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Barb Schwery

My Story

As a Spiritual Director with 45 years of pastoral ministry experience, the ministry of listening has always been a vital part of my life.

When I completed my degree in social work, I wanted my faith to blend with any position I accepted. My call to ministry! I served for 13 years in church ministry as a pastoral minister. In 1995 I happily accepted the invitation to join the BeFriender Ministry National Staff and was named Executive Director in 2009. I have the privilege of teaching and supporting others as they create listening ministries of care across the nation.

Being a Spiritual Director is truly a dream come true for me. The seeds were planted when I was in graduate school and decades later, it was time for me to respond to that lifelong call. As a Spiritual Director, I am a nonjudgmental and compassionate presence. I offer a safe and sacred space for you to reflect on your spiritual journey whatever that may mean for you. With the guidance of the Spirit, I offer support as you take time out of the busyness of life to pause and reflect on your relationship with God and the movements of God in your life. I am humbled and honored to experience the Spirit at work.

I am a wife and mother of 2 adult children. I love spending time with family and friends and volunteering at my church. I enjoy chocolate, mountains, candles, sports, reading, and learning.

I offer Individual Spiritual Direction or Group Spiritual Direction for anyone:

  • seeking a safe and sacred space to reflect on your spiritual journey
  • experiencing times of doubt, change, or challenge
  • discerning life decisions or spiritual movements
  • desiring to deepen your prayer life and attentiveness to God
  • exploring if spiritual direction is for you
  • Spiritual Direction Certification from the Christos Center for Spiritual Formation, Lino Lakes MN
  • Executive Director BeFriender Ministry- A Listening Presence, Bloomington, MN
  • Masters in Ministry, Seattle Seattle, WA
  • 1 Unit Clinical Pastoral Education
  • Bachelor of Social Work, St. Catherine University St. Paul, MN
  • Member of Spiritual Directors International, National Association of Lay Ministers, and Association of Pastoral Ministers
  • Participation in Peer Supervision
Education & Training

Connect with Barb

I am currently receiving new clients for virtual or in-person sessions.


Please feel free to email me with any questions or to schedule a complimentary introductory session. I look forward to connecting with you!

Email: barb@befrienderministry.org

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