Grafted Life Ministries

Abbey McKay

Tustin, CA, United States

I have had the privilege to train as a Spiritual Director at Talbot's Institute of Spiritual Formation, where I graduated with...

About Me

I have had the privilege to train as a Spiritual Director at Talbot's Institute of Spiritual Formation, where I graduated with a degree in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. Beyond that, I have experience as a prayer pastor at a local church and have found myself drawn to the intricacies of a prayer life, and how each individuals unique spiritual life can influence ones approach to prayer and relationship with God. I find immense joy in accompanying individuals on their unique journeys of self-discovery and spiritual growth through Spiritual Direction, spiritual practices, and guided retreats.

Throughout my time as a Spiritual Director, I've had the privilege of working closely with individuals grappling with profound questions of faith, experiencing a disconnect from God, and seeking a safe haven to process the challenges associated with nurturing a relationship with God through prayer. I understand that the path of faith can be riddled with uncertainties and hardships, and my heart's desire is to craft a safe space where people can freely express their struggles and joys in their life's journey with Jesus. My expertise extends to guiding others through prayer experiences, crafting personalized prayer and retreat plans tailored to individual spiritual needs, and integrating these elements into my role as a Spiritual Director.

Contact

Website: abbeymckay.com

Email: abbeymckay7@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...

women

pastors

ministry leaders

young adults

those questioning their faith

Expertise in...

contemplative prayer

imaginative prayer

enneagram

dark night

spiritual practices

silence and solitude

retreat

lectio divina

anxiety

depression

Melissa McKinney

St. Louis, MO, United States

I first heard about Spiritual Direction at Covenant Theological Seminary where I was studying to get a Masters of Divinity and...

About Me

I first heard about Spiritual Direction at Covenant Theological Seminary where I was studying to get a Masters of Divinity and a Masters in Educational Ministries. After ten years of serving in campus ministry my heart craved this kind of space and I dove right in, first meeting with my own director, then seeking out certification to start my own practice. I love hospitality and see Spiritual Direction as a way to host. You may not know what to bring, why exactly you are evening reaching out, but all you have to do is respond to God's invitation to come and meet with him. I enjoy cultivating space for people to do just that. Because of my own journey of growing up overseas as a missionary kid and time serving in campus ministry I have a passion for serving people in ministry both overseas and stateside.

I also have a passion for experiencing God through art and love creating space for others to do the same. Part of my spiritual direction practice is hosting Art Encounters with a friend. We create space to observe a piece of art (paintings for now), make meaning, and then we go into a guided time that is similar to Visio Divina, all over delicious food and in a beautiful space! It has been a joy to see artsy people all the way to people who have no idea what to do with art, discover that Jesus can use art to shape us spiritually and connect with us.

Contact

Website: https://www.melissa-mckinney.com

Prefer Contact By: My website

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

english

Specialties

Works with...

Seminary students

Pastors or ministry/church leaders

missionaries

students

young adults

campus ministry staff

those struggling with doubt

anyone wanting to grow in their love for Jesus

Expertise in...

Third-culture

theology

art & spiritual formation

psychology and faith integration

care and support for those serving in ministry

Beth McQueen

Dayton, PA, United States

I recently received my certification in Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Direction through a two year program with Healing Care Ministries International...

About Me

I recently received my certification in Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Direction through a two year program with Healing Care Ministries International. It is holy privilege to create unhurried space for others to share their spiritual journeys with God and develop a close, intimate dialogue with Jesus through direct experiences. I also hold a certificate in Formational Prayer through HCMI. I have learned how to position others for healing using the structures of healing and fully relying on the ministry role of the Holy Spirit. My husband is a pastor in the United Methodist Church. I have a tender spot in my heart for other clergy spouses.

Contact

Phone: (814) 525-9341

Email: bethmcqueen61@gmail.com

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

Women

clergy spouses

and missionaries

Expertise in...

Formational Prayer

Kelly McSwain

Johns Creek, GA, GA, United States

It is my dearest privilege to witness a sojourner's sacred walk with the Lord. I consider it an honor to facilitate...

