Public Directory

I am an elder in the Florida Conference of the UMC. The bulk of my work has been in the parish setting. Fifteen years ago I planted a church called Good Samaritan that appealed to a diverse group of folks many who had left the church or had been rejected by the church of their youth for various reasons. I stumbled into interfaith work as a member of The God Squad. This interfaith clergy panel presented 9 programs a year addressing issues in the news from our different faith backgrounds. It was here that I first experienced the profound presence of the Living God in my Muslim, Hindu and Jewish colleagues. Through those experiences I sensed a genuine call to offer Spiritual Direction to people of all faiths and no faith in group and individual settings

Larry Peacock is a retired UMC clergy, previously the Executive Director of Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center in Massachusetts, and Director of the Franciscan Spiritual Center in Portland Oregon. He is a graduate, former Advisory Board Member, and current faculty teacher in the Academy for Spiritual Formation. He is the authour of Openings - A Daybook of Saints, Sages, Psalms and Prayer Practices, and The Living Nativity: Preparing for Christmas with St Francis. He offers spiritual direction to clergy and retreats on prayer and spiritual practices.

As an ordained clergyperson, my call has grown to include walking with others so that they can grow in their spiritual lives. I practice contemplative spiritual direction and feel passionate about teaching different prayer practices and creating a wholistic experience in a variety of retreat settings.

Marinn Pierce is a Spiritual Director and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner whose work focuses on the intersection of embodiment and spirituality. She is a lay person offering individual and group spiritual direction as well as retreat facilitation. Marinn holds a PhD in Counselor Education and has additional training Movement for Trauma, Integral Breath Therapy, and Transforming Touch. She particularly enjoys working with pre- and perinatal trauma and religious and cult trauma and pregnant individuals. Marinn's physical practice is located in South Charlotte convenient to York County, South Carolina as well as the metro-Charlotte areas. She also is available virtually over a secure platform and can be reached at [email protected] or 704-387-4805.

Early retirement [in June, 2018] from parish ministry in the United Methodist Church has allowed me to direct my energies most fully on my core passion in ministry, spiritual formation. "Zoe-Life Explorations" (at www.zoe-life.net) is the name that I and my wife of 35 years, Kathy, have given to a series of program offerings designed to facilitate experiences in and conversations about spiritual formation in the lives of individuals and faith communities.

A 1983 graduate of Texas A&M University, I attended Perkins School of Theology -- receiving an M.Div. (in 1987) and a D.Min. (in 1992). In 2018, I completed all coursework (at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary) pursuant to a Professional Certification in Spiritual Formation through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church.

Early retirement [in June, 2018] from parish ministry in the United Methodist Church has allowed me to direct my energies most fully on my core passion in ministry, spiritual formation. "Zoe-Life Explorations" (at www.zoe-life.net) is the name that I and my wife of 35 years, Kathy, have given to a series of program offerings designed to facilitate experiences in and conversations about spiritual formation in the lives of individuals and faith communities.

A 1983 graduate of Texas A&M University, I attended Perkins School of Theology -- receiving an M.Div. (in 1987) and a D.Min. (in 1992). In 2018, I completed all coursework (at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary) pursuant to a Professional Certification in Spiritual Formation through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church.

Early retirement [in June, 2018] from parish ministry in the United Methodist Church has allowed me to direct my energies most fully on my core passion in ministry, spiritual formation. "Zoe-Life Explorations" (at www.zoe-life.net) is the name that I and my wife of 35 years, Kathy, have given to a series of program offerings designed to facilitate experiences in and conversations about spiritual formation in the lives of individuals and faith communities.

A 1983 graduate of Texas A&M University, I attended Perkins School of Theology -- receiving an M.Div. (in 1987) and a D.Min. (in 1992). In 2018, I completed all coursework (at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary) pursuant to a Professional Certification in Spiritual Formation through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church.

Velma is certified as a spiritual director through the Shalem Institute. She is also a volunteer chaplain in the Houston Medical Center and has personal experience with Alzheimer's and cancer. She is a certified facilitator of prayers practices with the Grace Institute. Yet, Velma's passion is dream work; having been certified by the Haden Institute for Dream Work she facilitates a zoom group one a month; dreams can also be part of the spiritual direction relationship.

I have been designing and leading local retreats for the past 15-plus years and I now offer one-on-one spiritual direction as well. I am willing to meet with you, listen to your story, and help you hear the Holy Spirit in your life. I'd love to help or totally design and lead a church retreat, meet for spiritual direction, or just get together for coffee/tea and talk about how great God is!

I offer spiritual direction to individuals and also incorporate spiritual direction in small group settings. I also offer one-day and half-day retreats at my church. One focus of my ministry is to introduce people to the many ways that prayer can be incorporated into their lives.

Johnny Sears is the Director of the Academy for Spiritual Formation®, an international ministry of the The Upper Room® that offers experiences in disciplined Christian community and emphasizes a holistic spirituality of body, mind, and spirit. Johnny is a native of Kentucky and a Baptist layperson who holds a Master of Engineering degree from the University of Louisville. Formerly, he was a specialist in product design/development and sustainable practices for Lexmark International. His deep passion to help others awaken to and embrace the transformative power of prayer for their lives and, ultimately, for the world is what led him to make such a drastic career change. Johnny studied at the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky and is himself a graduate of the Two-Year Academy for Spiritual Formation as well as the Foundations of Christian Leadership program by Leadership Education at Duke Divinity. He is a certified Myers-Briggs Practitioner and also a certified Pastoral Care Specialist

I've been a spiritual director offering space for spiritual exploration since 2003. I currently offer spiritual direction and supervision in Houston and Katy, Texas. In addition, I can work with you via ZOOM. I bring leadership in blending contemplative practice and the creative process to retreat work. As a Veriditas-certified labyrinth and SoulCollage® facilitator I offer innovative ways of engagement in spiritual direction and retreats. Please call for options!

