Spiritual Director, Online Cohort Leader, and Author
My work is to use the Christian tradition to help better the world, through 1-to-1 spiritual direction, online cohorts, and other creative resources.
If you found your way to this website, I trust it is a matter of “deep calling out to deep.”
I help people go deeper into their faith rather than give it up, who feel stuck in one area of their life, and who want to challenge themselves to keep growing.
Here is the Problem as I See It:
We often outsource reading our own spiritual compass to others when we should be reading it for ourselves, we become stuck in our life or our faith journey because we have exhausted all the resources we have and don’t know where to turn next, and there is little out there that teaches us how to deeply contemplate and be fully present to our own lives.
If this is you, then I want to work with you.
Here is What I Want to Do About It:
I have a degree in Biblical Studies, a Masters of Divinity, and a Masters of Theology. I have written 5 books and left church work after 20 years to do my work in the world with less limits and constraints.
My mission statement is to quietly and humbly do good work with people directly and through my projects, for the sake of the apokatastaseos panton (the restoration of all things).
What to Do Next?
Step 3.
Sign up for Spiritual Direction or one of my Cohorts.
Keep reading the weekly newsletter, and reach out when I can help you.
Join an Upcoming Online Cohort
Blog Posts
- On Pope Francis
Yesterday morning, I read a report that Pope Francis had passed away at 88 years old. I am not Catholic, but I feel great fealty and respect for Catholicism. And yet, I felt a good… Read more: On Pope Francis - The Spiritual Lineage of the Christian Mystics
This is a picture of former Trappist monk turned psychotherapist Jim Finley, who was once mentored by the (in)famous Thomas Merton. He is standing in front of Merton’s hermitage at the Our Lady of Gethsemani… Read more: The Spiritual Lineage of the Christian Mystics - Concerning the Next Four Years
This past Saturday, I was driving to work at REI when up ahead I saw flashing red and blue lights and several police cars. As I got closer I discovered that they were moderating traffic… Read more: Concerning the Next Four Years
Books and Other Things
Testimonials
“I am so grateful for John Chaffee. He is a gifted writer, thinker, guide, and spiritual coach. Each week, I look forward to his weekly email, and I am thrilled he has written this new book to help people live by a wisdom that many consider foolish.” – Brian D. McLaren, author of Do I Stay Christian and Faith After Doubt
“I always think of [John] as a modern desert father.” – Rev. Leah Q.
“Spending time talking with John is more like spiritual therapy than anything else. I often joke that you were more of a therapist/counselor to me than my first 2 therapists.” – Josh S.
“It was so good to have you (for a retreat) and the people who came have had so much to talk about. You are sharing and working through topics that are incredibly important, and you’re doing it in a way that draws people in.” – Rev. Kaitlyn W.
“Taking your class was a blessing in itself and to be put with a professor who knew what he was talking about and loved talking about it was amazing. You opened my mind up to so many new ideas and objectives that I want to reach in life. I would say that you are one of the most influential teachers/professors that I have ever had.” – A Former Student
“Every Friday, [the 5 on Friday Newsletter] challenges me to think a little differently. After a couple of months, I see things in a whole new way.” – Anonymous
“The spiritual wisdom of a sage, the empathetic non-judgment of a therapist, the sensitivity to God’s voice of a prophet, the shame-free love of a parent, and the attentive listening of a close friend. John Chaffee is a healing balm for a hurting soul. If you want a safe space and a trustworthy guide to help you navigate your faith journey, do yourself the favor and talk with John. The love, freedom, empowerment, and hope you will experience is priceless!” – Joshua S.
“When I feel I am losing my way, [John] inevitably say[s] something that reawakens and refreshes my spirit.” – Tom
“I have just started to pursue spiritual direction with John. I found him to be easy to talk with and a good listener. He paces the session well and makes helpful observations and comments based on his vast knowledge of reading various Christian authors over the centuries. I plan to continue working with John and look forward to our next appointment.” – Don Z.