Grafted Life Ministries

Judy Crossman

Marion, IN and Englewood, Florida, IN, United States

The mystery of God's presence with each of us, is the hope that guides me as a spiritual director. I am...

About Me

The mystery of God's presence with each of us, is the hope that guides me as a spiritual director. I am an ordained pastor in The Wesleyan Church, with a current appointment as a professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling in the School of Theology and Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, IN. I was trained in Spiritual Direction from Evangelical Mennonite Seminary and SELAH. Both programs helped me value a contemplative approach to Spiritual Direction. I believe that God graciously reveals Himself to those who seek Him. It is my deep privilege to walk beside men and women who are hungry to know God more fully.

Contact

Phone: (765) 517-3888

Email:

Prefer Contact By: email or text

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

men

women

leaders

pastors

professors

students

professional

academics

Expertise in...

A broad approach to direction

based on directee's journey

Daniel Crowley

Riverside, CA, United States

I love walking with others as they grow to engage God in the everyday. I have a special place in my...

About Me

I love walking with others as they grow to engage God in the everyday. I have a special place in my heart for individuals who are willing to serve the church in any capacity. It's my joy to see God work in these individuals as they're being uniquely transformed to become like Jesus.

I've been on staff at Sandals Church since 2009. I serve as the church's Spiritual Formation Pastor. My primary responsibilities are to teach spiritual formation within our leadership development school, lead a team of people to create spiritual formation content, conversations and moments, and to offer regular spiritual direction to our campus pastors as well as other key church leaders. And of course, other duties as assigned, if you catch my drift.

In 1992 I married my high school sweetheart, Christina. We have three amazing adult children whom we enjoy spending time with. We are incredibly proud of them. My wife and I enjoy a balance of time between just the two of us and with friends whether we're at the beach, mountains, local wineries, or simply eating delicious food. I'm originally from San Diego, CA and with that carry the burden of being a Padres and Chargers fan (It's a burden because they just don't seem to win very much).

I received my training from the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot Seminary at Biola University. Prior to being in full-time ministry I spent a couple of decades in sales and sales management.

Contact

Phone: (951) 237-7388

Email:

Prefer Contact By: Email or Telephone

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Specialties

Works with...

pastors

church leaders

spouses

missionaries

cross-cultural workers

graduate students

business professionals

Susan Currie

Hamilton, MA, United States

Offering, protecting, and nurturing attentive presence in which to listen to the presence and ways of our Triune God ~ what...

About Me

Offering, protecting, and nurturing attentive presence in which to listen to the presence and ways of our Triune God ~ what a graced ministry this is! It's a ministry and a grace that I've spent the past few decades enjoying, both in offering spiritual direction to individuals and in training others to do the same (through Leadership Transformations’ Selah Certificate Program in spiritual direction).

Over the years I've also offered retreat leadership and formation ministry to churches and parachurch ministries, including a co-curricular formation program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (where I received my theological training). I have a particular heart for clergy and other ministry leaders, and I serve as affiliated clergy in the Anglican Diocese in New England. I live in Hamilton Massachusetts with my dear husband Dave, and we are graced with three grown and delightfully married children. (MA in Theological Studies, Christian Ed concentration - GCTS; DMin with a Spiritual Formation focus - GCTS; Spiritual Direction training through CFDM Pacific Northwest.)

Contact

Phone: 978-468-1817

Website: http://www.leadershiptransformations.org/selah.htm

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...

clergy

Jessica Dagen

Lake Forest, CA, United States

Do you ever wonder, “What does it mean to actually live the kind of life God created us for and encourages...

About Me

Do you ever wonder, “What does it mean to actually live the kind of life God created us for and encourages us to live out?” In a world of traffic jams, looming deadlines, and budgets, how do we really quiet down and listen for that “still, small voice”? Is it even realistic to hope to experience the lofty ideals Scripture talks about in this lifetime, like “abiding” and “walking by the Spirit”? I grew up as a missionary kid so was familiar with the Scriptures and spiritual disciplines; but all I wanted was for someone to please explain to me what it means to live in freedom when it felt like the weight of the world was bearing down on me.

