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Talk with a
Spiritual Director.

When you are busy with your ministry, family, or work it can be hard to fit in caring for your soul.

This can lead to stress overload, discouragement, relational conflict, or hitting a wall.

The Sr. Spiritual Directors with Soul Shepherding have gotten through the wall and into the spaciousness of flourishing with Jesus. They offer you a safe place to be heard, prayed for and encouraged. They can help you learn to live and lead from intimacy with Jesus, emotional health, and loving relationships.

 

They are pastors, missionaries, ministry spouses, and coaches who have been trained for two years by Drs. Bill and Kristi Gaultiere in their Soul Shepherding Institute and have earned a certificate in their model of spiritual direction that is Jesus-centered and informed by psychology.

 

It's easy to get started.

Simply pick a Sr. Spiritual Director from the directory below and then schedule an appointment on Zoom by clicking “Book Appointment.” (In some cases you can set up an in person meeting.)

 

You will feel understood, strengthened, and guided in your prayers and decisions. Plus you’ll receive soul care resources that are tailored to meet your needs so you can learn how to go deeper with Jesus in emotional health and loving leadership.

 

If you have additional questions about the spiritual direction services that Soul Shepherding offers see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) at the bottom of this page. Or you can connect with an intake specialist for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your spiritual director offers you the gift of holy listening—reflecting Jesus’ love and empathy for others to help you experience God and follow the Spirit’s leading in your daily life, relationships, work, and prayers.  

 

In fact, the real director of your spiritual direction process is not the person hosting the conversation, it’s the Holy Spirit. The human director simply serves as an ambassador to the Spirit of Christ by ministering God’s continual friendship to you (2 Cor. 5:20).

The format of spiritual direction sessions is not a fixed program–it’s fluid and customized to meet your individual needs. The goal of each meeting is to foster a healthy and supportive setting for you to explore and discover greater intimacy with Jesus and love for God and others. 

 

Here are some general guidelines for a “typical” session in spiritual direction.

Sessions are conducted at a time that’s convenient for you through video conferencing (Zoom), using our convenient online scheduling system. 

 

It is remarkable to experience how the Spirit of Jesus draws the director and client together over diverse geographic areas and time zones–truly God knows no bounds! 

Spiritual direction sessions may open with conversation, prayer, or a brief time of being quiet in God’s presence, depending on your comfort and desires. It is helpful for you and your director to take a moment to “set apart” your time together from the busyness of your day.

 

For the majority of the session, you can share important life experiences related to your concerns and relationship with God. Your spiritual director will listen to you with empathy and ask clarifying questions to guide your thinking, prayers, and steps. You will learn to discern God’s presence and leading by exploring those areas of your life that give you joy and those that may bother or trouble you. 

 

Before the end of the session, your director may recommend resources or spiritual discipline practices for you to consider exploring. Often your spiritual director will conclude the session by praying intercession or blessing over you. 

The foundational spiritual direction question for the director to ask is, “How have you been experiencing God’s presence?” (The Practice of Spiritual Direction by William A. Barry and William J. Connolly).

But Dallas Willard suggested that a great spiritual direction question is simply, “What is bothering you?” That guards against the conversation being “spiritual” in an idealistic or intellectual way and promotes it being real and authentic to the client’s actual life. Paul wrote, “Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn” (Rom 12:15). That’s wording for the empathy that invites the real talk that is the heart of a great spiritual direction relationship.

Sr. Spiritual Directors

Soul Shepherding has a team of experienced Sr. Spiritual Directors who are available to give you the empathy, guidance, and prayer you need. They’ve been trained in our model of spiritual direction that’s Christ-centered and psychologically informed. 

 

If you sense the need to be heard, known, and loved by a spiritual companion who will reflect the workings of the Spirit of Jesus in your life, take the first step by connecting with a spiritual director. 

 

New to Spiritual Direction? Not sure who you will connect well with? You can talk to our program coordinator to learn more and find a director that’s especially suited for you. Click the button below to book your free 15 minute consultation! 

