I strongly believe that trust is earned through relationship over time. Here’s a little bit about me to get started:
Hi. I’m Erica Shepler Romero. I’m a fellow sojourner, and follower of Jesus who has walked through much pain, longing and healing in my journey towards God’s hope.
I have a deep appreciation for God’s creativity, both the beauty of nature, and in the diversity and uniquenesses of the people God has created. Originally from the midwest, a Purdue grad (go Boilers;), I am also a white woman who has been on a learning journey about culture, race and justice for over 30 years. And I’m more than ever convinced that God’s grace is enough for whatever journey we’re on.
My own journey with Jesus deepened profoundly in college, through 25 years of urban youth & justice ministry, through seasons of grief, loss & depression, and with the help of mentors, spiritual directors, Christian counseling, and deep community. My life journey and burden for young adults of color deconstructing faith and painful church experiences led me to do a 3 year Art of Spiritual Direction program with the Center for Spiritual Development. I’m also nearly finished with a Master’s in Pastoral Theology with a Spiritual Direction concentration! Flowing from my ministry background, I specialize in spiritual direction for those processing issues of justice, race, culture and Christianity. In addition, I value creating a safe space for those processing pain, life transitions, and God's calling.
I am a co-conspirer with those working for a more just world. I am a friend, ministry leader, and a wanna-be contemplative activist. I got married later in life (& had some words with God about the long wait ;) to my best friend Robert Chao Romero, and have two crazy awesome kids.
“Erica as a spiritual director has been an amazing and essential experience for me. She incorporates social justice, faith and spirituality that, to be honest, most churches lack. If you are someone that loves God but needs to process what justice and spirituality looks like, go to Erica!” — Bianca J.
“My experience with spiritual direction with Erica has been a great journey. I feel like God is preparing me for what is to come. I have gained wisdom, perspective, confidence and most importantly feel that God has been with me every step of the way.” —D. Ramos
Mural artist: Donna Hargett
The task of the Spiritual Director
is to honor the questions
that have no right
to go away.
-David Hoover
Feel free to contact me about providing Spiritual Direction for your team virtually or through group retreats. I would be happy to explore options with you.
I’ve had the privilege of serving various organizations including: CCDA (Christian Community Development Association), InterVarsity Grad and Faculty Ministry, Cru Lenses and Epic ministries, Urban Strategies, Faithful Central Bible Church’s Leadership Academy, Passion2Plant Church Planting Network, and Peacock Soul Care Institute.