Pastoring

I enjoy offering spiritual direction because it feels like being a walking companion on the biblical “Road to Emmaus” (Luke 24:13-32).

What directees have said:

“I have been meeting with Jamie for more than two years. His work in both pastoral and business worlds give him a breadth of experience to draw from but, more than these, his listening ear is the greatest gift. Jamie has the ability to help me reflect on my story with a persistent eye toward what God is up to in the midst. I am grateful for these times and always leave them refreshed, centered, and reminded of the presence of God in all things. 

Drew Dixon, Minister-Teacher-Liturgist

“My sheep listen to my voice, I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10:27

“Basic to all pastoral work: prayer, Scripture, and spiritual direction”
Eugene Peterson

If you are at a transition point in your life and are seeking discernment,

If your experience of God in prayer and worship is frustrating you and you are not sure why, or

If you simply want to grow deeper in your prayer life and in your relationship with God,

…you might consider meeting for spiritual direction.

Spiritual Direction…

is a place where we can bring anything from our lives, our hearts or our thoughts and intentionally look to see where Christ is present. It is a place to bring questions, concerns, feelings, wonderings, secrets, and joys. A place that is safe, welcoming, and holy.

My Approach

is based on the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola with the Holy Spirit as Spiritual Director (John 14:26). Ignatian spiritual direction is cultivating the art of discernment, to hear and recognize the voice of Jesus through Scripture and prayer. This leads to freedom, clarity, and focus for life and ministry, along with confidence to act in accordance with God’s leading. . . so you may be able to discern what is best. . . (Philippians 1:9-10; John 10:27).

For those unfamiliar, the Spiritual Exercises are a Christ-centered, scripturally-based gospel adventure in prayer. The fruit of the Exercises is a deeper, more personal, experiential relationship with Jesus, such as Paul described in Philippians 3: “I want to know Christ.”

A typical spiritual direction session lasts about an hour, is confidential, and takes place usually on a monthly basis.

My Experience

The Spiritual Exercises not only transformed my prayer life but also provided the discernment framework that helped map my way to offering spiritual direction as a pastor. Since 2014, I have been apprenticed in the practice of spiritual direction by a Jesuit priest, Fr. Jim Harbaugh. In 2018, I also trained with Bill Zuelke of Soul Formation to become an Ignatian Retreat Facilitator. Bill has been leading people through the Ignatian Exercises for over thirty years.

I am a member of the Evangelical Spiritual Directors Association (ESDA), and in my spiritual direction work, I ascribe to ESDA’s “Code of Ethics”. I am also an ordained minister in the Christian & Missionary Alliance (C&MA), Soul Formation and a Benedictine Oblate with Westminster Abbey, Mission, BC. My spiritual direction practice is part of my overall pastoral ministry, called Luke-Acts Improv Ministries. I offer Christian faith formation and accompaniment in a variety of everyday contexts outside the four walls of the church.

How to Start

The first information session is free and takes about 20 minutes.

I am available to meet for spiritual direction either in person in Seattle, Washington or online (Skype or Zoom). My standard rate per session is available upon request. However, I do not want money to be an issue to keep someone from meeting for spiritual direction. I offer a limited number of reduced rate and pro-bono sessions depending on need and availability.

If you have questions about spiritual direction or any of the other aspects of my pastoral ministry, please feel free to contact me. I would love to have a conversation with you.