Dave Rimoldi

Long Beach, CA
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

BurnoutChurch ConflictChurch WoundsDark Night of the SoulDeveloping LeadersDiscouragementFaith deconstructionIn-PersonLeadershipLectio DivinaLife TransitionsMissionariesPastorsSabbaticalSetting boundariesSmall Group LeadershipSoul CareSpiritual DisciplinesStages of Faith

sheridan mcdaniel

Sheridan McDaniel

Corona, CA
Sr. Spiritual Director

Church WoundsLeadershipMarriagePastorsSabbaticalSoul Care

Todd Rodarmel

Nashville, TN
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

Conflict ResolutionDark Night of the SoulDeveloping LeadersFaith deconstructionForgivenessGriefHealing PrayerHealthy RelationshipsIn-PersonLeadershipLectio DivinaLife TransitionsPastorsSabbaticalSermon PreparationSetting boundariesSoul CareSpiritual WarfareStages of FaithTrauma

Amy Dalke

Richmond, TX
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

Contemplative PrayerDamaged emotionsEating DisordersEmotions and EmpathyExperiencing God's LoveHealing PrayerHearing GodIdentity in ChristLeadershipLectio DivinaPastorsShameSoul CareSpiritual DisciplinesStages of Faith

Dave Larson

Turlock, CA
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

BurnoutLeadershipPastorsSabbaticalSermon PreparationSpiritual Direction

Gena Larson

Turlock, CA
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

BurnoutChurch ConflictCo-dependencyDamaged emotionsDark Night of the SoulFamily Origin of WoundsIdentity in ChristLeadershipMinistry SpousePastor's WifeSabbath RestSabbaticalSetting boundariesShameSoul CareSpiritual DisciplinesStages of FaithStressWomen in Leadership

Jodine Zeitler

Olympia, WA
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

Addiction RecoveryBurnoutChronic Illness/PainChurch WoundsCodependencyConflict ResolutionDamaged emotionsEmotions and EmpathyExperiencing God's LoveHealing of MemoriesHearing GodIdentity in ChristIn-PersonMarriageParents of LGBTQ+Setting boundariesShameSoul CareStages of FaithStress

Robyn Jungeblut

Katy, TX
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

AdoptionDeveloping LeadersDiscipleshipEmotions and EmpathyExperiencing God's LoveFoster ParentsHealthy RelationshipsHearing GodIdentity in ChristLeadershipLectio DivinaMarriageParentingPastor's WifePastorsSabbath RestSabbaticalSoul CareSpiritual DisciplinesWomen in Leadership

Ned McGrady

Marion, IN
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

Cross-culturalEmotions and EmpathyGriefMissionariesPastorsSabbath RestSoul CareStages of FaithTrauma

Joan Graham

Trabuco Canyon, CA
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

AgingContemplative PrayerDiscipleshipEmotions and EmpathyExperiencing God's LoveFaith deconstructionFamily Origin of WoundsForgivenessHealthy RelationshipsHearing GodIdentity in ChristIgnatian SpiritualityLectio DivinaMarriageParentingSabbath RestSmall Group LeadershipSoul CareSpiritual DisciplinesStages of Faith

Susan Snyder

Laguna Beach, CA
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

Bi-culturalBurnoutContemplative PrayerExperiencing God's LoveFamily Origin of WoundsFather woundsForgivenessHealing of MemoriesHealing PrayerHearing GodLectio DivinaParentingSoul CareStages of FaithStress

Jeff McCrory

Knoxville, TN
Sr. Spiritual Director

Addiction RecoveryChurch ConflictChurch WoundsConflict ResolutionContemplative PrayerDeveloping LeadersDiscipleshipFamily Origin of WoundsFather woundsHealthy RelationshipsHearing GodIdentity in ChristLeadershipLectio DivinaLife TransitionsMarriagePastorsSermon PreparationSoul CareSpiritual Disciplines

Wes Johnson

Everett, WA
Sr. Spiritual Director

Conflict ResolutionContemplative PrayerDeveloping LeadersDiscipleshipEmotions and EmpathyForgivenessGriefHealing of MemoriesHearing GodLeadershipLectio DivinaMissionariesPastorsSabbath RestSabbaticalSermon PreparationSoul CareSpiritual DisciplinesSpiritual WarfareStress

Brianna Wood

Franklin, TN
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

BurnoutChurch ConflictDamaged emotionsHearing GodIdentity in ChristStages of FaithTraumaWomen’s issues

