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Holly C. Benzenhafer
HOLLY C. BENZENHAFER October, 2016
Cell: (978) 609-8028 Email: [email protected]
SUMMARY
My scholarship and practice focuses on developing intentional reflection upon all lived experience both
within community and internal dialogue through a Practical Theology lens. As a spiritual director and
ordained minister, I work directly with persons in spaces of daily life, crisis, and discernment to move
toward wholeness and clarity within sacred conversation and practices of presence. A Spirituality and
spiritual practice researcher and educator, my pedagogy encompasses a broad-range of contemplative
practices for transformative education and living that allow space to draw lines of continuity while
honoring—and learning through—otherness. These practices, while grounded in religious tradition,
transcend boundaries by inviting practitioners to enter into their own contexts of meaning-making and
spiritual reflection alongside companions of varying beliefs and experience. My leadership style is
collaborative and respectful. I endeavor to draw out other’s strengths while nurturing growing edges to
create a positive and healthy work and educational environment. My areas of ongoing research and
interest include: intentional community, Sabbath-keeping/time awareness, spiritual autobiography/life-
writing, pilgrimage, feminist/womanist and queer theology/spirituality, peace-building and conflict
transformation, restorative justice, contemplative pedagogy, dream work, poetics, imagination/creative
expression, transformative leadership, and indigenous and interfaith spiritual traditions.
EDUCATION__________________________________________________
Ph.D. in Practical Theology, Spirituality Concentration (ABD)
Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA
Dissertation (working title): Tracing the Sacred within Lived Experience:
A Practical Theological Examination of Dreamwork as Contemporary
Spiritual Practice and Pedagogy
Dissertation Advisor: Claire Wolfteich
GPA: 3.95 (A=4.0 scale) Graduation expected: 2017
Master of Divinity, Specialization in Spirituality, Magna cum Laude 2009
Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA
Field Education: Iona Community, Isle of Iona, Scotland 2007
GPA: 3.89 (A = 4.0 scale)
Religion and Conflict Transformation Certificate 2009
Boston Theological Institute
Boston, MA
Master of Science - Sociology 1994
Holly C. Benzenhafer
Mississippi College, Clinton, MS
Thesis: A Matter of Being: The Effects of Regional Exposure and Religious
Movement Affiliation on the Assimilation of Jewish Women
GPA: 3.90 (A = 4.0 scale)
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, with Honors 1991
Minor: Religious Education
Mississippi College, Clinton, MS
GPA: 3.74 (A = 4.0 scale)
ADMINISTRATION AND PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP__________
Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA
Interim Spiritual Life Coordinator 2015
Office of Spiritual Life
Oversaw the Spiritual Life Office; managed budgeting, planning, and
facilitation of school-wide, small-group, and personal spiritually formative
practices via retreats, creative expression, worship, spiritual direction,
spiritual practices experiences, and admissions/commencement activities
Project Coordinator - The Garner Prize for Preaching (Annual) 2013-2016
Student Sermon Celebration Day
Lilly Grant Project Coordinator, Sustaining Urban Pastoral Excellence II 2009-2011
Center for Practical Theology
Coordinated panels and symposia; directed contextual education students
in developing on-going Sabbath-keeping practices; gave presentations
and workshops on work, vocation, concepts of time, and ministerial,
collegial, and spiritual community-building
Center for Spirituality and Leadership – Advisor 2014-2016
Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center, North Andover, MA
Winding Path Community - Founder & Abbess 2009-2011
A Two-Year Intentional, Dispersed Community of 2009 Graduates
Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA
Iona Community - Friend 2007-present
Volunteer Staff – Abbey Housekeeper, Worship Leader - Iona Abbey 2007
Isle of Iona and Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Writers’ Gathering - Founder & Moderator 2000-2003
Convened to nurture and support original, creative writing
Jackson, MS
Holly C. Benzenhafer
CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND AFFILIATION_____________________
Ordained to Gospel Ministry May 31, 2009
Northminster Baptist Church, Jackson, MS
Mentor: The Reverend Charles E. Poole
Registered Wedding Officiant in Massachusetts and New York
Guest Preacher 2006-present
First Baptist Church, American Baptist Churches, Needham, MA
First Parish Truro, United Church of Christ, Truro, MA
First United Baptist Church, American Baptist Churches, Lowell, MA
Brooksby Village, Protestant Faith Community, Peabody, MA