I wanted rest. I wanted Jesus to take my crushing yoke but I didn’t know how to let him.
More than any other singular person or experience, God used spiritual direction to transform my intellectual understanding of his character and work in my life into a felt experience. He chose to use spiritual direction to help me begin to feel and truly say with confidence that I am his beloved and that he is mine.

It is the freedom that he has won for me that caused me to jump up and pursue training in spiritual direction at the Institute for Spiritual Formation. He has used spiritual direction so powerfully in my life that I want to offer it for others, too, should he choose to use this context to touch their hearts. I currently do direction on staff there as well as at my church.

He desires to reach your heart ever more, too, dear reader. If you have read this far, I have a sneaking suspicion that that God may be longing to meet you in spiritual direction.

Spiritual direction is a sacred space for you and I to share uninterrupted, dedicated time with God. He is the true Director; my role is simply to bear witness to what he is doing in your life and partner with you in that discernment.

Spiritual direction is for those who seek a prayerful listening ear as they discern guidance regarding particular decisions they have to make; it’s for those who believe in God but doubt if they could really trust or even love him; it’s a place to wrestle with those deepest doubts, questions, frustrations, and fears, as well as a place to delight and celebrate and rejoice. Spiritual direction is a place for real people to meet with their real God and attend to his real, meaningful words and actions in their lives. Spiritual direction is for anyone seeking God, seeking peace, seeking freedom.

Bless you, dear brother or sister, as you discern which person to sit and attend to God with you this way. Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have or simply to ask for prayer in selecting the right person for your journey. Whatever your story, know that you are welcome and cherished.

Contact

Email:

Available For

In-person Direction: NO

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: NO

Languages Spoken

English

Czech

Specialties

Works with...

Missionaries

students

battered women

those in ministry

cross-cultural people

third-culture people

Brenda Darby

Gardena, CA, United States

I serve as a Deaconess for over ten years at Faithful Central Bible Church, Inglewood, Ca. and at one time headed...

About Me

I serve as a Deaconess for over ten years at Faithful Central Bible Church, Inglewood, Ca. and at one time headed the FCBC Mentoring Program for three years. My passion for the needs of men and women in the Body of Christ led me to enroll at Biola.

In 2010, I received my MA in Spiritual Formation Emphasis, and completed the Soul Care requirements in 2013 from Biola’s Talbot School of Theology. I provide not only Spiritual Direction for individuals and group but also design retreats. This assignment to ministry leaves me with a passion to bring Spiritual Formation and provide Spiritual Direction to the Christian church universal.

Since starting my educational journey at Biola, I continue to assist men and women of all ages and ethnicities with their spiritual journey. My on-going educational pursuit has taught me even more so the value of listening and being sensitive when engaging the hearts of God’s Beloved in a one-on-one or group setting. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, pocket billiards and bowling.

Contact

Phone: 310-429-8692

Email:

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: NO

Retreat Leading: NO

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Expertise in...

Lectio Divina

women's spirituality

Kahryn Darjany

Long Beach, CA, United States

What is the Lord doing in my life? How am I responding? How can I become more in tune to God’s...

About Me

What is the Lord doing in my life? How am I responding? How can I become more in tune to God’s ongoing, loving presence in my life? I find great joy in the slow and gentle work of journeying together with directees in the process of exploring these questions and living into these realities.

I come to this ministry as a former public-school teacher, mother of 4, pastor’s wife, ministry leader and foster parent. I was raised in Central California, but have called Long Beach, California home for my entire adult life. I studied Human Development and received my teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach. My training in Spiritual Direction came from Biola University where I completed my MA in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care at Talbot School of Theology. I currently serve there in an adjunct faculty role and as a staff spiritual director.

I would be so honored to come alongside and witness with you what God is up to in your life. I offer one-on-one spiritual direction in person or via zoom.

Contact

Phone: (562) 335-2308

Email:

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Daniel Davis

Fort Worth, TX, United States

“You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You.” (St. Augustine of...

