

Step 1: Meet John Chaffee
My name is John Chaffee (MDiv, ThM). After twenty years of pastoring in churches, camps, and prisons, my calling widened into writing, teaching, and spiritual direction — helping the tired pastor, the one who left church, and the one still quietly questioning in the pew.
Formed by Merton, Nouwen, Barth, and the Desert Mothers and Fathers, I write, teach, and lead retreats on the Christian mystics and contemplative wisdom, with one hope: to walk with you through the dark night, not around it.
Step 2: Join My Free Newsletter
Somewhat counterintuitively, I choose not to participate in social media. I believe in the slow work of transformation and allowing the best of the Christian tradition to have its way with us. That said, email is the best way to stay in touch!
If you would like to have 5 quotes from church history and reflections on them sent to you each Friday, join the free newsletter and you might also get some other goodies as well.
“The spiritual life does not remove us from the world but leads us deeper into it.” – Henri Nouwen
Step 3: Listen to a Podcast or Get the Most Recent Book
Step 4: Join an Upcoming Class
“For me to be a saint means to be myself. Therefore the problem of sanctity and salvation is in fact the problem of finding out who I am and of discovering my true self.” – Thomas Merton










