Nurturing your identity as God’s beloved.
Joel To
As an ordained pastor and spiritual director with over two decades of ministry experience, I draw upon a variety of spiritual practices and traditions. I see the interplay of spirituality, culture, and ethnicity working together to form us in God's image. Taking a wholistic approach, I help individuals deepen their understanding of themselves and their relationship with Father, Son, and Spirit. Whether you are seeking guidance on a specific issue or simply looking to deepen your spiritual practices, I would be honored to hold space and walk alongside you.
My desire is to be a guide who provides support and encouragement to you on your spiritual journey. This may involve exploring questions of meaning and purpose, seeking deeper connection with Father, Son and Spirit, or discovering a sense of inner peace and fulfillment. I view a spiritual director not as therapist or counselor, but rather a companion on the journey, offering insight, wisdom, and encouragement along the way. I desire to create a space where you can be seen and heard, a space to discover and honor who you are. I want to hold a space for you to sort through demands and stressors of everyday life and relationships, as well as family of origin, cultural identity and BIPOC-specific challenges.
Spiritual Direction for People of Color
As a second-generation Asian American born to Southeast Asian refugee parents, I bring a unique perspective to spiritual direction. I understand the feelings of wanting to develop cultural identity and the overwhelming need to figure out your true self. I have experienced the stressors related to living and navigating the complexity of family expectations, culture, and dominant society. I understand the impact of marginalization and systematic oppression. Most importantly I understand how these experiences play a significant role in our view of religion and relationship with God. I have a specific passion to walk alongside adults who feel stuck or stagnate in their spiritual journey as they look to integrate all of the above into their complete self.
Spiritual Direction for Helping Professionals
I have years of experience in various “helping professions” , ranging from pastoral and ministry positions to education and social work. I have faced the ongoing challenge of embodying my Christian faith in contexts that demand empathy and self-sacrifice to accomplish this vital work.
I perceive soul care and spiritual direction as a vital part of helping individuals learn to integrate their Christian faith with their soul taxing work and vocation. Christian frontline workers need to learn how to process the trauma and pain they see on a daily basis and lean into the grace of Jesus to prevent soul depletion and burnout.
“Discernment is about more than making good decisions. It requires an understanding of the Divine and the Divine’s role in one’s life and in one’s “call.” Thus, it requires an awareness of what the Divine is doing in the whole of your life.”
— Howard Thurman