About Me

“You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You.” (St. Augustine of Hippo)

One thing I have learned throughout my life and in ministry is that true spiritual rest can be elusive. Often we find our hearts yearning for a moment and a place where we can encounter God and find holy rest for the soul. I understand spiritual direction as an opportunity to be a friend who holds that holy space open for encounter, discovery, and rest. This understanding is woven with diverse life experience and a commitment to provide care to other ministry leaders.

As a spiritual director, I draw upon my life experience to foster a supportive, caring, and non-judgmental space. My spiritual journey includes both the Pentecostal and Anglican spiritual traditions. It also includes decades of experience in ministry leadership in various contexts. This diverse background has enriched my understanding of Christian faith and spiritual experience. I

In my spiritual direction practice, I integrate elements from both traditions, offering a holistic approach to spiritual guidance. I understand and appreciate the importance of both the dynamic, experiential aspects of faith and the contemplative, reflective dimensions. I draw from the Pentecostal tradition's emphasis on personal experience, the power of prayer, and the work of the Holy Spirit. At the same time, I incorporate the contemplative practices, liturgical rhythms, and theological depth found within the Anglican tradition. This allows me to meet individuals wherever they are on their spiritual journeys, regardless of their specific denominational or spiritual backgrounds.

As a spiritual director, I offer a safe and inclusive space for individuals to explore their faith, regardless of their denominational affiliation. I honor the unique spiritual journeys of each person, helping them navigate their questions, doubts, and spiritual longings as we seek God together.

I have been married to my wife, Rhonda, since 2000. Together we have three sons and live in Fort Worth, Texas. I hold a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Truett Seminary at Baylor University. I look forward to meeting you!

Contact

Website: Https://www.spiritformedjourney.com

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

church leaders

professors or academics

business professionals

married couples

Expertise in...

Lectio Divina

Ignatian

rule of life

dark night

contemplative practice

William (Bill) Daylong

Marion, IA, United States

A 45-year veteran of pastoral ministry, including 3 years as a US Army Chaplain, I am available for spiritual direction, using...

About Me

A 45-year veteran of pastoral ministry, including 3 years as a US Army Chaplain, I am available for spiritual direction, using a variety of approaches and incorporating classical Christian spiritual practices, along with learnings from spiritual formation practices of indigenous peoples (Native American and Celtic). I have been trained to accompany pilgrims through Ignatian retreats.
I meet directees face-to-face, through FaceTime, or utilizing Zoom conferencing.

Contact

Phone: 515-370-3509 (cell)

Email:

Prefer Contact By: email or cell phone

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

Pastors and church leaders

Pastor's families

students

academics

aging persons

military

terminally ill

and marginalized

Expertise in...

Lectio Divina

men's spirituality

trauma and grief

music

body-spirit connection

recovery rule of life

dark night

Michelle Dayton

Martin, South Dakota, or mostly online via Zoom, since I live in a very small town, OH, United States

I began my journey with spiritual direction in 2010, when I began to meet with my first director. I was driving...

About Me

I began my journey with spiritual direction in 2010, when I began to meet with my first director. I was driving two hours to meet her, because what I was seeking was not available near where I live. I was subsequently trained through HCM International, in the School of Spiritual Formation and the Art of Spiritual Direction, and have been assisting in the training of spiritual directors since completing the program. Greater intimacy with the Living Christ has become possible for me, through the sacred space of direction, and my hope is to provide the same space for others to hear God's whispers of love for them. I am a wife, a mother, and an Episcopal Priest. Trained as an Emergency Physician, I had the privilege to serve many communities on medical missions prior to COVID. Spiritual direction is, from my perspective, coming alongside others and co-listening to God's invitations.
Since moving to South Dakota, all of my appointments are via Zoom.

Contact

Phone: (740)705-0070 (cell)

Email:

Prefer Contact By: text or email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

Pastors

missionaries

elderly

students

professionals

military

marginalized

terminally ill

pastor's family

Expertise in...

cross-cultural

trauma

Maryl De Milo

Costa Mesa, CA, United States

"Our heart is restless until it rests in You," Augustine. The journey into our soul can be tiring, and the road...