About Me

It is my dearest privilege to witness a sojourner's sacred walk with the Lord. I consider it an honor to facilitate space for another to explore their prayer life and relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I offer my listening ear with compassion and acceptance. My desire is for God's beloved children to walk in freedom and awareness of how very much they are loved.

Contact

Phone: 404-732-4781

Email: kellyraemcswain@gmail.com

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...

Women

Mary Meirink

Weldon Spring, MO, United States

I offer Christ centered Spiritual Direction. I serve full-time as an Associate Chaplain in Senior Living and facilitate retreats with a...

About Me

I offer Christ centered Spiritual Direction. I serve full-time as an Associate Chaplain in Senior Living and facilitate retreats with a team of women from churches in the St. Louis area. I am intrigued by discovering God's presence when He appears to be invisible. Simple pleasures are the best! As far as education goes, I earned an Honorary Ph.D from the School of Hard Knocks in Finding Beauty in Ashes. I completed a certificate in Spiritual Formation & Soul Care through The Soul Shepherding Institute, a MA in Counseling from Saint Louis University, and four units of Clinical Pastoral Education. I am a licensed minister with Open Bible Churches. A few of my hobbies are writing, amateur photography, singing and playing guitar, and a Bernadoodle puppy named, Rosie!

Contact

Website: hopeconversations.org

Email: mary@hopeconversations.org

Prefer Contact By: email

Available For

In-person Direction: NO

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: NO

Retreat Leading: NO

Specialties

Works with...

women

pastors and church leaders

disabled persons

elderly or aging persons

terminally ill

Expertise in...

women's spirituality

grief

creativity

music

dark night of the soul

spiritual abuse

finding joy

spiritual disciplines

Julie Meissner

Cypress, TX, United States

Julie's passion is offering a sacred listening space and holistic care for fellow companions on their sacred journeys. For over 2...

About Me

Julie's passion is offering a sacred listening space and holistic care for fellow companions on their sacred journeys. For over 20 years, Julie has been teaching, speaking, leading retreats, facilitating small groups, leading organizational teams, mentoring, writing, offering spiritual direction, and providing soul care for individuals and groups.

Julie is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, as well as her Health Coaching Certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She is the Assistant Director for Spiritual Formation for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and as co-founder and house mom for Abba's House of Welcome for refugee women and their children. Julie's main roles are wife, mom, friend, spiritual director, wellness advocate, and refugee mom. She enjoys life on a small farm on the church property where her husband pastors LifeBridge Church and leads the refugee ministry with their family and menagerie of animals in Cypress, TX.

Contact

Phone: 832-628-4200

Website: https://www.incarnationalwellness.org

Email: julie@incarnationalwellness.org

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

ministry leaders

lay leaders

missionaries

students

faculty

women in ministry

women suffering trauma or chronic illness

Expertise in...

Holistic wellbeing

Lectio Divina

Visio Divina

guided retreats

Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius

women's spirituality

Rule of Life

creativity

art

spiritual seasons

Lauren Mendoza

La Mirada, CA, United States

It is an honor to offer spiritual direction because I have been so blessed with the gift of it in my...

About Me

It is an honor to offer spiritual direction because I have been so blessed with the gift of it in my own life. In spiritual direction, you’ll find a safe and welcoming place to pause and explore your experiences and feelings in light of God’s love for you. I pray it is a place to deepen your connection with God and yourself.

I graduated from the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot Theological Seminary with a M.A. in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care in May 2017.

I am passionate about the intersection of trauma, spirituality, and mental health. Believing we are body, soul, and spirit, I use an embodied and trauma informed approach to spiritual direction. I am currently working toward my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) after having served 10 years with a non profit foundation dedicated to resourcing the Church with mental health support. It would be a privilege to journey with you through spiritual direction.

Contact

Email: lauren.m.mendoza@biola.edu

Prefer Contact By: e-mail

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: NO

Retreat Leading: NO

Daniel Mendoza

Carlsbad, CA, United States

Hello friend! I studied at Biola University and was trained in Spiritual Direction at the Insitute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot...

About Me

Hello friend!

I studied at Biola University and was trained in Spiritual Direction at the Insitute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot Seminary. I work as a Youth Director in Escondido, CA, and as an adjust professor at the Insitute for Spiritual Formation.

