FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I believe in simple, flat rate pricing. While there certainly are business aspects to what I do, it is first and foremost spiritual services and I believe transparency is extremely important. There are also sliding scale fees available for those who need them.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Clergy in our denomination are required to engage in six hours of online continuing education as well as attend a residential four day training each year. Not only do I participate, I also write most of the programming which requires me to engage in at least two hours of preparation for every one hour of class presentation. Additionally, I offer at least four retreats each year on topics of contemporary spiritual interest.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
Believe it or not, I didn't like church as a child. I'd have to say that while I have probably always enjoyed spirituality more than most church experiences - with some notable exceptions. What really made me want to become ordained is seeing clergy work doing counseling and pastoral care with grieving families. The first time I had that experience I started to understand that spiritual leaders have to opportunity to help people in their great moments of need - both joyful need and sad need. I was sure I was called to do this work. At the time, I was working in the business world, and I would later work in the mental health field while I was going back to school so that I could be ordained. All of those experiences helped my understand the people I work with today more fully. I know what it is to work "in the real world," and I understand the struggles that are part of the human condition. I feel I have the greatest job in the world, and I am honored to be present with people during the great transitions of their lives!