About Me

"Our heart is restless until it rests in You," Augustine.

The journey into our soul can be tiring, and the road through life is often rocky and painful. In spiritual direction, together we will explore where God is at work in your life, and learn how to open to Him, so that you may know Him more deeply and know yourself more truthfully. One of the best parts of direction is that you don't have to be alone in your process. I desire to create a safe space to have honest conversations with God about how you are experiencing life with God. I especially focus on feeling -with- God.

I have been practicing spiritual direction since the beginning of 2016 and have been formally trained at Talbot School of Theology in Spiritual Direction. I have experience with Celebrate Recovery and 12-step programs, which can enrich the growth of those struggling in particular areas. I seek to support those in ministry, leadership, business, those wrestling with deep questions in their faith, the grieving, and those simply wanting to grow spiritually with Jesus in the mundane. I have a working knowledge of dreams and use imaginative prayer to grow spiritually.

I also am trained in Ignatian Spirituality and can accompany people through the exercises (19th annotation Journey with Jesus by Larry Warner)
I also offer spiritual formation coaching in a yearlong bi-monthly program, for more information check out my website: www.maryldemilo.com/coaching

I currently meet with directees at Biola's Center for Spiritual Renewal and at a private office in Costa Mesa, CA. I also serve as a Spiritual Director at The Haven Retreat Center in Orange, CA. https://thehavenoc.com/

Contact

Website: www.maryldemilo.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

Students

Academics

Business Professionals

Missionaries

Grief

Minorities

Aging

Parents

Singles

Expertise in...

Trauma or Grief

Cross-Cultural

Myers-Briggs/Enneagram

Dark Night

Ignatian Spirituality

12 Step

Entrepreneurs

Dreamwork

Work Transitions

Retreat Planning

Wendy Dean

Joplin, MO, United States

It is truly an honor to walk alongside individuals wherever they are in their spiritual journey. My approach to spiritual direction...

About Me

It is truly an honor to walk alongside individuals wherever they are in their spiritual journey. My approach to spiritual direction is Christ-centered and contemplative, offering a welcoming space for discernment and curiosity while navigating the joys and struggles of life.

I received a BA in Psychology from the University of North Texas and a MA in Spiritual Formation as well as a Certification in Spiritual Direction from Portland Seminary. I am currently employed as the Education Program Coordinator with Renovaré and assists in facilitating the Renovaré Institute, a two year training in Spiritual Formation.

In my free time, I love spending time with my family and soaking up nature by hiking, road biking, and camping. I have been married to my husband, Jason, for 28 years and we have three adult children and a goldendoodle.

Contact

Website: https://www.space-to-listen.com/

Email:

Available For

In-person Direction: NO

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: NO

Retreat Leading: NO

Barbara Deatherage

Frisco, TX, United States

I enjoy helping people to direct their attention to God - to seeing what He is doing in their everyday lives...

About Me

I enjoy helping people to direct their attention to God - to seeing what He is doing in their everyday lives, to hearing His voice, and to resting in His love for them.
After seeing the value of spiritual direction in my own life and feeling God's call to offer spiritual direction, I trained with Selah Certificate Program in Spiritual Direction and now have the pleasure of offering spiritual direction in person or online.

Contact

Phone: 469-964-0864

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...

I am a mom and a grandmother and meet with women of all ages. I also am on staff at my church and am interested in offering direction to church leaders and staff.

Expertise in...

Lectio Divina

women's spirituality

creativity and art

Debby DeBernardi

Phoenix, AZ, United States

I have always had a passion for soul care that is integrative in all aspects of life in my nursing, teaching...

About Me

I have always had a passion for soul care that is integrative in all aspects of life in my nursing, teaching, and ministry. I have a shepherd’s heart and a servant lifestyle. I received my Christian Formation and Spiritual Direction certificate from Christian Formation and Direction Ministries (CFDM) a two-year program. I have offered spiritual accompaniment for about 20 years. I am a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University and received my Master’s at Fuller Theological Seminary Southwest where I taught Teaching for Christian Formation. I have been on staff at a large church, a small missional church and a mid-size church in my over 35 years of ministry. I am a member of the Board of two mission organizations where I serve an additional role as Spiritual Formation Director, Discernamentarian, Retreat Leader and Friend.

