Rev. Ruth C. Sorenson
(pronouns she/her)
I approach spiritual direction with a sense of playfulness, knowing that this holy work is filled with awe and mischief that makes our souls sing.
My intention and gift is to be a catalyst to my clients as we listen together to the voice of God through silence, prayer, conversation, practices, and coaching. I value deep listening, spiritual reflection, and holy curiosity and feel called to lean into the hard questions that we carry, knowing that there are no easy answers, but trusting that there are signposts that help us along the way into living fully into who we are created to be. I believe that my gifts contribute to my ability to create a safe space for clients to breathe, explore, wonder, discern, play, and remember that they belong to the creator of love.
I was ordained as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in 2006 and since then I have served congregations as an associate pastor and as a pastor for congregational care. I have a certificate in Spiritual Direction from Sojourners Institute, and am currently the Director of Spiritual Care at Lyngblomsten. I use my skills inside and outside of the church walls to serve those looking to deepen their sense of connection to God.
My experience in hospital settings as a Chaplain Resident and in ministry with those who are experiencing life challenges has contributed to my passion for tending our whole being (body, mind, and spirit) through spiritual practices. I am an ambassador for the Make It Ok campaign, a campaign to end the stigma around mental illness, and have completed ASIST, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, and also am equipped to facilitate “Community Stress Debriefing Circles.” I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in Women’s Studies, and received my MDiv with an emphasis on Ministry with the Aging from Luther Seminary.
I hope our work together helps my clients return to their identity as holy beings, like the poet Nikita Gill says, “We are 93 percent stardust, with souls made of flames, we are all just stars that have people names.”