After five decades of pastoral ministry, I decided it was time to retire. In those five decades, I served small churches, mega churches, rural churches, churches in the heart of Toledo, charismatic churches, Evangelical churches, Mainline denominational churches, and everything in between. This broad spectrum of unique expressions of the Body of Christ helped to shape and mold me into an open-minded servant of the church. I discovered that no one group holds the entirety of God's revelation and I found ways to adapt and evolve into a more compassionate, gracious, person through variety of ideas and practices from each unique group I served.

 

Several years prior to retiring, I began to explore different paths of continuing service and ministry to others. Eventually my path led to training in the disciplines of spiritual direction and grief recovery. The results of this training have been lifechanging for me. I experienced significant transformation in my personal life and discovered new skills and passions for serving others. Today, this transformation fuels my mission to assist others. I am in the wonderful place of giving my life away in helping others find their own path to relational health and spiritual strength.

 

I chose to be trained in Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Retreat Direction by the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, Michigan. I also chose to be trained in grief work through the Grief Recovery Institute®. I am grateful for the rich deposits that both entities placed into my life. I am also indebted to both for the new tools I acquired to help others.

 

Before we can truly help others be the healthiest version of themselves, we ourselves must become healthy. During my training process, I discovered that I needed major soulwork and spiritual enrichment. One would think that the life of pastoral ministry would in fact result in spiritual health. But we are people too! I worked so hard at leading and feeding others that I didn't do the necessary soul care and self-compassion work necessary to maintain a healthy inner being. My training experience brought all of this to the forefront of my life.

 

My journey into soul focused health has been richly rewarding. It has been painful too. But it is in our pain and struggles where we grow the most. It is in the process of letting go of the old and embracing the new that we become more like Christ. In all of this, I have recommitted my life to Christ and the Kingdom that He is building. I have a renewed sense of calling and the tools necessary to bring it into existence. It is a calling grounded in newfound understandings of faith, a radical reshaping of life, and a deeper dependence upon the Spirit of God.

 

I am here to be a companion on your journey. Whether you are religious, spiritual, or simply searching, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to share your story. I offer to walk with you through life’s complications with grace and a genuine desire to see you move forward into a healthy future. I offer a safe, confidential space to discover more of the abundant life promised by Christ to all of us.

 

Blessings,

Tom