I am honored to join men and women, boards and staffs, who desire a deeper communion with God, revealed in Jesus Christ, as they discover God's love, transformative activity, and guidance in their lives and ministries. I offer spiritual accompaniment for individuals, couples, and children to shape a life of faith through prayerful listening, scripture, relationship, discernment processes and various spiritual practices for awareness, openness, and responsiveness to God ...until Christ is formed in us!

Contact

Phone: (602) 570-7340

Email:

Prefer Contact By: text or email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

individuals as youth and adults

church and mission organization leaders

married couples

and youth

Expertise in...

Ignatius Spiritual Exercises

Lectio Divina

Holy Listening with Children

Discernment

Centering Prayer

Child Spirituality and Formation

Ignatian

Bethany DeCrane

Westerville, OH, United States

Anam Cara noun (Gaelic) – a person with whom you can share your deepest thoughts, feelings and dreams; your soul friend...

About Me

Anam Cara
noun (Gaelic) – a person with whom you can share your deepest thoughts, feelings and dreams; your soul friend.

This is who God made me to be. It’s why He placed me on this Earth, at this moment in time. It’s why He continues to take me on my own sacred journey of learning to befriend my own soul, to prepare me to hold sacred space for your soul, for your journey, for your story.

Imago Dei. Our stories have a holy beginning.

We were created in God’s image. YOU were created in God’s image. Along our winding paths, we lose touch with that pure, untarnished connection to our own soul. We get lost, confused, hurt. And yet, the Holy Spirit dwells in us still, waiting for the space to reconnect, to heal our hearts, to guide our paths, to fill us with peace and rest, to bring us back to wholeness.
I am privileged to walk with you, fellow traveler -- to listen to your heart, to help you see Jesus at work in your life, and to step into the freedom he has for you and me.

This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths. Ask where the good way is, and walk in it. And you will find rest for your souls.”
Jeremiah 6:16

Bethany’s Qualifications
Developmental Spiritual Director (The Whole Peace Ministries)
Certified Spiritual Director (Healing Care Ministries)
Associate, Spiritual Formation & the Art of Spiritual Direction (Healing Care Ministries)
Formational Prayer (Ashland Theological Seminary)
Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education (Cleveland State University)

Contact

Phone: (614) 905-1036

Email:

Prefer Contact By: bethanydecrane@gmail.com

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Expertise in...

Developmental Spiritual Direction

Bill Delvaux

Nashville, TN, KY, United States

After studying at Duke University (BA) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (MDiv), I was involved for eight years in pastoral ministry...

About Me

After studying at Duke University (BA) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (MDiv), I was involved for eight years in pastoral ministry as a youth minister and church planter. After the heartbreak of a failed church plant, I took a position in 1992 teaching Bible at a Christian high school in Nashville, TN. During that time, I also coached the varsity boys track and cross country teams. Here I found my real quest for the next twenty years, connecting the Bible to the hearts of high school students. Toward the end of that time, I felt the Holy Spirit’s urgings to pursue a new quest, one that would involve connecting the Bible to the hearts of men. Despite my initial fears and objections, my community encouraged me to begin something new. So in 2012, I left full-time teaching to begin Landmark Journey Ministries.

For the last ten years, I have seen God open many new and wonderful doors. But the most compelling new opportunity was the chance to be trained as a spiritual director. I love doing this ministry and participating with the Holy Spirit in what He is doing in a someone's life. I often leave my times of spiritual direction feeling wonder at seeing God’s hand at work in our sessions. I work with men only as that is my specific calling. My general emphases in direction are helping men structure silence with God, articulation of core desires, healing from past traumas, and learning to discern God’s voice. I can also guide someone through the Ignatian Exercises as their spiritual director.

I am a certified spiritual director through the Institute of Christian Spirituality, a part of Lipscomb University. I am also the author of three books: Landmarks (B&H, 2013), Divided (Thomas Nelson, 2015), and Heroic (B&H, 2019).

