about

We are here not only to transform the world, but to be transformed. – Parker Palmer

Meet Lauren

Hello and welcome to Wellspring Lane!

 

In my own life, finding companions along the way continues to be an essential part of learning and growing. At the heart of the tradition of spiritual direction is this invitation: to be seen and known in the loving presence of God and in the company of a trusted listener. This is what I’ve experienced as a recipient of this practice and it’s what drew me to want to share this kind of experience with others. 

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As someone who has spent two decades in church ministry, I deeply value the opportunity to provide confidential space for pastors and leaders as they tend to the realities of their own spiritual journey. In the words of Eugene Peterson, “It is easier to find guides, someone to tell you what to do, than someone to be with you in a discerning, prayerful companionship as you work it out for yourself. This is what spiritual direction is.” Tending the soil of your own inner life is the greatest gift you can give to those around you.

 

A transformational aspect of my own story has been learning to embrace seasons of doubt in regards to faith, life, and suffering, seeing these as an invitation rather than simply a disruption. Wrestling with our questions is a normal part of the spiritual life that can deepen and enrich our faith like nothing else can. I know how important it is to have judgment-free, compassionate support when re-evaluating and exploring matters of faith. My faith upbringing has largely been in the evangelical and charismatic stream and in recent years, I’ve been deeply nourished by the wider, ecumenical church and the diversity and depth of its rich history. I’ve been profoundly shaped by the work of Eugene Peterson, Dallas Willard, Ruth Haley Barton, Curt Thompson, Henri Nouwen, and the wisdom of many others in the contemplative stream and spiritual formation landscape.

 

Outside of Wellspring Lane, I spend my time serving our local church in the areas of worship and spiritual formation, where I enjoy meeting with individuals and couples, leading groups, and writing/curating discipleship materials.  My husband, Chris, and I have 3 children, Adelyn, Ella, and Luke. In 2018, we happily returned home to the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania after living out of state for many years (a warm “hello” to our former homes of MD, OH, and CO!) 

Background + Training

I treasure the gift of being with others in the slowed down, prayerful space of spiritual direction.

If you’re interested in how I got here, below is a snapshot of my background and training that’s led me to my current work: 

 

  • BS + MMEd in Music Education. Spending my undergrad years at a Bible college (University of Valley Forge) included extensive coursework in biblical studies and experience in ministry leadership.
  • Church ministry, 20 years. Primarily in areas of worship (music) and spiritual formation, with a stretch of time in youth ministry in my early days.
  • Spiritual direction. Training completed with Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction in 2021.
  • Enneagram in Spiritual Direction. Training completed with Doug & Adele Calhoun through PAX Center in 2022.
  • Currently, I’m a member of Spiritual Directors International and I receive personalized supervision for my practice on a regular basis.

If you think spiritual direction might be a next right thing for you, I’d love to hear from you.

Whether you are decades along in your life of faith or you’re curiously exploring the spiritual dimension of your life,

spiritual direction can be a transformative practice as you consider your past, navigate your present,

and move forward into your future.

May you have all the room you need to explore and nourish the deepest parts of your beloved self in the days to come.

All grace to you.