Spiritual Directors
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is the practice of being with people as they attempt to deepen their relationship with the divine, or to learn and grow in their own personal spirituality. The person seeking direction shares stories of his or her encounters of the divine, or how he or she is experiencing spiritual issues. The director listens and asks questions to assist the directee in his or her process of reflection and spiritual growth. Spiritual direction develops a deeper relationship with the spiritual aspect of being human.
Spiritual Direction on Wikipedia [Link]
Spiritual Directors in the Southwest Conference
Teresa Blythe
The Rev. Teresa Blythe is a full-time spiritual director dedicated to helping people discover where God is active in their daily lives and in the world. She is the founder of the Phoenix Center for Spiritual Direction housed at First UCC Phoenix, and serves as Director of the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction at Picture Rocks. An ordained UCC minister,Teresa’s spiritual direction practice is open and affirming of LGBTQ persons. Teresa has openings for directees so if you are interested please contact her by phone at 480-886-3828, email teresa@teresablythe.net or online at Facebook or Twitter.
Steven Lloyd Davis MDiv, MSW
”Talking the talk” and “Walking the walk” are often posited as juxtaposed expressions of the Christian life. The Rev. Steve Davis, certified Spiritual Director, UCC pastor for 40 years and Master's level Social Worker, he describes both his orientation to and experience of Spiritual Direction as that intersection where these two expressions (talk,walk) are vitally connected. Interpreting the Spirit's presence in one's life—comforting or challenging—is his orientation to the art and practice of Spiritual Direction.
Sue Joiner
The Rev. Sue Joiner is senior pastor for First Congregational UCC in Albuquerque. Sue is ordained in the UCC and a member of the Shalem Society for Contemplative Leadership. She received certificates from the Upper Room Academy for Spiritual Formation, the Shalem Institute’s Clergy Spiritual Life and Leadership Program and completed the Soulcraft Year Long Intensive program. Sue loves the wilderness, poetry, good books, great conversations, and beautiful places.
Pat Slentz
Pat Slentz serves her community as hospital chaplain for Los Alamos Medical Center and as a hospice chaplain. She facilitates the local Ministerial Alliance and previously served on staff at United Church of Los Alamos as a UCC Commissioned Minister. She completed her training for Spiritual Direction through the Stillpoint Art of Spiritual Direction Formation and Training Program at Ghost Ranch. Pat has a passion for ecumenical and interfaith spiritual formation, compassionate listening, and exploration of God’s working in our lives.
Shea Darian is a spiritual director who welcomes those of all faiths and philosophies to journey into the depths of sacred listening. Come as you are to find meaning, hope, healing, and a sense of belonging. Shea offers Healing Circle small groups, Deep Listening Circles, one-on-one, dyad, work group, and family spiritual direction. Shea is the author of Doing Grief in Real Life: A Soulful Guide to Navigate Loss, Death & Change (IPPY Award, 2022) and creator of the Model of Adaptive Grieving Dynamics (Illness, Crisis and Loss, Vol. 22(3) 2014). Shea also serves as a hospital chaplain and director of Doing Grief Community Healing Project at Church of the Palms in Sun City, AZ (opening in 2023). Shea was certified as a spiritual director by the Arizona Ecumenical Institute for Spiritual Directors in 2008. Learn more at DoingGrief.com or email Shea at info@sheadarian.com.