For those not in the Nashville area, I can offer spiritual direction online. An initial session is offered free of charge. If you want read more about my work as a spiritual director, go to the ministry website at https://landmarkjourneyministries.com/spiritual-direction

Contact

Phone: 6155743167

Website: https://landmarkjourneyministries.com/contact/

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...

men

pastors

students

professionals

therapists

Expertise in...

Ignatian

Lectio Divina

men's spirituality

trauma

centering prayer

inner healing prayer

Lindsay Demary

Woodland, CA, United States

I believe everyone has a sacred story. I love to create an open space by inviting others into honest dialogue about...

About Me

I believe everyone has a sacred story. I love to create an open space by inviting others into honest dialogue about their narrative, whether that includes celebration, grief or the many experiences in between. As a bi-racial woman, I am particularly passionate about working with folks as they engage and sort through the various aspects of their identity, be it cultural, racial, spiritual, gender, roles, personality, etc. As the mother of two neurodivergent girls, I look for how God works through family of origin dynamics and I love to learn from the wonder of children as they discover life. Currently, I am delighting in my work with ongoing directees and being home with my kids after school. Some of my other topics of interest include: my dogs (and all dogs!), attachment theory, foster care and adoption, the Enneagram, trauma's impact on people, and human development. My practice offers the integration of traditional and non-traditional prayer practices, creative expression, and spiritual temperament analysis. I received my Masters in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from the Institute for Spiritual Formation in Southern California in 2012 and have been in practice ever since.

Contact

Phone: 530-219-5244

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...

Neurodiverse folks

families with special needs

adoptive families

Kristina Denlinger

Lancaster, PA, United States

I enjoy creating spacious places for people to reflect, rest and experience restoration and growth. One of my deep desires is...

About Me

I enjoy creating spacious places for people to reflect, rest and experience restoration and growth. One of my deep desires is to see people transformed by their encounters with Jesus and their experiences in community in such a way that there is lasting change and noticeable outward expressions of joy, satisfaction and abundant life!

I am a trained spiritual director since May 2017 and completed my Masters in Spiritual Formation and Direction at Evangelical Seminary in May 2018.

Contact

Phone: 717-327-4323

Email:

Prefer Contact By: email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: NO

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Lauri Dennis

Grand Lake, CO, United States

Before becoming a certified spiritual director through Sustainable Faith, I journeyed with missionaries, special needs students, and at-risk adults in my...

About Me

Before becoming a certified spiritual director through Sustainable Faith, I journeyed with missionaries, special needs students, and at-risk adults in my career and volunteering. My heart is for those particularly on ‘the fringes’ to know and embrace the tender love of the Beloved. I have been miraculously healed of various medical calamities shaping my faith and ideas of the Divine.

I continue to grow into a gentle, welcoming soul with a joyfully creative and child-like spirit primarily through spiritual practices. One of my favorite things is walking with those who long to know Abba’s immense love, beauty and grace more completely. Listening is a cherished honor and I long to do it with compassion and empathy. After completing training to lead others through the Ignatian Exercises, I've enjoyed this intimate journey and look forward to traveling it with others!

My husband, Kenny, a licensed counselor specializing in trauma and a pastor of small church, and I live in Grand Lake, Colorado. Together we have led worship and small groups and participated in prayer ministries in various church and ministry settings throughout our almost 30-year marriage. I am blessed with 3 amazing step sons, 2 beautiful daughters-in-law and 2 grandchildren. I enjoy spending time in God’s creation, time with others, reading, singing, painting and dancing!

Contact

Phone: (719)229-9886 (cell)

Website: Stillwater-chapel.org

Email:

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

Spiritual seekers

disenfranchised Christians

PKs

MKs

non-profit workers

missionaries

church staff/leaders

ministry workers

Expertise in...

trauma

creativity

cross-cultural

Jennifer Derksen

Carmel, IN, United States

The invitation to go deeper with God came through my dog, Ollie. When my youngest children got on the bus for...

