I would like to live
Like a river flows.
Carried by the surprise
Of its own unfolding.
— John O’Donohue
Hello.
My name is Justin Bryeans and I’m a pastor and spiritual director.
About a decade ago a band that I enjoy, Joseph, released a project with the title
I’m Alone, No You’re Not. A phrase that so aptly sums up my journey in both discovering and offering spiritual direction and formational experiences rooted in the ways of Jesus.
I first encountered these soulful practices during a season of life that was a swirl of both beauty and pain. A season when I felt stuck and unable to do anything about it — disconnected from God, myself and others. Through these practices I experienced unhurried welcome, space to process and be listened to, and an invitation to live into a dynamic, prayerful and unfolding life with God. I found an assuring presence saying “No, you’re not” to the ache that said “I’m alone.”
I share this because it is my privilege to offer that same kind of companioning to you — through spiritual direction, learning labs and retreats, that you might experience the ongoing goodness and presence of Jesus, the One who says “I am with you always.”
Spiritual Direction
Who listens to you for your sake, with no strings attached? Who listens to you, for the sake of your experience with God, the One who loves you beyond description? These two questions get at how I think about and practice spiritual direction.
Learning Labs
Learning labs are immersive, formational experiences designed to help participants experience and live into the ways of Jesus in the midst of the everyday. These practice oriented offerings can be designed as two hour, half day or full day experiences.
Retreats
Retreats are open spaces of pause, rest and soulful attentiveness in the company of friends. Three or four day experiences in communal solitude for small to medium sized groups or teams.