A sensitive, yet critical, topic for individuals, families, and faith communities/organizations. How do you understand human sexuality? What assumptions and beliefs do you hold (and what do you do when they internally conflict)? What do you do when people close to you disagree?

I have taught university courses on theology & human sexuality, sex therapy, and sexual & religious identities. I have also consulted with faith communities and families as they navigate diverse beliefs and convictions yet remain committed to and love and remain in community with one another. How might I help you?

Navigating the stresses and challenges that arise in family life is difficult. What do you do when those challenges arise in your own family, and how can you come alongside and support others when they experience their own difficulties?

And what does a “functional” family look like anyway? Aren’t we all “dysfunctional” at some level?

For any group of people, from workplace colleagues to voluntary social groups like churches and clubs, learning to be in community while allowing for differences of experiences, beliefs, and opinions can be difficult. True purpose and mission of a group can be maintained without requiring uniformity of thought - but only if the leadership and the group is committed to working toward this.

I can help groups understand relationship dynamics, deepen a sense of identity and integrity so that no one is compromising themselves just to be in relationship with others, and provide practical guidance on how to maintain genuine community amid disagreement and differences.

Often leaders find themselves in situations that they were never prepared or equipped for - and find themselves doing the best they can with what they’ve got. Too often leaders are reacting based upon circumstances and unexpected stressors and fears. Often teams of leaders find themselves spending as much energy learning how to work together as they do on the stated organizational mission.

Using contemporary leadership research, consultation experiences, and relationship expertise, I serve as a resource for leadership to become more aware of personal responses, interpersonal dynamics, and operationalize that awareness into leading with integrity and intentionality (and for a sneak-peek at my overall approach, take a look at Edwin Friedman’s A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix).

Faith communities have a unique opportunity to come alongside those with mental, behavioral, and relational difficulties. What is the role of a faith community, how can we best support our people and our broader communities? What are the stigmas and barriers to seeking help? There are many questions, many directions this conversation could take - and I’d love to facilitate and guide that conversation with any faith community interested.

A recent presentation (Nov 24) on this topic can be streamed here.

What if faith and spirituality was something different than ‘think right about God and you’ll get the good stuff (health, success, heaven)’?

Contemplative approaches to spirituality seek to find a different approach to faithfulness and attentiveness to the Divine in daily life. There are examples of practicing contemplative faith and religiosity in most of the great faith traditions (my personal background is in Christian tradition and worldview). Would you be interested in learning more about a different way of experiencing a life of faith? One that honors what you believe while also develops and attentiveness to the Divine in daily life?