Sacred
Listening
Collective
Katie Friesen Smith
My Story
As a spiritual director, I seek to hold space for you to know God and be known by God. I invite you to bring your whole self - your questions, your doubts, your hopes, and the longings you might not even have words for yet.
My own journey has been shaped by more than 30 years of walking alongside people in spiritual formation - through local church ministry, higher education, and camping ministry. But just as much, it's been shaped by my own ongoing practice of prayerful listening and learning to pay attention to where God is already at work.
For me, spiritual direction is sacred companioning. It's about slowing down together, listening deeply, and noticing the quiet ways God shows up in the middle of ordinary life. I bring compassion and care to this work, trusting that God meets you exactly where you are - and gently invites you toward greater awareness, healing, and wholeness.
Education & Training
- Doctor of Ministry, Congregational & Family Care — Bethel Seminary
- Master of Divinity — Bethel Seminary
- Certification in Spiritual Direction — Christos Center for Spiritual Formation
- Member of Spiritual Directors International (with ongoing peer supervision and ethical practice)
Areas of Focus
- Spiritual discernment and noticing God's presence in everyday life
- Seasons of transition, uncertainty, and change
- Seasons of Grief and Loss
- Deep listening, soul care, and spiritual formation
- Growing a more authentic relationship with God
Connect with Katie
I am currently accepting new directees.
Email: smikatj@bethel.edu