Lakeshore Spiritual Formation is a ministry of spiritual formation created by Lowell Black in response to God's grace, Christ's love, and the nudging of the Holy Spirit. The ministry was formed in 2007 while working within the framework of a Spiritual Direction/Companionship Practicum at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. The ministry is provided by Rev. Lowell Black, and oversight is provided by an Advisory Board of three United Methodist laity with interest and expertise in the functions of the ministry.

Lowell Black is a seminarian who has completed all of the Spiritual Formation coursework at Garrett and received professional certification in Spiritual Formation from the United Methodist Church in 2009. He is a certified candidate for ordination as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church and has been a Certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church for many years. He is a Charter Member of the Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors & Retreat Leaders and is a member of Spiritual Directors International. He has led a number of retreats and studies in the area of spiritual formation.

The philosophy of this ministry is that the various forms of spiritual formation are simply a means by which I come alongside of you on your spiritual journey and show you things about the journey that you may not have seen before, or perhaps had never seen in a particular light. It is my goal to walk with you on your journey until we get to the next town (signifying your spiritual growth). There you have the choice to stay, go back, or continue walking with me to the next town. In one on one spiritual direction, I will meet with you periodically to explore your spiritual life and to develop your awareness of God's presence in your life. My personal spiritual journey is distinctively Wesleyan (Methodist) and all are welcome.

Leadership of retreats or studies will have the same goal: to explore the spiritual dimensions of your life and to help develop awareness of God's presence in your life. Spiritual growth is the objective! 

If you have felt the need to have a more meaningful relationship with God, or that you feel spiritually dry, or perhaps have been just too busy to listen for God, I would be happy to help you reconnect. If you have a group that would like to have spiritual leadership of your next (or first) retreat, I would be happy to speak with you about that. 

Fees for individual spiritual direction are $45.00 per hour. Group fees for retreats or spiritual formation are negotiable. Please contact Rev. Black at 219.763.7915 or lgblack13@verizon.net for further information.