Testimonials

  • "I think the world is a better place because you all went through this training course.”

    Encouragement from a family member at graduation. R.B.

  • “I am so grateful to HeartPaths for preparing me so fully to practice spiritual direction.  I have come to appreciate the practice of “holy listening” as I accompany my directees on their spiritual journeys. I have become a more compassionate listener and have learned so much about myself in the process, which helps me sit more freely with them.”

    B. Hildebrand, Graduate

  • I had been searching for a deeper daily relationship with God, something more than the shared experiences of worship, Bible studies, prayer groups. A friend recommended that I try HeartPaths and I am grateful for the introduction. HeartPaths Year I offered me a place to be on this spiritual quest with likeminded people, learning together in a practical way, the ancient practices of the mystics. This journey has brought me to a place of serene spirituality, no matter the daily stresses of my life.

    Bonni Brophy, Year I

  • "When I began my HeartPaths journey last year, I was hungry to experience a deeper intimacy with God. Year One was an invitation to reflect on my prayer life, learn new prayer styles and practice being a contemplative. In Year Two, Jesus became real for me. I've been a Christian most of my adult life but this year transformed my spiritual walk. I’m looking forward to beginning Year Three in June."

    C. Miller, Year Two

  • What I knew of God, myself and others was only a glimpse of what I am growing to know of God, myself and others. The Journey through HeartPaths and Spiritual Direction have expanded my vision beyond what I could previously see.

    Cynthia Stoutenburgh, Dallas, Tx, Graduate

  • When we gather together in our HeartPaths group and pray, it is like the room gets transformed; it becomes a “Holy Place.” It is beautiful to see that we all are in this journey together and how God’s presence becomes real. It is amazing to discover how we can open to our hearts to God’s communication. It is so clear to see God’s hands through guidance of my spiritual director -- the reverence, the listening and

    Eduardo Ugarte, Year I

  • HeartPaths provided me a circle of pilgrims where friendship was built solely on sharing personal experiences with the Divine. The spiritual practices I learned and time spent with HeartPaths mentors continue to enrich my daily walk with God. I am forever grateful that the Holy Spirit directed me to HeartPaths. God really does know our needs before we ask!

    Rev. Fran Shelton, Graduate

  • The spiritual formation offered at HeartPaths was life-changing for me. Not only did the program equip me to be a spiritual director and a spiritual leader in my congregation, but it deepened my faith. I have a more intimate relationship with God because of my experiences at HeartPaths. HeartPaths was a huge blessing to me.”

    Kristin Robertson (Graduate) Bedford, TX Brio Leadership Company Culture Consultant and Executive Coach

  • As a minister's wife and one who has been around church and para-church ministries for over thirty years, I am struck by the experiential learning in Heart Paths and the modeling of servant leadership by the faculty. This combination has led me to a deeper faith in God and a better understanding of myself in my faith journey.

    M. Hotchkiss , Year III student - livingchurch.org/2019/01/16/holy-listening

  • As a pastor I am pulled in a great many directions. HeartPaths provided an oasis of peace, connection and personal growth. I was reminded of the invaluable importance of simply being in God's presence. I am truly grateful.

    Mally Baum, Associate Pastor, Graduate 2, Trinity Presbyterian Church, McKinney TX

  • "Participation in the HeartPaths Spiritual Direction program opened the door to deeper prayer and spiritual reading experiences, well beyond what I had anticipated. But far more transformative than those experiences were the personal encounters with my fellow spiritual travelers in the program and the HeartPaths staff. The Spirit entered my life through those encounters: it has been life altering."

    Michael L. Brock, LPC-S (Graduate) Licensed Professional Counselor/Supervisor

  • Only a handful of experiences in my life have decisively shaped me spiritually and HeartPaths is one of those. I met wonderful people and made deep spiritual friends, but most importantly, I grew closer to God and I learned so much about myself and how I was created to know and be known by God. HeartPaths helps you break through the barriers you have erected around your deepest self and open yourself to God and to the world.

    Phyllis Tippit, Graduate

  • HeartPaths has been a spark of new life and hope in my life. Learning to share my life in spiritual direction and then learning to listen in love to what the Lord has been saying to a spiritual friend, has deepened my faith and increased my awareness of what the Spirit has been saying to me. My life has been enriched.

    Rev. Dr. John Blacklock, Graduate, First Presbyterian Church, McKinney, TX.