Community Baptist Church, American Baptist Churches, Medford, MA
First Baptist Church, American Baptist Churches, Medford, MA
Northminster Baptist Church, Jackson, MS
St. Peter’s by-the-Sea, Episcopal, Gulfport, MS
First Baptist Church, American Baptist Churches, Chelmsford, MA
Church of the Covenant, Presbyterian Church, USA, Boston, MA
Boston University School of Theology Chapel Service, Boston, MA
South Church in Andover, United Church of Christ, Andover, MA
Marsh Chapel, Boston University, Boston, MA - Chapter Member 2009-present
Contemplative Prayer Facilitator
Communion Celebrant/Worship Leader
Healing Ministry
Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA 2006-present
Communion Celebrant/Preacher
Worship Team/Liturgist
Seminary Singers
South Church Congregational/UCC, Andover, MA - Member 2004-2010
Weekly Contemplative Noon Prayers - Coordinator & Facilitator 2005-2007
Deacon 2006-2009
Worship Subcommittee - Chair
Senior Pastor’s Care-giver
Adult Ministries Committee - Chair 2004-2008
Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ, Delegate 2006
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Mississippi Coordinating Council 1994-1997
Moderator, Past Moderator, Jackson, MS 1995-1997
Platform: Intentional Community: Identity and Formation
Holly C. Benzenhafer
Northminster Baptist Church, Jackson, MS - Member 1993-2003
Adult Ministries Committee 1996-2003
Chair 2000-2003
Contemplative Journey Class - Founding Member, Facilitator 2000-2003
Worship & Music Committee 1996-2003
Denominational Relations Committee 1994-1999
Woman’s Missionary Union
Baptist Young Women and Spirituality State Conference Leader, Jackson, MS 1989-1992
National Acteens Advisory Panelist 1986
Mississippi Acteens Advisory Panelist – Founding Member 1984-1985
RETREAT AND WORKSHOP FACILITATION (RECENT)__________
University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing, Jackson, MS 2016
Caring for the Human Spirit: Integrating Patients, Religion, and Spirituality
Two-Day Workshop with Faculty and Students, Facilitator
Contemplative Practices for the 21st Century Conference, Blacksburg, VA 2016
What the (Bleep) is Contemplative Practice? Exploring Student Benefits
Co-Facilitator
Boston University, Boston MA
Marsh Chapel
Global Meditation Retreat – Co-Facilitator 2016
Office of Spiritual Life, School of Theology
Doorways student reading retreat - Coordinator and Facilitator 2015
Love Languages student retreat - Thematic Centering Art Designer 2014
Tree of Life student retreat - Co-Facilitator, Guided Intoning, Centering Art 2013
Beside Still Waters student retreat - Co-Facilitator, Labyrinth Facilitator 2012
Pastoral Spiritual Formation Program, School of Theology
New Students retreat (Annual) - Co-Facilitator, Guided Intoning 2007-2011
Northminster Baptist Church, Jackson, MS
Giving Voice to the Dream: The Stories, Sharing, and Spirituality of Our 2011
Dreaming Lives women’s retreat - Facilitator
A Sense of the Presence: Encountering God Through the Body retreat 2005
Facilitator
Coming Home, Exploring Sacred Spaces women’s retreat 2002
Coordinator w/Rev. Helen Tester facilitating
My Soul in Silence Waits women’s retreat 2001
Coordinator w/Rev. Margaret Guenther facilitating
Holly C. Benzenhafer
South Church in Andover, UCC, Andover, MA
Wheels of Our Lives deacons’ retreat - Facilitator 2009
Sacred Space & Blessing deacons’ retreat - Facilitator 2008
The New Birthing of Christ for Today: A Celtic Perspective 2008
Coordinator w/Rev. John Philip Newell facilitating
Community United Methodist Church, Deltona, FL
Resonant Spirit Early Childhood Education Staff retreat - Facilitator 2008
SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND PRACTICE______________________
Spiritual Director 2009-present
Private Practice 2009-present
Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA 2009-present
Spiritual Director for Graduate Students
Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) 2014
Theologian in Residence - Dreamsharing in Discernment – Keynote
Northwest Regional Leadership in Discernment
Tacoma, WA
and
Guided Intoning Facilitator, Group Leader 2014
Midwest Regional Leadership in Discernment
Loyola Retreat and Ecology Campus, Woodstock, IL
The Haden Institute, Spiritual Director Training 2009-2011
Trained by The Reverend Bob Haden–Founder
Kanuga Retreat and Conference Center, Flat Rock, NC
Listening Hearts Group Discernment Training 1999
Trained by The Reverend Nancy Hollomon Peede
Northminster Baptist and St. James Episcopal Churches, Jackson, MS
Guided Intoning Mentor 2007-present
I developed this form of modified breath prayer as a communal spiritual
practice while volunteering with Iona Community in 2007 and then
brought the practice to BU STH. I introduced it to new students annually for
eight years, trained facilitators to lead, and mentored an ongoing group at BU
that met monthly for five years.
