Jim Webner

City: Ellicott City

State: MD

Languages: English

Personalized Affiliation: Quaker

Spiritual Spheres: Christianity, Humanism, Quaker, Spiritual but Not Religious

Affinity Groups: LGBTQ+

Category: Spiritual Director

Email: [email protected]

Phone:

Website: http://anamcaraec.com

Focus Area: LGBTQIA+

Social Media:

Profile: Greetings, Friends! My name is Jim, and I am a spiritual director based in Ellicott City, Maryland. I hold a Masters degree in Divinity (MDiv) from Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University and a Certificate in the Art of Spiritual Direction from the three-year HeartPaths training program in Dallas/Fort Worth. My approach to spiritual direction is grounded in the contemplative silence and simplicity of my Quaker faith tradition. For me, spiritual direction is an act of accompaniment in which I help directees explore the narratives of their spiritual journeys through curiosity, sacred listening, compassion, and friendship.

I've found that, even within religious institutions, many people struggle to find opportunities for the kind of deep, tender conservations that help us explore and understand our relationship to the divine. Speaking with a spiritual director or soul friend (anam cara) is a way of intentionally setting aside a sacred space and time for introspection and discovery. I encourage my directees to bring their questions, doubts, and fears, as well as their joys and inspirations to each session.

My job as a spiritual director is to walk alongside you (or maybe even a step or two behind, allowing you to take the lead) as you walk your spiritual path. I may notice an aspect of the landscape that's easy to overlook, ask a question that hadn't occurred to you before, or simply bear loving witness to a difficult period in your life. Despite the title, my job is not to "direct" you, but to be your caring companion. Your discoveries will be your own.

As a Quaker in the unprogrammed tradition, I am used to working within a wide range of theological diversity, from Christ-centered faiths to nontheistic spirituality. Quakers have no creeds or doctrines, instead relying on the immediate experience of the spirit to inform what they believe and how that belief should manifest itself in our lives. I welcome those who identify as spiritual but not religious, humanist, and atheist to this ministry. Additionally, I also strive to be a safe space for those who have experienced marginalization in other faith communities, particularly members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

If you'd like to explore whether I would be a good fit for you as a spiritual director, I encourage you to contact me at [email protected] to set up a free consultation. You can also learn more on my website, Anam Cara Ellicott City, at anamcaraec.com. I offer direction sessions in-person (for local seekers) and on Zoom.