Meet Nicole VanderDoes
Passionate about spiritual growth
I grew up atheist with some Jewish influences and became a Christian in college as a result of reading the Bible. As I tested my newfound beliefs, I quickly saw the need to learn and grow in community. I also discovered there is such potential for spiritual growth but few communities of faith are equipped to support it. I attended church regularly, got involved, and created fellowship and learning opportunities for myself and others. Despite my best efforts, I still felt something was missing. When I first experienced God's love for me in a deep, real, tangible way, everything changed. I still don't always feel loved or lovable, but God reminds me again and again that I am loved beyond measure exactly as I am.
Receiving God's love was the beginning of getting to know God better. There are no words that can adequately express my gratitude for discovering how much more is possible by the grace of God when I am attentive to and cooperate with the Spirit. Every day I am reminded how much I don’t know, which allows me to learn in new and wonderful ways.
A former lawyer, I have now committed my life to facilitating spiritual growth. In 2022, I completed the M.A. in Christian Spirituality – Spiritual Direction program at the Institute for Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago. This program provided a theological foundation and practical skills that complement my experience and gifts. I am especially grateful for what I learned through my contextual education placement at Edgebrook Lutheran Church. I continue to pursue educational opportunities, especially those focused on grief and trauma. In 2024 I began volunteering at a neighborhood hospital, which has enriched my understanding of offering a ministry of presence.
I am a member at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. Before moving to Chicago, I spent many years active in the United Methodist Church, and have attended churches of other Protestant denominations as well as nondenominational churches. My approach to spirituality has also been influenced by my Jesuit education at Loyola and by Catholic writers such as Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, Emilie Griffin, and Mark Thibodeaux. Other spiritual influences include Thich Nhat Hanh, Madeleine L'Engle, Valarie Kaur, Eugene Peterson, Parker Palmer, Jacqui Lewis, and so many more.
For more than 17 years, I have facilitated small groups at various churches both in-person and via Zoom. I have also led workshops, provided communications and small group facilitator trainings, and developed targeted training materials. In addition, I have overseen the creation of two congregation-written devotional books and have experience integrating spirituality and stewardship.
Originally from Ohio, I have lived in Chicago since 2012. I was married in 2021, after three postponements due to the pandemic, and I am grateful to share my life with a man who is equally committed to living in a way that reflects God’s love for us and the world. One of the many gifts of our marriage is as a support for my ministry of spiritual accompaniment.
Receiving God's love was the beginning of getting to know God better. There are no words that can adequately express my gratitude for discovering how much more is possible by the grace of God when I am attentive to and cooperate with the Spirit. Every day I am reminded how much I don’t know, which allows me to learn in new and wonderful ways.
A former lawyer, I have now committed my life to facilitating spiritual growth. In 2022, I completed the M.A. in Christian Spirituality – Spiritual Direction program at the Institute for Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago. This program provided a theological foundation and practical skills that complement my experience and gifts. I am especially grateful for what I learned through my contextual education placement at Edgebrook Lutheran Church. I continue to pursue educational opportunities, especially those focused on grief and trauma. In 2024 I began volunteering at a neighborhood hospital, which has enriched my understanding of offering a ministry of presence.
I am a member at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. Before moving to Chicago, I spent many years active in the United Methodist Church, and have attended churches of other Protestant denominations as well as nondenominational churches. My approach to spirituality has also been influenced by my Jesuit education at Loyola and by Catholic writers such as Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, Emilie Griffin, and Mark Thibodeaux. Other spiritual influences include Thich Nhat Hanh, Madeleine L'Engle, Valarie Kaur, Eugene Peterson, Parker Palmer, Jacqui Lewis, and so many more.
For more than 17 years, I have facilitated small groups at various churches both in-person and via Zoom. I have also led workshops, provided communications and small group facilitator trainings, and developed targeted training materials. In addition, I have overseen the creation of two congregation-written devotional books and have experience integrating spirituality and stewardship.
Originally from Ohio, I have lived in Chicago since 2012. I was married in 2021, after three postponements due to the pandemic, and I am grateful to share my life with a man who is equally committed to living in a way that reflects God’s love for us and the world. One of the many gifts of our marriage is as a support for my ministry of spiritual accompaniment.
Discover Spiritual Direction
Accompaniment for your unique journey
If spiritual direction is unfamiliar, you are not alone! I first heard of it via passing reference in books I was reading. It turns out spiritual direction has existed since early Christianity if not before. As soon as I began to understand it better, I sensed a strong calling to serve in this way. You do NOT need to be a Christian, attend church, or belong to or follow any organized religion to benefit from spiritual direction. Spiritual direction is for anyone who is seeking to explore their own sense of spirituality, and it is up to the seeker to define what that means.
Despite the word "direction," I do not tell you want to do or think or believe. I have training and experience that I draw upon, but it is your relationship with the divine that I hope will guide you. I view what I do as facilitation; I seek to facilitate the deepening of your own spirituality.
Spiritual direction takes place in monthly one-on-one sessions, either in person or via Zoom. The format and content will be different for each person, but the focus is always on intentional listening to you. Spiritual direction is not therapy, counseling, or religious instruction. There are no prerequisites to participation other than a sense this is something you want to explore.
The first session is always free. Ongoing one-hour sessions are $80 with discounts available based on need. If I am not a good fit for you, I am happy to refer you to other qualified spiritual directors.
You can learn more about spiritual direction from Spiritual Directors International (SDI), which is an international organization providing resources to spiritual directors and those seeking direction. You can also learn more about my approach by reviewing the services I offer.
Despite the word "direction," I do not tell you want to do or think or believe. I have training and experience that I draw upon, but it is your relationship with the divine that I hope will guide you. I view what I do as facilitation; I seek to facilitate the deepening of your own spirituality.
Spiritual direction takes place in monthly one-on-one sessions, either in person or via Zoom. The format and content will be different for each person, but the focus is always on intentional listening to you. Spiritual direction is not therapy, counseling, or religious instruction. There are no prerequisites to participation other than a sense this is something you want to explore.
The first session is always free. Ongoing one-hour sessions are $80 with discounts available based on need. If I am not a good fit for you, I am happy to refer you to other qualified spiritual directors.
You can learn more about spiritual direction from Spiritual Directors International (SDI), which is an international organization providing resources to spiritual directors and those seeking direction. You can also learn more about my approach by reviewing the services I offer.