Deacon Kate Adelman

Seeking to better understand mystery, learning to interpret thoughts and actions, allowing space for others to teach us, and opening to a sacred world of possibilities is the pathway of human spirituality. Those who engage in spiritual direction and partner with a director reap the benefit of community and discover more fully the art of contemplation.

First trained in the language of music, I experienced  and trusted the wonder and awe of all things drawn from a common source of spiritual energy. Without the boundaries of doctrine and institutional rightness, the wealth of shared song, prayer, and personal expression was creative and limitless, spanning the differences of time, color, and culture.

As a lifelong Lutheran, I have chosen to dedicate what skills I have been given to the furthering of spiritual freedom. The gift of music continues to be the connecting point with other spiritual traditions, becoming the common language through which to exchange ideas, speak of holy things, and share our people’s deepest desires.

I am forthright to say that I believe the church has lost its way, choosing only to appropriate the voice of the other without identifying with the people whose voice is imitated. Nothing common exists - not enough to know the birthplace of the other’s pain or the prompting of praise.

Participating in annual Buddhist Wesak festivals, studying iconography with Greek Orthodox priests, studying among those who practice Ignatian spirituality, directing choirs singing in the largest/smallest cathedrals in the world, and receiving spiritual direction for the majority of my life has wakened me to find and serve God in all things. Spiritual direction has taught me to value accomplishments as mere tools for relating, developing listening skills, witnessing beauty, and humbly learning from others.

Most recently, the quiet trust and respect at the core of Navajo spirituality has guided me to a richer discernment of what is essential, lasting, loving. Their ancient wisdom has much to offer the conversation of wholeness and equity. Travel has revealed the same openness within other cultures and traditions.

Parker and I live in San Tan Valley. We have an office and workshop in south Scottsdale. Now fully retired, we will continue to travel much of the year, which may impact availability.

  • 1970 - BA in Organ Performance and Church Music, University of Wisconsin/EC

  • 1984 - Rostered in the American Lutheran Church

  • 1991 - MA in Theological Studies and Spiritual Formation, Theological Union, Seattle University

Relevant experience:

  • 1991 - training and coursework, Spiritual Directors International

  • 1994 - 1998 - Conflict Mediation, Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

  • 1998 - 2000 - Conflict Mediation, Central States Synod/ELCA

  • 2003 - 2010 - Spiritual Director, Supervision Leader, Franciscan Renewal Center

  • 2014 - 2022 - Pastor and Executive Director, Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission

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