A huge focus for me is providing a place for people to be heard, understood, and loved. To that end, I believe any part of life is appropriate for Spiritual Direction. God can be present in times of worship, doing the dishes, and even an argument with a spouse or close friend.

I love meeting with high school students, faithful church attenders, skeptics, and everyone in between.

If you have any questions, feel free to schedule a free consultation at my website: https://www.sdspiritualdirection.com/appointments

Contact

Phone: 7024017204

Website: sdspiritualdirection.com

Email: daniel@sdspiritualdirection.com

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

Woman

Youth

Pastors

Expertise in...

Lectio Divina

Perfectionism

Enneagram

Ignatian

Laura Merricks

Charlottesville, VA, United States

I love the unique gifts offered in spiritual direction: a safe, hospitable, and honest space where we pay attention to what...

About Me

I love the unique gifts offered in spiritual direction: a safe, hospitable, and honest space where we pay attention to what God is doing in our lives, and learn to listen to and participate in that work. My hope is that, through spiritual direction, you will experience the love of God more deeply and become more fully and simply yourself. I am a wife of 31 years, mother of three grown children and spiritual director trained through LTI's Selah program. Spiritual direction has been key in growing my life with God and I would love to be a companion to you wherever you find yourself on your spiritual journey.

Contact

Email: lauramerricks@gmail.com

Prefer Contact By: email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: NO

Jeff Merry

Budapest, , Hungary

I’m a life-long adventurer whose passion is journeying alongside Christian leaders as they deepen their communion with God—exploring together their identity...

About Me

I’m a life-long adventurer whose passion is journeying alongside Christian leaders as they deepen their communion with God—exploring together their identity in Christ, and helping them to enjoy and live out all that God has designed and called them to be.

Having served in full-time vocational ministry since 1977, I currently live in Budapest, Hungary, serving as a Spiritual Director with Ministry Essentials, International. I sensed God calling me to the work of spiritual direction several years ago as a point in my own formational growth from the pastoral care and worship development that had previously been my ministry focus.

I received my training through Sustainable Faith’s School of Spiritual Direction. My ministry today is centered around spiritual direction, formational leader development, and pastoral care for global workers.

My greatest adventure has been marriage to Karen since 1977, and enjoying our two adult children, lovely daughter-in-law, and two awesome grandsons.

Contact

Phone: +36(30)709-1726

Email: jmerry@meintl.org

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...

International Workers

Worship Leaders

Pastors

Expertise in...

Worship

Listening Prayer

Grief and Loss

Trauma

Identity

Cross-Cultural

Kelli Messick

Columbus, OH, United States

I have been practicing as a Spiirtual Director for approximately 10 years, but have practiced as a Pastor for over 2...

About Me

I have been practicing as a Spiirtual Director for approximately 10 years, but have practiced as a Pastor for over 20 years. My highest interest is relationships. I have studied premarital, marriage, parenting, Family Systems Theory and the Enneagram. I have both coached and trained coaches in a relationships context. My desire as a Spiritual Director is to accompany others in understanding their connection to God, themselves and others so that they can live an inteigrated life and know their unique place in God's Kingdom.

Contact

Phone: 614-774-9369

Email: kellimessick1@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...

Helping individuals navigate their spiritual life and how they relate to God. A special interest in all of lifes transitions

especially changes in relationship status (dating

pre-marital

newlywed

marriage

empty nest

retirement

extended family changes etc...)

Expertise in...

Family Stystems Theory Training that helps as we relate to God

ourselves and others

Markene Meyer

Flower Mound, TX, United States

I enjoy helping weary souls, especially pastors and other ministry leaders, find renewal and rest in Christ as they discover life...

About Me

I enjoy helping weary souls, especially pastors and other ministry leaders, find renewal and rest in Christ as they discover life rhythms and practices that draw them into deeper relationship with God. During each session I offer a prayerful, listening presence, thoughtful questions and space for reflecting, noticing and experiencing God’s presence.

Contact

Phone: (214) 455-6340

Website: https://trinitylakeside.org/spiritual-direction

Email: markene@trinitylakeside.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 and other ministry leaders

Expertise in...

rule of life

Renee Meyer

Lincoln, NE, USA, NE, United States

Are you tangled up in your faith and life, feeling trapped or exhausted? Do you yearn for more of Christ, more...

