AmyJo Garner

Work with me in a confidential one-on-one relationship. You are accepted just as you are and where you are.

What I offer:

Christian mentoring (also called spiritual direction) is often referred to as "holy listening." A Christian mentor listens prayerfully and lovingly. The mentor never judges or accuses. The mentor may ask questions or ask for clarification. The goal is to help clients grow in their faith through deep reflection: the kind of reflection only possible in a safe, compassionate relationship. A Christian mentor is sometimes referred to as a “soul friend.”

A Christian mentor does not give instructions or assignments. Mentoring sessions rely on a revelational approach with the client talking and the mentor listening, questioning, and guiding the client to greater understanding.

“...the [mentor] needs to combine gentleness with candor and expect commitment and hard work from the [client]. A good teacher demands accountability, which is why we usually learn better with a teacher than we do on our own, no matter what the subject matter. But this accountability is mutual, with no place in it for fear or coercion. [The mentor is] accountable to the [client], to whom she owes her attention, discretion, and prayers, while [the client] is accountable through taking the relationship seriously, honoring the [mentor's] gift of time and attention, and bringing her best and truest self to the work.” adapted from Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction by Margaret Gunther

Each human being is a unique reflection of God. As such, each person is valuable and precious. Each of us has something vital to contribute to the world. My role as a Christian Mentor or Spiritual Director is to help individuals connect with God in a way that allows her or him to develop a spiritually rich life that magnifies her or his God-given gifts to the world.

Background:

I am an experienced writer, educator, and pastor. I work as a freelance writer and WordPress designer and also teach at a local Oklahoma City career college. I have served as both a youth pastor and a Christian education director. I oversee Soul Path Personal Development as part of my ministry of grace and simplicity.

Professionals memberships:

• Christians for Biblical Equality
• American Academy of Religion
• Spiritual Directors International
• Phi Beta Kappa