Jim Long

Northwest Atlanta, GA
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

Addiction RecoveryBurnoutChurch WoundsCo-dependencyContemplative PrayerDamaged emotionsDark Night of the SoulDiscipleshipEmotions and EmpathyExperiencing God's LoveFamily Origin of WoundsHealing of MemoriesHealing PrayerHearing GodIn-PersonLectio DivinaSabbath RestSabbaticalShameSmall Group LeadershipStages of Faith

Lindsay Long

Northwest Atlanta, GA
Sr. Spiritual Director

Addiction RecoveryChurch WoundsCo-dependencyContemplative PrayerDiscipleshipExperiencing God's LoveFaith deconstructionHealing of MemoriesHearing GodIdentity in ChristLectio DivinaMarriageShameSmall Group LeadershipSoul CareSpiritual AbuseSpiritual DisciplinesStages of Faith

JD Senkbile

Brea, CA
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

BurnoutChurch ConflictChurch WoundsContemplative PrayerDeveloping LeadersExperiencing God's LoveFather woundsHealing PrayerHearing GodIdentity in ChristIn-PersonLeadershipLife TransitionsMarriageMissionariesPastorsSoul CareSpiritual AbuseSpiritual WarfareStages of Faith

Nan Popineau

Carpinteria, CA
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

Enneagram CoachingIdentity in ChristSmall Group LeadershipSoul CareSpiritual DirectionSpiritual DisciplinesStages of Faith

John Walton

Milwaukee, WI
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

Bi-culturalBlended FamiliesChurch ConflictCo-dependencyConflict ResolutionDeveloping LeadersDiscipleshipFamily Origin of WoundsFather woundsHearing GodIdentity in ChristIgnatian SpiritualityLeadershipMarriagePastorsSabbaticalSoul CareSpiritual DirectionSpiritual DisciplinesSpiritual WarfareStages of Faith

Bill Staffieri

Fountain Valley, CA
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

Church ConflictChurch WoundsDeveloping LeadersDiscouragementExperiencing God's LoveFather woundsIdentity in ChristIn-PersonLeadershipLife TransitionsPastorsSabbath RestSabbaticalSermon PreparationSetting boundariesSoul CareSpiritual DisciplinesStressTime ManagementType A Leaders

Rynelle Frow

Fullerton, CA
Sr. Spiritual Director

BurnoutContemplative PrayerCross-culturalDark Night of the SoulDiscouragementEmotions and EmpathyExperiencing God's LoveGriefHearing GodIdentity in ChristIn-PersonLife TransitionsMinistry SpouseMissionariesParentingPastor's WifeSabbath RestSoul CareSpiritual DisciplinesWomen in Leadership

Karen Mees

Kansas City, MO
Sr. Spiritual Director

BurnoutDamaged emotionsDark Night of the SoulFamily Origin of WoundsGriefHearing GodLectio DivinaLife TransitionsMinistry SpousePastor's WifeSabbath RestSetting boundariesSoul CareStressTrauma

sharon howell welsch

Sharon Howell Welsch

Mars Hill, NC
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

AgingArt and SpiritualityBlended FamiliesBurnoutChurch WoundsContemplative PrayerDark Night of the SoulDiscouragementDivorce RecoveryEmotions and EmpathyExperiencing God's LoveFather woundsHearing GodIgnatian SpiritualitySabbath RestSabbaticalSoul CareSpiritual DisciplinesStages of FaithWomen in Leadership

Rob Jacobs

Orange County, CA
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

Developing LeadersIdentity in ChristLeadershipMarketplace LeaderPastorsStages of Faith

Pamela Nelson

Kalispell, MT
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

BurnoutChronic Illness/PainChurch WoundsConflict ResolutionDeveloping LeadersExperiencing God's LoveForgivenessGriefIdentity in ChristLeadershipLectio DivinaLife TransitionsMarketplace LeaderPastorsSabbaticalSetting boundariesShameSoul CareWomen in Leadership

Brian Steele

Ferndale, WA
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

AdoptionBurnoutChurch WoundsDiscipleshipDivorce RecoveryEmotions and EmpathyExperiencing God's LoveFather woundsGriefHearing GodIdentity in ChristIgnatian SpiritualityLeadershipLife TransitionsPastorsSabbath RestSetting boundariesSoul CareSpiritual AbuseSpiritual Disciplines

