About this ebook
Founded in 1973 by the Rev. Dr. Tilden H. Edwards, Jr., Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation offers retreats, workshops, and groups centered around contemplative spirituality. The culmination of half a century of charitable ministry, this commemorative anthology features essays written by Shalem graduates, as well as current and former board members and program directors. Its release will coincide with the Shalem Institute’s 50th anniversary.
Co-edited by Shalem graduate and board member Westina Matthews, Shalem’s Executive Director Margaret Benefiel, and Jackson Droney, Shalem’s Director of Operations and Online Learning, Soul Food takes an inclusive and contemporary approach to contemplative living and leadership. Designed in alignment with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, this vital book spotlights authors of different ethnicities, faith backgrounds, and gender identities, while consistently centering the development of day-to-day practices designed to deepen engagement with the divine. With essays from notable contributors from Shalem's past and present, such as Tilden Edwards, the institute's founder and former director; Gay Byron, Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Howard University; and Carl McColman, well-known Christian mystic and spiritual director, this collection looks to the future, set to serve as an invaluable resource in spiritual formation for the next 50 years, and beyond.
About the author
WESTINA MATTHEWS is an author, professor, public speaker, and contemplative workshop/retreat leader who served for twelve years as an adjunct professor at General Theological Seminary in the Center for Christian Spirituality. She is the author of Dancing from the Inside Out and This Band of Sisterhood. A graduate of Shalem Institute's Spiritual Guidance Program, she currently sits on the Shalem board. She lives in Savannah, Georgia.
ALTHEA BANDA-HANSMANN is the Founding Director of Transforming Moments Consulting, where she offers spiritual direction, coaching and organizational development services. She is part of Luther Seminary’s spiritual direction team in St. Paul, Minnesota where she offers online individual and group accompaniment. Althea is a graduate of Shalem’s Soul of Leadership Program. She lives in South Africa.
DANALEE SIMON, a Lutheran Pastor and Spiritual Director, lives with her husband and two sons in Salt Lake City, UT. When she’s not out communing in nature, she can be found teaching self-compassion, connecting with people in Spiritual Direction, writing, or driving a carpool.
ELAINE VOCI is a life coach, grief group facilitator, and the author of Bridge Builders: Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things and Creating the Work You Love: A Guide to Finding Your Right Livelihood. She lives in the Midwest with her spouse.
