Spiritual Development
More about spiritual development.
“The farther the outward journey takes you, the deeper the inward journey must be. Only when your roots are deep can your fruits be abundant.”
— Henri Nouwen
What is Spiritual Development? It’s a spiritual conversation, a format where a person meets with their director and the director helps identify the movements of God in a person’s life (not exactly like counselors, pastors, or therapists but maybe in a similar vein if you’re familiar with those settings). Spiritual directors do not diagnose problems; instead, they listen, observe, ask thoughtful questions, and journey with someone through their own questions and uncertainty: particularly when someone is in a season of loss, transition, hungry for something more from God, or the old spiritual pathways aren’t working for them anymore. Angela Otero (Summer 2019).
Ways a Spiritual Director can help you:
• Notice God’s movement in day-to-day events and in prayer.
• Weigh important decisions or changes.
• Discover God’s purpose and calling on your life.
• Interpret and deepen your experience of God.
• Integrate spirituality and practices into your daily life.
• Share joys, fears, desires and struggles in a safe environment.
• Spiritually heal from past wounds and hurts.
• Receive encouragement, guidance and companionship.
• Get spiritually unstuck.
• Become more of who you were designed to be.
Make an appointment with one of our Spiritual Directors:
Marina Carter is certified Spiritual Director, who graduated from the two-year program at Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction in May 2022. She is available for Spiritual Development in English and/or Spanish. Marina was born in El Salvador and immigrated to New York at the age of eight. She went on to graduate with an engineering degree from Columbia University at twenty-three, and then years later with a Master’s in Mathematics Education. Her calling is to accompany others on their journey to become who they were created to be by intentionally becoming available to God’s presence and love. Marina has been married to her best friend, Lawrence, for the past 37 years and has raised two daughters.
Please fill out the in-take form to the left and Marina will get its touch with you. Or you can contact her directly: marina.spiritual.
Sami Shaker is a certified Spiritual Director, who graduated from the two-year program at Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction in May 2022. He found a home in the Experience Vineyard Church over three decades ago where he received love, discipleship and training for ministry. He is most passionate about coming along side people from all walks of life in their spiritual journey with God, with emphasis on freedom and renewal. Sami has been married to his best friend, Amal, since 1991. They have two adult children and enjoy hosting friends, traveling, and walking on the beach.
Please fill out the in-take form to the left and Sami will get in touch with you. Or you can contact him directly: shakers4@gmail.com; 516-574-2374.