What Started This Program?
Allison and I founded Essential2Life in Atlanta in 1995, and by 2000 I was struggling spiritually, emotionally, and mentally which was taxing on my marriage. I was not just heading to burnout, I was facing my first experience at the "WALL". Not knowing where to turn I would take sabbaticals that were just long periods of rest. Every 4-5 years I would come crashing into the "WALL". It wasn't until November of 2014 that I hit the wall so hard there was no return unless God showed up differently. Being diagnosed with PTSD due to the realities of urban ministry and facing clinical depression I was finally at a place where I was willing to surrender and let the Trinity through self-care and soul care do a redemptive work in my life. See, I didn't know the depth of damage to my soul! I was introduced in the Fall of 2015 to my mentor "Trip" where I was introduced to one on one intensive discipleship and spiritual formation.
It was through surrendering every area of my life, learning about Spiritual Formation and finding a community of like-minded individuals who walk with us and continue to walk with us in our journey of self-care and soul care, which has become a central focus of our lives.
Since 2015 Allison and I have been privileged to have our lives intersect with some amazing people wanting to grow in their relationship with the Trinity. Through contemplative practices and spiritual direction training we are walking with ministry leaders to experience self-care and soul-care in the context of marriage. Since 2015, Allison and I have walked with ministry couples and forged friendships because it is our hop that ministry couples never feel isolated or alone again!
