PLAN A VISIT
Within each of us lies the desire to find real meaning and purpose in life, to discover our true self, and to grow closer to God, others and all creation. A Spiritual Director can assist you on that journey of self-discovery.
Spiritual Direction is both an ancient and current ministry of the Christian Church. In the United Methodist tradition, the foundation for spiritual direction was laid by founding father, John Wesley. Wesley believed the most important question we must ask and answer is: How is it with your soul? How is your relationship with God? Spiritual direction offers the time and space for exploring and deepening your relationship with God through the guidance and work of the Holy Spirit.
Bob Leitner
Carolyn Peyton
Cherri Johnson
Cindy Mann
Clay Johnson
Margaret Johnson
Mary Rotenberg
Patty Rives
Stacy Garrett
Todd Barlow
Rev. Dr. Lisa Baumgartner
To schedule an appointment or for more information about Spiritual Direction, email Cherri Johnson, Spiritual Director & Director Emeritus of Spiritual Formation.
You and your spiritual director will agree on a convenient time and place to meet, either in person or online using Zoom. Meetings usually last about one hour. What is shared between you and your spiritual director is always held in strict confidence.
A spiritual director does not “direct” in the sense of giving advice, solving problems, coaching, or psychological counseling. A spiritual director listens deeply to your story and by asking insightful, open-ended questions you can explore, deepen and better understanding your relationship with God, yourself and others.
The love God through the work of Christ illuminated through the power of the Holy Spirit is the foundation and core of all spiritual direction meetings.
Spiritual directors must complete an intensive two-year training program and are accountable to monthly peer supervision meetings. In addition, they are required to participate in continuing education courses and other formative opportunities and retreats.
Many of our spiritual directors have completed graduate-level course work and hold UM Professional Certification in Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Direction. FUMC is unique in that it has a number of experienced directors available.