About Me

The invitation to go deeper with God came through my dog, Ollie. When my youngest children got on the bus for Kindergarten, I would take long walks with Ollie, my first dog ever. God began to warm my dog-fearing heart toward this much-bigger-than-I-had-wanted dog. As we walked, God began to unpack a painful childhood moment that had caused me to fear dogs and was hiding a deeper fear of abandonment. As he removed the fear of dogs, other childhood wounds began to surface and the Lord began to heal me in unexpected ways. I began to experience a hunger for a more intimate connection with the God who knows and heals us. But I wasn’t sure how to find this.

Growing up in church, I developed a love for God and a desire to serve him as a child. I pursued higher education at Taylor University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School which would prepare me for ministry and church service. After finishing seminary, I spent several years on staff with a campus ministry. And then when my husband and I had our 4 children, I stayed home to care for them. During that time, I volunteered actively in children’s ministry and women’s ministry, teaching, leading Bible studies and speaking for events and retreats. I loved studying the Bible and helping others to grow in their understanding of God and His word. But after many busy years of serving, I reached a place where I was becoming burned out on doing for the Lord and hungering to be closer to the Lord. I have always been interested in Spiritual Formation but I was finding that my usual ways for spiritual growth through ministry and service weren’t working for me.

One day while driving to visit my dad, with whom I helped with caregiving, I heard an invitation through a radio program to pursue a Certificate in Spiritual Formation at Moody Bible Institute. That invitation came at a time of exhaustion from parenting, caring for my dad and serving in the church. It tugged at the desire that had been surfacing in me during those walks with my dog to experience more freedom and joy in my relationship with God. So, I took the invitation and enrolled! During the Moody Spiritual Formation program, I was first introduced to the ministry of Spiritual Direction. I was amazed at the ministry of listening deeply to one another together with the Holy Spirit. I continued on into the Spiritual Direction program at Moody, desiring to create space for others to experience more freedom, healing and joy in their relationship with God. Recently, I have been training in the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and am excited to be able to lead others through this faith-deepening school of prayer. I love to journey with other seekers in pursuing a deeper connection with God in the midst of life.

Contact

Phone: 3178294862

Email:

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: NO

Retreat Leading: NO

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

Women

Men

Mothers

Caregivers

Sandwich Generation

Missionaries

Expertise in...

Ignatian Guide

Marti Derr

Mechanicsburg, PA, United States

"Where is God when life hurts?" is a question that drove me into spiritual direction in 2003. My 19-year experience with...

About Me

"Where is God when life hurts?" is a question that drove me into spiritual direction in 2003. My 19-year experience with my own director helped answer that question. I learned to know God in broader and deeper ways. I experienced God as an embracing and loving being rather than judge. I grew into an inner spaciousness that has allowed me to more clearly recognize the presence of the Divine in my life, and I have developed a joy in more closely observing how God really does work in mysterious and unanticipated ways. It has been a long journey that led me to training as a spiritual director (Kairos, Lancaster PA) so that I could be a companion to others on a quest for something more in the spiritual life.

My professional background includes graduate degrees in Family Studies, Counseling, and Behavioral Health Nursing and certificates in rational emotive therapy, health care ethics, and trauma-informed therapy. I had a private practice in therapy, although I no longer practice as a therapist. I taught psychiatric nursing for 30 years and bioethics and leadership for 10 years. After a life-shifting event around 2000-2004, I have focused on deepening faith in my Sustainer and Comforter. I have worked with diverse groups of people through 30 years of working in denominations (in the US and the UK) of several different persuasions, as well as in therapy. I believe that God calls us first to a position of love and grace. From that space of love and grace we can listen together, reflect, and discern the presence of the Holy One for greater healing and peace.

Contact

Phone: (717) 579-2943

Email:

Prefer Contact By: I prefer an email contact first since unrecognized phone numbers can be a bit tricky.

Available For

In-person Direction: NO

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: NO

Retreat Leading: NO

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

I have worked with pastors and their partners

with academics

with chronically ill individuals

and LGBTQ individuals.

Expertise in...

Integration of mind

body

and soul

trauma and grief

sexuality

and dark stages in life.

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