About Me

Are you tangled up in your faith and life, feeling trapped or exhausted? Do you yearn for more of Christ, more from your spiritual life, but the usual avenues aren't serving you anymore?

I have been teaching, shepherding and mentoring believers and seekers for almost 30 years, in a variety of contexts: College ministry, women’s ministry, in the Nonprofit world with underserved children and their families, and now the elderly, sick, and dying.

I have a Masters in Christian Spiritual Direction and Leadership from Friends University (May 2022), and received my training and certification as a Spiritual Director through Portland Seminary (April 2024).

In addition to being a Certified Spiritual Director, I am currently a Hospice Chaplain, a writer and retreat speaker, and a wife and mother. A Texas girl originally, I have happily called Lincoln, NE home since 2005.

Most of us are in the midst of our stories, and I've stopped telling mine as if everything is wrapped up with a bow. The best compliment is when people feel safe to show up as their real selves with me. I'd love to hear your faith story, to help or bear witness. Please reach out if I can serve you in any way!

Contact

Phone: (402) 413-7217‬

Website: reneedavismeyer.com

Email: reneedavismeyer@gmail.com

Prefer Contact By: Email or scheduling through my website

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

Church leaders and their families

leaders and people in helping professions

families impacted by special needs and adoption

those impacted by grief and loss

Expertise in...

Christian deconstruction

enneagram

Ignatian spiritual practices and the Ignatian exercises

trauma-informed care

grief support

embodied spirituality

systems theory

William Meyer

Brick Township, NJ, United States

With over 35 years of ministry experience, I have served in various roles, including church planter, lead pastor, chaplain to district...

About Me

With over 35 years of ministry experience, I have served in various roles, including church planter, lead pastor, chaplain to district pastors, and currently as a part-time pastor of Spiritual Care. My journey has provided me with a profound understanding of resilience and the joy of walking alongside individuals as they discover God's presence in every aspect of their lives.

I completed a two-year program in Spiritual Direction through The Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction, which, combined with my extensive experience in listening to and praying with pastors, has refined my compassionate and attentive approach.

Recently, I have felt a special calling to support those experiencing a season of deconstruction in their faith journey. My aim is to create a safe and nurturing space for you to explore your spiritual questions and struggles.

I have been married to my college sweetheart for nearly 45 years. We have four adult children and seven grandchildren. My sweetheart and I enjoy spending time with the family. We love going to the beach and boardwalk, which is within a few miles of my home. I personally enjoy listening to live music and recreational reading.

I would be honored to meet with you to discern if we are a good fit for this transformative journey together. Let’s take this step to deepen your spiritual life and discover the divine in every moment.

Contact

Phone: 732-278-7474

Email: meyer.bill@gmail.com

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...

church leaders

pastors

questioning people

all ages

people experiencing life or career transtions

parents of prodigals

bereaved persons

people dealing with life limiting challenges

Expertise in...

Ignation spirituality

contemplative prayer

discernment

trauma or grief

Myers-Briggs

Core Strengths SDI Assessment

transition coaching

Kelsie Meyers

Columbus, OH, United States

Spiritual direction is an anchor when life feels unmoored. Being able to listen to God alongside another offers comfort, hope, and...

About Me

Spiritual direction is an anchor when life feels unmoored. Being able to listen to God alongside another offers comfort, hope, and a way forward. I am particularly seasoned at co-laboring with leaders in the church who bear the weight and scars of ministry. Creating spaces of silence, solitude and rest allows the soul to heal. I am honored to join you on such a journey. I am a Pediatric Hospital Chaplain and an ordained Deacon in the Anglican Church of North America who has offered spiritual direction for eight years. My passion is walking with people through the dark seasons when things feel unclear or challenging. These "wilderness moments" are painful and precious. I also love sitting with others who are exploring a deeper life with God and are wondering "Is there more"? Whether life feels painful or hopeful I would love to listen to God's voice with you.

