There are many words that people use to describe a spiritual leader or guide: priest, apostle, shepherd, medicine man, shaman… the list is nearly endless. Yet all of them have one thing in common – the calling and desire to help others reconnect with the deeper spiritual reality of life. As someone who walks in the way of Jesus, the term “pastor” most often gets used for me, but it can conjure up negative associations for some people, so I tend to avoid it. The term I like best is “guide”… I can share with you the journey that I’ve walked, and hopefully help you find and travel the unique path that was created for you. It’s more than a career for me – it’s a calling, and there are many ways that I try to live out this calling:
Retreats & Gatherings
One of my greatest joys in my life is working with people to help them become reconnected with their Creator and the wholeness of who they are as human beings: body, mind, and spirit. I am available to facilitate spiritual retreats and gatherings in a variety of contexts and age groups. Please contact me to discuss how I can help guide your gathering.
Rites of Passage
As a close friend once said to me, “We do not have enough Rites of Passage in our world. Getting your drivers liscence or going to Prom do not make you an adult.” I love working with people to create the ceremonies and holy moments that speak to the deepest part of their beings. Some of the rites that I am available to facilitate are:
- Weddings and Rededications
- Mourning and Overcoming Loss
- Transitions in life (passage into adulthood, parenthood, divorce, and more)
- Personal dedication to a calling
Everyone has their own story and unique journey, and so each rite of passage needs to combine both that history and personal walk. Send me an email and we can begin to build that moment for you.
Sweat Lodge
Among First Nation tribes in North America, the sweat lodge held a central role in many of the ceremonies and celebrations. As a Montagnais-Métis/Illini man, pipe carrier, and keeper of a lodge for the Dancing to Eagle Spirit Society, I believe it is my responsibility to hold some of these ceremonies in the ways I’ve been taught by my Elders who have come from many different teachings… I like to think of it as a braided river of traditions. One of my passions is bringing reconciliation between First Nations’ people and the Christian faith.
My belief is that for some the path of ordeal (fasting, sweat ceremony, calling for a vision, etc.) is the best way to break away from the rhythms of everyday life and hear the song of God. Send me an email to get more information about attending the sweat lodge.
As in many traditions, I believe that no one should ever charge for spiritual services. As such, the above services (other than retreats and gathering facilitation) are always given free of charge. If a person wishes to give me a gift of thankfulness, that is graciously accepted… but never EVER required. For more details please visit the Rates and Fees page.
