Nancy K. Dunkerley is a native Dallasite, married to Michael Dunkerley, whom she describes as “the world’s most patient spiritual companion.”  For a time they lived on a ranch in Ellis county and there raised cattle and chickens and three children, each now married and parents themselves. She delights in amateur art-making, and reading mystery novels, especially those set in the Southwest.

After many years of teaching and pastoral ministry, her passion for Christian Unity led her to become co-founder of Spiritual Ministries Institute, Inc., a non-profit corporation promoting and providing ecumenical Christian formation and spiritual growth ministries. A full 501.c3 non-profit, SMI offers programs for spiritual directors and other spirituality leaders, retreats, and a variety of spiritual formation programs for adults across all Christian traditions.

Through Spiritual Ministries Institute, Inc., and Spiritual Directors International she works also to promote the ministry of spiritual direction in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area and a network of spiritual directors in the North Texas region. She helped bring a tested a certificate program in the art of spiritual formation and spiritual direction to North Texas, HeartPaths DFW. She continues to serve on the Core Faculty and several leadership roles. She is beginning work as adjunct professor in the Spiritual direction Certification Program at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

Professionally, she is experienced as a spiritual director and retreat leader as well as speaker, workshop presenter and Christian educator. Particular interests have been in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and Ignatian spirituality, contemplative prayer in many forms, spiritual formation through the Scriptures, ministry for the Christian journey, and the spirituality of ministers, both lay and ordained. Her recent programs about art and spiritual journaling have a wide following.

Education

• University of Dallas

• The Aquinas Institute in St. Louis

• University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio

• Perkins School of Theology at SMU where she earned a Doctor of Ministry.

• She also has experience in spiritual formation programs such as the Academy for Spiritual Formation and Renovare.

When asked to share a quote that captures spiritual direction, Nancy shares:

- John 17:21-22

Nancy is currently accepting directees. To inquire about an appointment, send her a note.