Contact

Phone: 6145170549

Email: flaxseedsid@gmail.com

Prefer Contact By: email

Available For

In-person Direction: NO

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: NO

Retreat Leading: NO

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

People who are grieving

wandering

hopeful

and longing for a deeper life with God

Expertise in...

Lectio Divina

grief

rule of life

dark night

women's spirituality

Rachel Middleton

Tulsa, OK, United States

As a spiritual director of women, I seek to find God in all things and serve as a witness to the...

About Me

As a spiritual director of women, I seek to find God in all things and serve as a witness to the things He is doing in the lives of my sisters in Christ. After 5 years on the mission field in Mexico City, God led me to pursue training as a spiritual director. I graduated with an MA in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from the Institute for Spiritual Formation, Talbot Seminary, in December 2018. After serving as a staff spiritual director with Biola University, I have now moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to work with a non-for-profit ministry dedicated to encouraging women in difficult life circumstances.

My heart’s desire is to provide spiritual direction in particular, to women who are seeking to grow in their identity in Christ and notice His movement in their life and circumstances. Since journeying with Jesus in other cultures is an integral part of who God has created me to be, I delight in giving direction to those in intercultural situations and those serving on the mission field.

Contact

Phone: 562-713-8384

Email: RMartinke@gmail.com

Prefer Contact By: Email

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: NO

Languages Spoken

English

Spanish

Specialties

Works with...

women

missionaries

students

cross-cultural workers

Expertise in...

women's spirituality

cross-cultural

Kelley Miller

Cupertino, CA, United States

God uses individual and group spiritual direction to open hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit within and around us...

About Me

God uses individual and group spiritual direction to open hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit within and around us. It is a sacred honor to listen with others to our Heavenly Father’s invitations in grief, joy and the everyday as we journey in Christ.

I have an MA in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Talbot School of Theology where I was trained as a Spiritual Director. I also have training in Spiritual Direction with children. I regularly participate in receiving spiritual direction as it has become a valuable rhythm in my own life.

I was a missionary kid and have spent a decade of my adult life overseas in missions. I am now back in the classroom teaching at an Elementary Christian School where I enjoy providing soul care for and joining God's work in the lives of children, their parents, and our faculty/staff. During the academic school year my availability for monthly meetings is primarily on Sunday afternoons.

Contact

Phone: contact by email

Email: kelley.l.miller@biola.edu

Available For

In-person Direction: YES

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: NO

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

women

children

students

missionaries

missionary kids

Expertise in...

spirituality of women

spirituality of children

cross-cultural

third-culture

music

Lectio Divina

Doreen Miller

Lebanon, PA, United States

When I think about the life-changing, soul-transforming gift of spiritual direction, I feel an upsurge of joy and gratefulness. All praise...

About Me

When I think about the life-changing, soul-transforming gift of spiritual direction, I feel an upsurge of joy and gratefulness. All praise to God for inviting and enabling us to join Him in loving and serving His people and the world in this way!

After decades of working full-time as a mother to four daughters (and now four sons-in-law and seven grandchildren!) and working part-time as a physician, I am an unlikely spiritual director. Used to diagnosing problems and dispensing "cures," I have had to learn to allow God to be the One who does both the diagnosing and dispensing. Yet, these past professions also prepared me to do this work of spiritual direction by providing much practice in listening carefully, loving tenderly, waiting patiently, and trusting the one true Healer to bring wholeness.

Since completing Kairos School of Spiritual Formation's two-year spiritual direction training program in 2013 and Evangelical Theological Seminary's MAR in Spiritual Formation in 2014, I have enjoyed watching God open doors for ministry. In addition to private spiritual direction practice, I lead spiritual direction groups in my role as licensed Congregational Spiritual Director at our church. I am also available to lead weekend and all-day prayer retreats centered on Scripture, using traditional Christian contemplative practices. Retreat themes include The Spirituality of Aging, The Lord's Prayer, Reflections of God in Water, Living In-Between, The Fire of God, and Christian Spiritual Practices.

Though not taking new directees currently, I occasionally make two exceptions--missionaries and those interested in the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. Having served overseas in Zambia and Honduras, my heart goes out to missionaries. In addition, God changed my life through encountering Christ anew in the Spiritual Exercises, so I am trained to give them to others.