Terry Fouche

Altadena, CA
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

BurnoutDiscipleshipFather woundsForgivenessIdentity in ChristMissionariesPastorsSoul CareSpiritual DirectionStages of Faith

Craig Davis

Yorba Linda, CA
Sr. Spiritual Director

Lectio DivinaPastorsSabbath RestSoul CareSpiritual DisciplinesStages of Faith

Molly Sparling

Fayette, ME
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

Church ConflictChurch WoundsContemplative PrayerDark Night of the SoulDeveloping LeadersExperiencing God's LoveForgivenessHealing PrayerIdentity in ChristIgnatian SpiritualityLeadershipLectio DivinaSabbath RestSmall Group LeadershipSoul CareSpiritual DisciplinesSpiritual WarfareStages of FaithTime ManagementType A Leaders

Anna Kimball

Orange County, CA
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

Divorce RecoveryEnneagram CoachingGriefHearing GodLeading RetreatsLife TransitionsSoul CareSpiritual Direction

Melody Mak

Irvine, CA
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

Bi-culturalDiscipleshipEnneagram CoachingHealing PrayerHealthy RelationshipsIdentity in ChristParenting

Nicole Unser

Omak, WA
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

Art and SpiritualityChurch ConflictChurch WoundsDamaged emotionsDark Night of the SoulDiscouragementEmotions and EmpathyExperiencing God's LoveFaith deconstructionGriefIdentity in ChristLectio DivinaMarketplace LeaderShameSoul CareSpiritual DisciplinesStages of FaithWomen in Leadership

Erika Juntunen

Evergreen, CO
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

Chronic Illness/PainDiscipleshipEmotions and EmpathyExperiencing God's LoveForgivenessHealing of MemoriesHealing PrayerHearing GodIdentity in ChristIgnatian SpiritualityLeadershipShameSoul CareSpiritual DisciplinesStages of FaithStress

Monika Kozakowski

Steilacoom, WA
Sr. Spiritual Director

Bi-culturalHealing PrayerIdentity in ChristMissionariesShameSpiritual Warfare

Jennifer Magpantay

River Forest, IL
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

DiscipleshipEmotions and EmpathyHealthy RelationshipsLeadershipMarriageMinistry SpouseParentingPastor's WifeSmall Group LeadershipWomen in Leadership

Henry Cooper

Chesterville, ME
Sr. Coach

Cross-culturalHealthy RelationshipsLeadershipLife TransitionsMarriageMissionariesPastorsSabbaticalTime Management

Sophia Shin Lee

Southern California
Sr. Coach

Church WoundsContemplative PrayerDamaged emotionsDark Night of the SoulDiscipleshipDiscouragementEmotions and EmpathyExperiencing God's LoveHealing of MemoriesHealing PrayerHealthy RelationshipsHearing GodIdentity in ChristLectio DivinaParentingSoul CareSpiritual Disciplines

Michelle Reutschle

Michelle Ruetschle

Portland, OR
Sr. Coach, Sr. Spiritual Director

Bi-culturalContemplative PrayerCross-culturalDiscouragementEmotions and EmpathyExperiencing God's LoveForgivenessGriefHealing PrayerHearing GodIdentity in ChristIgnatian SpiritualityLectio DivinaLife TransitionsMinistry SpousePastor's WifeShameSoul CareSpiritual DisciplinesStages of Faith

beth snyder

Beth Snyder

Ann Arbor, MI
Sr. Spiritual Director

Church ConflictChurch WoundsContemplative PrayerCross-culturalDiscipleshipEmotions and EmpathyExperiencing God's LoveFaith deconstructionFoster ParentsGriefHearing GodIdentity in ChristLeadershipLectio DivinaLife TransitionsPastorsSabbath RestSoul CareSpiritual DisciplinesWomen in Leadership

Spiritual Direction FAQ

Our Sr. Spiritual Directors have been trained by Dr.’s Bill and Kristi Gaultiere to help you thrive with Jesus in your life, relationships, and ministry. All of our spiritual directors have completed the Soul Shepherding Institute and received their Spiritual Direction certificate. 

We define spiritual direction as an emotionally honest conversation with a mature Christ-follower who helps you appreciate God’s presence in your life. As you talk about your circumstances, problems, hopes, relationships, work, and ministry you learn to pay attention to how you’re experiencing the Spirit of Jesus (or not) and respond to his grace and guidance with growing trust, prayerfulness, and love.

