"For me, spiritual direction is always storytelling." - Margaret Guenther

When we share our stories, we can gain insight into the past, clarity in the present, and direction for the future. Our stories are signposts of the Spirit’s activity in our lives. In my spiritual companionship practice, I am energized by helping others pay closer attention to evidence of the Spirit’s presence and prompting as they share their stories.

The sacred work of spiritual companionship is a natural extension of my prior vocational experience. I served as the associate pastor of a Baptist church in Nashville, Tennessee, for a decade before becoming a chaplain at a licensed addiction treatment center for women. In both of these ministry settings, I was a keeper of sacred stories, a spiritual companion for those seeking to deepen their connection to the God of their understanding.

I embrace a spacious spirituality that continues to evolve as I experience the Divine in nature, in my community of faith, and in the lives of other seekers. I have a particular interest in companioning those who are reconstructing their faith after experiencing trauma or disillusionment within the Church.

I am an alumna of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (Bachelor of Arts), Samford University (Master of Divinity), and The Haden Institute (Spiritual Direction Certificate). I have served on the board of directors for Baptist Women in Ministry and BJC (a national faith-based group working to protect religious freedom for all). I have mentored women and teenage girls in formal and informal settings for many years. I have over 200 writing credits, including articles, curricula, commentaries, devotions, and opinion pieces.

After spending the majority of my life residing in Tennessee, I am now delighted to call the mountains of Western North Carolina home. I enjoy taking leisurely drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking in the Appalachian Mountains, kayaking at Lake Junaluska, and birding along the French Broad River. Each week I volunteer at two of Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry’s sites, sorting food at Hominy Valley Crisis Center and leading a Spirituality in Recovery group at Costello House, a recovery living center for men.