I am available to companion those looking for a deeper spiritual experience. We will start where you are and follow your path.

Retired United Methodist elder, providing individual and group spiritual direction, retreat leadership, teaching, and preaching.

Whitney began practicing yoga as part of her recovery after stroke and brain surgery in 2005. She was hesitant a yoga practice could ease her chronic pain. Needless to say, she was wrong. Embracing the practices of yoga and meditation have been foundational for her healing journey. Whitney recently published the devotional, Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit, with Upper Room Books. She is founder of Exploring Peace Ministries (www.ExploringPeace.com) and co-owner of Bloom Yoga Studio (www.BloomYoga.Studio) offering soul care through yoga, meditation, spiritual direction, and contemplative retreats. Whitney is a Deaconess in the United Methodist Church and is an advocate for peace and human equality, longing to create safe space for all people.

Professional Certification in Spiritual Formation (CSF) at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), Registered Christian Yoga Association Master Trainer (RCYA-MT), Deaconess

Ann Smth provides one on one spiritual direction in person and online and leads workshops, programs and retreats. She is a yoga instructor and has experience in the enneagram. She blogs regularly at www.annhsmith.blogspot.com.

Becky is a Spiritual Director trained through Sursum Corda and a Certified the Enneagram Instructor. As a lay member of First United Methodist Church–Cary, she brings a grounded, faith‑rooted presence to her ministry. She holds open, prayerful space for holy listening and authentic reflection. She meets with individuals virtually or in person in Cary, NC as they discern God’s movement in their lives.

Ann founded The Lydia Group, LLC retreat ministry in 1998 (www.TheLydiaGroup.com), has been the Director of Spiritual Formation at Davidson United Methodist Church in Davidson NC since 2004, and since 2006 Ann and husband Tom have offered sacred space apart for individuals and groups at Starrette Farm Retreat Center in Statesville NC. Ann earned her business degree from UNC-Charlotte with decades of experience as an entrepreneur. Her post graduate studies have focused on Spiritual Formation and Direction through Shalem Institute, Renovare Institute, and Richmont Graduate University in Atlanta. As a spiritual director, presenter, retreat facilitator, and founding director of the Clergy/Leaders School of the Spirit, Ann views her role as quietly planting inner seeds of freedom, growth, and change toward divine wholeness.

Alyss works as a pastoral psychotherapist under her license as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and currently under the supervision of a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She works with the understanding that we are a creation that experiences God, Self, and the World through our mind, body, and spirit. Our well-being and ability to fully experience each part of that trinity is informed through the health and partnership of its constituents. A person's spiritual direction is, therefore, a holistic experience. Alyss is a deacon in full connection in the California-Nevada Conference of the United Methodist Church. For more information please visit: http://www.processes.org/therapist/alyss/. Alyss is available for in-person or by video using ZOOM.

After retirement, my wife, Joanne, and I began "Agapé Journeys Ministry" with the aim of supporting and coaching pastors and local churches in Prayer, Small Groups and Effective Leadership along with Quiet Days, Retreats and Pilgrimages.
My interests include Spirituality and growth in Christian discipleship, Spiritual Direction and personal growth, community action and the exploration of what God is all about. My hobbies are reading, Pickleball and Disc Golf.
Personal time includes: family, movies and naps.
Favorite movies: anything that makes me think. i.e. from "batman begins" to "the whale rider", to "Parasite" to "the Elephant Man."

Called to grow spiritually and help others grow spiritually, I am a retired Elder in the North Alabama Conference of the UMC. With passions for stories, weaving, and sailing, I attend to listening, encouraging and showing compassion for all. I am available for spiritual direction online and in person within north Alabama.

I've been in ministry in the United Methodist Church for over 40 years, serving most recently as the Minister of Missions and Outreach at Hyde Park UMC in Tampa, Florida with a heart for social justice and serving those on the margins. I completed my Spiritual Director training through the Center for Spiritual Formation in July 2025, and love listening to folks and helping them discern God's call for their lives. From the whispers to the shouts, I believe God is always speaking. I encourage people to be still and learn to silence all other voices but God's. Spiritual practices are indeed that, so I invite people to explore those that bring them closer to God and recognize that different ones may speak to them more in different seasons of life. I love engaging the questions and doubts and uncertainties of life, leaning into love and community for support.

Spiritual direction is truly a three-part companionship amongst the director, the person seeking direction, and the Divine, all within a safe, sacred space. I consider it a joy to be involved in this companionship, and I am honored to “hold” the stories of those who sit with me.
I have had several roles throughout my life including being an RN, a mother, a wife, an educator, and a caregiver to those with special needs. After returning to college to receive my BS in Applied Leadership, I worked in the non-profit sector.
In 2022, I received my Spiritual Direction certification from Lipscomb University. In 2025, I earned my Master's Degree in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Friends University. I have also completed supervision coursework through SDI and now offer supervision for spiritual directors. Finally, in 2026, I completed an Ignatian training certification program through Sustainable Faith that equips me to take others through the Ignatian Exercises.

I am retired after 35 years under Episcopal appointment in the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. I no longer lead retreats, but am available to accompany others on their spiritual journey as a spiritual director.