and women who are working to know Jesus and change the direction of their personal stories. Through Redeemed Seasons, they lead a deep healing program for men and women struggling with relational brokenness. They also provide coaching and equipping to pastors, ministry leaders, and small group leaders on how to care well for those struggling with brokenness.

In addition to his spiritual direction and diaconal ministry activities, Mark serves as the Business Manager of Holy Trinity Anglican Church.

Contact

Phone: (719) 347-1840

Website: www.redeemedseasons.org

Email:

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...

men in all stages of life

church leaders

business professionals

persons in recovery

Expertise in...

men's spirituality

freedom from brokenness or relational issues

recovery

work/life balance

discipleship

Debbie Swanson

Arvada, CO, United States

Hi! I am Debbie Swanson – Author George MacDonald best describes my vocational calling and identity: "I am an emptiness for...

About Me

Hi! I am Debbie Swanson –
Author George MacDonald best describes my vocational calling and identity: "I am an emptiness for Thee to fill; my soul a cavern for Thy sea." I deeply desire that all people experience the fullness of God’s presence, love, and grace. I best work out that desire by offering spiritual direction.
I received my training at Denver Seminary, graduating with an MA in Christian Formation and Soul Care. After graduation, I attended the Lanteri Center for Ignatian Spirituality in Denver, Colorado, and received additional training resulting two certifications: one in Ignatian Spirituality and Spiritual Direction and a certification to guide retreatants through The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. My husband and I own and offer the use of the retreat space - Vacare Deo - where people can rest in silence and solitude and have personal space to encounter God. I also teach at Denver Seminary in the Christian Formation and Soul Care program.
For more information visit www.vacaredeo.com or contact me at daswanson@comcast.net.

Contact

Phone: 303-906-0799

Website: www.vacaredeo.com

Email:

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...

Young adults

church and ministry leaders

and seminary students

Expertise in...

Ignatian Spirituality

Women's Spirituality

companioning with those currently in therapy

Debbie Swindoll

Plano, TX, United States

I received my training in spiritual direction as well as an MA in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Talbot School...

About Me

I received my training in spiritual direction as well as an MA in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Talbot School of Theology. I have been a spiritual director since 2006. I love discovering how God is involved in everything in life. I find it especially rewarding to see long time church members come alive to a new awareness of God's presence and work in their hearts. I enjoy doing direction with organizations who are seeking to discern where God is leading them corporately and how they can cooperate more fully with God's plans. My relational experience includes 35 years of marriage to my husband, Curt, and the privilege of raising and then releasing 3 children into their adult lives. I currently serve as the Executive Director of Grafted Life Ministries.

Contact

Phone: 714-749-0377

Website: www.graftedlife.org

Email:

Prefer Contact By: Either is fine

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Jenni Swink

Fort Worth, TX, United States

Spiritual direction is a space and time to just "be", to listen to God, to notice and pay attention to your...

About Me

Spiritual direction is a space and time to just "be", to listen to God, to notice and pay attention to your relationship with God. It is a gift for me to come alongside others as they seek to deepen their intimacy with Him as well as consider what might be a hinderance. I have a passion for understanding how we grow spiritually and it is amazing to see and hear how God interacts and moves in our lives, sometimes even in the midst of darkness and pain as well as joy.

Part of my spiritual direction practice has included leading group silent retreats since 2007. I've also led a centering prayer group and enjoy attending intensive centering prayer retreats.
I've enjoyed teaching in depth inductive Bible studies since 2002.

Prayer and the study of God's Word are two of the primary ways God has formed me. As a result, I love to discover and share ways of being with God devotionally, such as listening prayer, centering prayer, meditative prayer and Ignatian contemplation prayer.

I received my spiritual direction training in 2006 through the Dominican Center for Religious Studies in Michigan. I completed the year long Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius in 2010 through Heart Paths in Texas. In 2020, I completed training to lead others through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises with the Ignatian Spirituality Institute in Dallas. I have a B.S. In Mechanical Engineering from Okla. State University.

I am the mother of 3 grown children, a musician, a childhood cancer survivor, recent college graduate. My husband and I have been married since 1986 and are currently enjoying our empty nest!

Contact

Phone: 817-980-5871

Email:

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

Church leaders

students

young moms

single women

business professionals

Expertise in...

Ignatian Spiritual Exercises

Contemplative prayer

Centering Prayer

Listening prayer

Meditative prayer

suffering

cancer

crisis of faith

theology

bible study

psychology

psychoanalysis

women's ministry

cancer

enneagram

imaginative prayer

List of ESDA Spiritual Directors

Molly Sparling

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Peter Spychalla

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Doreen Stelling

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Tammy Stenzel

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Joe Storr

About Me

Contact

Available For

Cathey Stott

About Me

Contact

Available For

Specialties

Heidi Stout

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Jean Street

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Kaysie Strickland

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Joshua Strickler

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Lea Sulman

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Christy Summers

About Me

Contact

Available For

Mark Summers

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Debbie Swanson

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Debbie Swindoll