Contact

Phone: 717-926-9197

Website: eyesarentenough.com

Email: mdmillers@icloud.com

Prefer Contact By: email

Available For

In-person Direction: NO

Tele-Direction: YES

Group Direction: YES

Retreat Leading: YES

Languages Spoken

English

Specialties

Works with...

Men

Women

Pastors

Missionaries

Elderly

Spiritual Directors

Academics

Expertise in...

Ignatian Spiritual Exercises

Bill Miller

Boise, ID, United States

Bill has been providing spiritual direction to men since retiring from a career of computer programming. He also works as a...

About Me

Bill has been providing spiritual direction to men since retiring from a career of computer programming. He also works as a volunteer teaching English to refugees. He completed a two year training program in spiritual direction through Sustainable Faith. He and his wife are members of Holy Trinity Anglican Church. They live in Boise, Idaho, where they raised three daughters. They enjoy outdoor activities in Idaho such as riding bicycles and camping. Bill feels it is a privilege to sit with men listening for God’s direction. He invites you to this opportunity to go deeper with God.

Contact

Phone: two oh eight - five five niner - 8515 (cell)

Email: bill_mill@msn.com

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

Yolanda Miller

Glendora + Honolulu, HI (hybrid), CA, United States

I have two threads in my ministry: soul coaching and spiritual direction. Soul coaching is the term I use for a...

About Me

I have two threads in my ministry: soul coaching and spiritual direction. Soul coaching is the term I use for a blend of coaching, spiritual practices, and spiritual direction. This is so I can maintain a more classic approach to spiritual direction when I engage in it. In both forms, I consider the Holy Spirit the primary "Coach" or "Director," while I am a guide and companion along your journey. My role as a soul coach is a little more directive and goal-oriented, while my role as a spiritual director (despite it being a bit of a misnomer), is much less so and more about presence, deep listening, and bearing witness to your experience of God so that you can grow more deeply in your intimacy with him.

I specialize in the areas of purpose, identity, calling, and discernment and I have a particular passion for students, young adults, clergy/ministers/pastors and their spouses and those in the entertainment industry. As a former youth pastor and current pastor's wife who originally planned on working in film and television, I love to walk with these and many others as they seek to grow deeper in their love for God and their ability to hear and recognize his voice.

I also have a compassionate heart for those wrestling with their gender or sexual identity, who need a loving, non-judgmental presence to listen and hold space for them as they seek God's presence in their life and to more deeply explore their identity in Christ. I also desire to be a ministering presence to those who serve in restricted countries or contexts where persecution is a daily reality.

I have a M.A. in Theology and Youth Ministry from Fuller Seminary, where I also currently lead groups for graduate students that integrate spiritual formation and theological reflection. I also work with Fuller's DePree Center for Leadership leading discernment groups for marketplace leaders and with Soul Care (soulcare.com) in Boulder, Colorado developing their burgeoning online community. I completed my three-year spiritual direction certificate with Sisters of St. Joseph in Orange and Loyola Marymount in June 2023.

I can meet in-person in the San Gabriel Valley/North Orange County areas of California and anywhere online. Having lived and ministered in Hawaii for almost a decade, I have a particular heart to minister to locals there. I often return to visit and may be able to do a hybrid blend of online and in person, depending on my schedule.

It is a joy and privilege to walk with people in any stage of their faith--doubting, struggling, confident, or mature. I look forward to walking with you!

Contact

Phone: 808-778-6686

Website: yo-miller.com

Email: yolandaesmiller@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...

pastors

church leaders

marketplace leaders

ministry leaders

pastors' wives

clergy spouses

youth

students

young adults

academics

moms/mothers

entertainment industry

creatives

missionaries

LGTBQ

Expertise in...

Ignatian

creativity

coaching

Myers-Briggs

Enneagram

Clifton Strengths (StrengthsFinders)

vocation

calling

identity

discernment

rule of life

spiritual disciplines

thriving/flourishing

intersection of faith and psychology

List of ESDA Spiritual Directors

Abbey McKay

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Melissa McKinney

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Beth McQueen

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

Specialties

Kelly McSwain

About Me

Contact

Available For

Languages Spoken

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