Hello!

Thank you for visiting this website and learning more about spiritual direction (and me). Let me introduce myself.

I am a United Methodist deacon currently serving on staff at The Gathering Place in Daytona Beach, Florida. I have a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in Durham, NC and I am currently working on my Doctor of Ministry through Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. Garrett is where my certification in spiritual direction is from, too! My doctoral research focuses on the spiritual practices and resources that have anchored UMC clergy to new, reimagined, or sustained vocations in ministry after serving congregations who disaffiliated from the UMC due to the inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons within ordination and marriage.

When it comes to spiritual direction, my main priority is to provide a safe, sacred space where you can freely explore the inner workings of your soul. I am fully affirming and in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, and I am a safe person who practices confidentiality. If you need to talk about your frustrations with the Church, or the spiritual harm and trauma that has been done to you by people and institutions of faith, I am here for you. If you are questioning your beliefs around queer inclusion in the full life of the church, I am also here for you. I hold space for all who seek support earnestly with an open, loving heart and a willingness to be transformed by the grace of God.

I recognize my privilege as a white man, so while I am open to listening with anyone, if you feel like you need someone from a different gender, race, or ethnicity, I completely understand and respect your decision — and I would love to connect you to some amazing women who are spiritual directors and/or spiritual directors of color! I also respect and value the diversity of spiritualities around the world. Regardless of your faith tradition or even if you are unsure of your faith, you will be seen and heard.

I have seen a spiritual director since 2018. Before receiving spiritual direction, I had no idea what it was. Having benefitted from the incredible, discerning wisdom of my spiritual director, I fully believe in this ministry to be a way for all of us to find a deeper connection to the Divine. I would be honored to journey alongside you as we discover together how the Spirit is working in your life.

Spiritual direction is the practice of being present to one another as we collectively listen to God. I refer to the act of spiritual direction as holy listening, because our time together will be spent primarily by you sharing what is stirring in your soul while I listen to you. At the same time, we are both listening for the Spirit’s voice, noticing Her presence in our midst, and discerning where She is leading us next.

We can meet in person if you are in the Daytona Beach/Orlando area in Florida. We can meet by phone or Zoom if you are outside of that radius. When we meet, we will start with some silence to become present to God and each other, and then we will have a conversation. You can share about anything and everything you want within a 50 minute period of time. I will only engage as is appropriate, following your lead, and only as inspired by the Spirit. We will close in prayer and discuss if we would like to meet again.

Spiritual direction is not therapy. I am not a licensed mental health professional or social worker. If such needs become present through our sessions, I would be happy to refer you to those resources. Spiritual direction is not coaching. I will not tell you what to do or give you answers, but I will listen and reflect back to you what I am hearing in ways that might help you make sense of your life with God. In spiritual direction, you will not walk away with a diagnosis or treatment plan. Rather, you will have a a safe space to tell your story, to ask big questions, and to find new ways to connect to the Source of us all.