Let’s Connect
Since a very young age, I have experienced a compelling sense of call to the person and story of Jesus Christ. Over time I’ve been introduced to several contemplative spiritual practices and continue to be drawn to this listening and reflective way of life. After attending Princeton Theological Seminary for my Master of Divinity and Rutgers School of Social Work for my Master of Social Work, my husband AJ and I returned to start a family in South Dakota. I became ordained within the United Church of Christ in 2014 and served 10 years as a solo pastor for two UCC congregations. In an act of deep discernment and faith, I ended my local church ministry in 2023. Our family moved to the ranch my husband and his family operate near Highmore, SD. In 2024, I completed my Certificate in Spiritual Direction with the Phoenix Center for Spiritual Direction. In addition to offering spiritual direction for individuals and leading contemplative group practices, I also serve as a part-time Conference Deacon for the SD Conference of the UCC.
My Story
In this season of life, I am grateful for a rhythm that allows me time to tend and witness the growth of my children Briggs and Blaire. I also thoroughly enjoy substitute teaching, walking, reading, traveling, sharing conversation around a dinner table, laughing, and capturing snapshots of life on the ranch.
As I reflect on my growing awareness of the Holy Spirit’s activity in my life, I thank countless people: my family and friends, several faith communities, colleagues and mentors, and my own spiritual director who have helped me connect more deeply with God. I offer to accompany others in their spiritual journeys from a place of gratitude and understanding that God’s voice in our lives is often amplified by the presence of another witness. I welcome contact from anyone who is interested in deepening their own capacity for contemplative spiritual practice.
How Spiritual Direction Works
Individual spiritual direction occurs with a mutual commitment to meet monthly for a one-hour session. After each session, I ask if you would like to schedule another, at which time you are free to choose without obligation. For several years, I have continued to say YES to meeting monthly with my spiritual director, which has confirmed for me the sacred confidentiality and trust built over time. I am committed to providing a safe space for you to connect more deeply with the divine regardless of your faith background or belief system. If you are unsure about beginning spiritual direction, I am happy to schedule a 15 minute phone call to answer questions. Most sessions will occur via Zoom, although I welcome those who might appreciate an in-person session on our ranch. :)
Payment
Fees: My session fee is $80. If you are a ministry student or in a CPE program and do not receive financial assistance to cover your costs, I offer a reduced fee of $50 per session. If you are serving a ministry context, I invite you to research reimbursement options that may be available via local churches, seminaries, grant programs, and judicatory bodies.
I travel to host group contemplative practices for churches, faith-based organizations, and wider-church groups. I welcome your contact via email at emily.munger@gmail.com to further explore if and how spiritual direction might be a right fit!