Without regularly meeting with a Christlike spiritual director, soul friend, or counselor most people are not able to sustain intimacy with God, emotional wholeness, and fruitful ministry. You’ll be vulnerable to discouragement or burnout.

Soul Shepherding offers traditional spiritual direction ministry according to the guidelines of the Evangelical Spiritual Directors Association. Additionally, our spiritual directors offer Sabbatical coaching, leadership coaching, pastoral care, and soul care coaching.

Our spiritual directors serve as assistants to Jesus in caring for your soul. They minister empathy and prayerfulness to help you sense God’s compassion, grace, and wisdom. They also specialize in helping you make use of Soul Shepherding’s practical resources that foster intimacy with Jesus, emotional-relational health, Scripture meditation, spiritual renewal (to prevent or recover from burnout), and leadership effectiveness.

The benefits of talking with a Soul Shepherding spiritual director include:

  • Receiving God’s empathy
  • Help with spiritual dryness, burnout, or when God feels distant
  • Developing intimacy with Jesus
  • Discerning God’s will or guidance for your life or ministry
  • Understanding your journey with Jesus (e.g., stage of faith)
  • Soul care and spiritual renewal
  • Growing spiritually through lectio divina, Ignatian meditation, breath prayers, solitude and silence, and other spiritual disciplines
  • Improving your emotional and relational health
  • Increasing your effectiveness in ministry or leadership

Spiritual directors do not diagnose and treat psychological disorders like psychotherapists do — they help you grow in your relationship with God. In both spiritual direction and therapy you discuss your struggles, hurts, stressors, and hopes and expect to receive empathy, confidentiality, and support for making positive changes in your life. But in spiritual direction, everything you share is listened to prayerfully and put into the larger context of your experiences with God in prayer and daily life.

Spiritual directors do not diagnose and treat psychological disorders like psychotherapists do — they help you grow in your relationship with God. In both spiritual direction and therapy you discuss your struggles, hurts, stressors, and hopes and expect to receive empathy, confidentiality, and support for making positive changes in your life. But in spiritual direction, everything you share is listened to prayerfully and put into the larger context of your experiences with God in prayer and daily life.

Many of Soul Shepherding’s spiritual directors also offer coaching for leadership, Sabbaticals, or soul care, but they define success differently than most other life and leadership coaches. Typically, coaching focuses on reaching your goals to achieve more of what you want in your business, relationships, or life. In contrast, spiritual direction focuses on discerning God’s will for you and how that shapes your desires and goals for your life, work, and relationships. In other words, spiritual directors are less directive (contrary to their title as “directors”) than coaches — they help you talk through your life events and feelings in order to be directed by the Spirit of Jesus.

Some of our spiritual directors offer Sabbatical coaching. They help you pray about, plan, and implement a Sabbatical for rest and renewal. They are trained to help you make the most out of our Sabbatical Guide, which is our all-in-one toolkit for a great season of replenishment. We help you get approval from your board or supervisor, prepare your staff and community or organization, incorporate your family, and plan for re-engaging your work or ministry after your time away.

In the first meeting, your spiritual director will briefly introduce Soul Shepherding’s approach to spiritual direction and answer your questions. Then you’ll be given a safe and confidential space to introduce yourself and what you need from spiritual direction. Your spiritual director will ask you key questions to gently guide the conversation. You can ask for your sessions to include opening prayer, Scripture meditation, quiet prayer, or a closing prayer of empathy and blessing. Our spiritual directors do their best to customize the sessions according to your feedback and needs.

We offer spiritual direction sessions on Zoom, a phone call, or in person at an office or other mutually agreed upon location. (Some of our spiritual directors offer all these options and others may offer only one or two.)

The cost is $90 for a 45-minute session. (If you need a reduced fee you can ask about this.) Typically, meetings are monthly, but can be arranged more or less frequently. You can schedule single, multiple, or ongoing meetings.

If you are a spiritual director, pastor, coach, therapist, small group leader, or soul friend and agree to our Statement of Christian Faith and Doctrine then you can join our Soul Shepherding Network. As part of your membership you will receive a listing with your photo and bio on our online directory, access to the extensive vault of Soul Shepherding ministry tools, and the opportunity to participate in an exclusive forum for community and training.

Soul Shepherding