Team

Bob Holloway - Retreat Leader
 
I have been involved with the Academy for Spiritual Formation for several years. I have been a participant in several five-day academies, the Texas Two-Year Academy and have served as the Retreat Leader for the Five Day North Texas for the past 10 years. The Academy has played a major role in my spiritual formation as a pastor and District Superintendent. The worship, silence, learning sessions and participation in listening circles shaped my awareness of the need for a rule of life through the spiritual practices. I have a strong interest in being available to assist pastors and local churches in assessing and responding to their spiritual life. In retirement, I enjoy personal and leadership consultation, team building, and missional visioning and discernment. I also have a very strong interest in the education I am receiving with Judy as we have the fun of playing with our three toddler grandchildren. 47bhollow@gmail.com


Judy Holloway - Worship Leader

I have served in music ministry in churches throughout the Central Texas Conference, and as worship coordinator for three Two Year Academies in San Antonio. It was my great joy to have been a part of Elise Eslinger's editorial team for the Upper Room Worshipbook which is our primary worship resource. Currently, I serve as worship coordinator in 5-day academies, retreats for local churches, and organizations. I find much joy and grace in being a part of the Academy for Spiritual Formation and in being a part of prayer and formation communities in various other contexts. jmbholloway@gmail.com


Kristin Warthen - Listening Circle Coordinator

I count myself blessed to live in pursuit of my passion: serving God and teaching others in new and creative ways. Currently, I serve as pastor at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Arlington, Texas. As an avid reader and lover of pop culture, I find myself fascinated by the ways in which art and life imitate and reflect one another. When I am not listening to a podcast, reading a book, or watching a movie, I am probably talking about observations from podcasts, books, and movies. I married my high school sweetheart, Joshua, fresh out of high school, and together, we are journeying through parenthood with our two caring and witty daughters who often teach us more than we teach them. As a graduate of Brite Divinity School, I also spend time exploring creative ways that Christians can seek justice and bring hope in a world craving both. kristin@sa-umc.org

JoNell Lindh - Hospitality

I am a Kansas farm girl with a deep love for all God's creation. I earned a Bachelor of Music degree at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. I met and married my husband, Jody Lindh and we got to Dallas as soon as we could. The season of my first career as an Elementary Music teacher came to its conclusion at the Women's Walk to Emmaus # 4 at Lake Sharon where I experienced God calling me into full-time ministry. I have been honored to serve many Walks from that time until now. Since music and singing fill my soul and give me a language to fully praise God with joy, I earned a Master of Music degree from Texas Women's University during my 20 years of teaching music. I then turned toward preparing for this call to ministry. I earned a Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. In almost 20 years of serving several churches as Senior and Associate Pastor, and as Chaplain with two hospitals, I discovered the core of my call is to pastoral care and counseling. I am retired and serving part time at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas as one of their Pastoral Care ministers. Attending the Academy Retreats for many years is my go-to place to replenish my dry soul. The presenters feed my mind with new and stimulating thoughts to ponder. The wonderful conversations with participants and the peaceful lake and walking trails brings me closer to the Holy Spirit's goading and leading me deeper into God's plan for my life. jonell.lindh@sbcglobal.net

Jerry Roberson - Hospitality

I am a Cognitive High-Performance Coach specializing in the professional and holistic development of professional athletes, entertainers, clergy, and senior executives. With a focus on transformational coaching, I am the Church Transformation Coach for the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC). I provide coaching services to clergy charged with creating new faith communities of worship, revitalizing struggling churches, and church mergers. I have a unique ability to help congregations, of all sizes, to embrace change and to align impactful worship experiences, meaningful ministries, and service missions. With over 20 years of experience in various roles surrounding family, maternal and child health, I have extensive training and expertise in social and behavioral aspects of human development. I love the Academy because it helps people to center themselves, to restore, to replenish, and to renew. It is a bubbling well of new beginnings. drjerryroberson@gmail.com

Katie Newkirk - Registrar

While serving sack lunches to people who were homeless, God placed a desire on my heart that couldn’t be quieted. I was on a mission trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at 12 years old when God first called me into ministry. I am grateful God has called me to this holy work, for it brings me so much joy serving Christ in and through the church. I received my undergraduate degree in Religion and Social Work from Texas Christian University and my Masters of Divinity from SMU Perkins School of Theology. I am an ordained elder, and currently serve as the Pastor at St Paul United Methodist Church, Hurst, Texas. I enjoy date nights with my wonderful husband Christopher, running, and reading books. I first attended the Academy at a time when I was running close to empty from constantly pouring out in ministry, and my experience at the Academy filled my soul until it overflowed. The rhythm of the Academy and its focus on silence, worship, and community refreshes my spirit and makes me more aware of God’s presence in my everyday life. pastorkatienew@gmail.com

Linda Keen - Publicity / Chapel Servant

I like to say I’m a “talent scout, director and producer” living near San Antonio, Texas. I traveled around the world once, discovering wide diversity in God’s creation, only to come home to realize “there are Calcuttas everywhere.” [Thx, Shane Claiborne!] Recently in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales, I learned how closely connected our roots can be. I’ve been to a county fair, judged parades, talent / oratory contests, chili cook-offs, and dance competitions. I acted in a few plays, marched in bands, managed a professional baseball dance team, directed a Christmas nativity, led a volunteer worship arts team, and presided over a national non-profit undergoing deep transition --  celebrating all along the way. In my own life transition, post Perkins seminary/ local church/judicatory work, I'm listening to God to discern my identity in walking alongside fellow strugglers, new joy in singing, travel when possible, and new challenges in creating worship visuals. Participating as both pilgrim & leader in the Academy for Spiritual Formation since 1999, I’ve been influenced by patient, compassionate 5-Day & 2-Year teams, faculty, and fellow pilgrims to Scotland & Northumbria. I volunteer in social media marketing for the Irish Jesuit prayer-a-day ministry, SacredSpace.ie. I serve as 2VP & volunteer chaplain for the Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas; still attempt to master the Scottish bagpipe; remain married to Billy (San Antonio’s Artist of The Year 2016), mom to Brian & Gina in El Paso, Devin & Kerry in Denver, and our dog named Gus. I'm a proud carrier of vaccination & voter registration cards. In the midst & mystery of difficult days, I’m aware of God’s deep mercy, Christ's constant compassion, and the Spirit’s palpable presence. peachykeen@stic.net

EPIPHANY UPDATE

2023 NTX Academy is completely full, w/ no wait list. We celebrate your interest in The Academy for Spiritual Formation & welcome 2024 i...