Monthly Guided Intoning Group – Founder, Mentor, Facilitator 2011-2016
Muelder Chapel, Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA
Holly C. Benzenhafer
Guided Intoning Facilitation/Training
Closing Group reflective practice 2016
Transforming Higher Education: Fostering Contemplative Inquiry,
Community, and Social Action – 8th Annual Conference, Association for
Contemplative Mind in Higher Education, Amherst, MA
Closing Group practice 2016
The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society’s 12th Annual Summer
Session on Contemplative Higher Education
Smith College, Northampton, MA
Got Prayer: Guided Intoning workshop 2013, 2015
First United Methodist Church, Melrose, MA
Guided Intoning as Spiritual Practice for Young Leaders practice 2014
Midwest and Northwest Young Leaders Retreats
Forum for Theological Exploration, Chicago, IL, & Tacoma, WA
Guided Intoning as Spiritual Practice workshop 2011, 2013
Church of the Covenant, PCUSA/UCC, Boston, MA
Intoning Prayer: Embodiment in Trauma self-care practice 2011, 2013
Trauma and Theology course
Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA
Guided Intoning Facilitator Training – Training Mentor 2011
Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA
New Students Retreat 2008-2013
Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA
Guided Intoning Group Facilitator 2007
St. Oran’s Chapel, Isle of Iona, Scotland
Certified Labyrinth Facilitator 2008-present
Labyrinth Facilitation
Guided Labyrinth Walks for Stress Relief 2016
West Suburban YMCA, Newton, MA
Labyrinth Practice and Preparation retreat – Facilitator/Trainer 2014
First United Methodist Church, Melrose, MA
Got Prayer: Labyrinths workshop 2014
First United Methodist Church, Melrose, MA
Haden Institute Small Group Moonlight Walks 2009-2011
Kanuga Retreat and Conference Center, Hendersonville, NC
Spring Walk 2010
Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, Reading, MA
Practices of Faith course - Social Justice Retreat, Labyrinth Walk 2010
Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Episcopal, Boston, MA
South Church Autumnal Walk 2008
South Church in Andover, UCC, Andover, MA
Engaging Conflict Well course - Class Labyrinth Walk 2008
Hartman Room, BU School of Theology
Holly C. Benzenhafer
Candlelit Labyrinth Walk 2008
New Birthing of Christ for Today retreat w/John Philip Newell
South Church in Andover, UCC, Andover, MA
Graduating Students retreat, Labyrinth Walk 2008
Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center, North Andover, MA
Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator Training/Certification 2008
Trained by The Reverend Dr. Lauren Artress
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY
Prayer Weaving Facilitator 2005-present
As an artisan craftsperson in handweaving, I translate the craft of
weaving into the creative spiritual practice of prayer and contemplative
weaving. Developed while on private retreat in 2005, prayer weaving
utilizes paper basketry techniques to member, dis-member, and remember
prayers, laments, joys, and concerns of life through a contemplative
weaving process that facilitates theological reflection. I have introduced
this practice to students and faculty at BU STH in workshops since 2010.
Life Weaving 2016
Art & Soul workshop series, Facilitator
Spiritual Life Center, Bentley University, Waltham, MA
Prayer Weaving Transgender & Transsexual Stories 2015
Telling Our Stories retreat, Guest Facilitator
The Walker Center, Boston, MA
Prayer Weaving as Spiritual Practice 2014
Art & Soul workshop series, Facilitator
Office of Spiritual Life, Boston University School of Theology
Prayer Weaving in Lament: Membering, Dis-Membering, Re-membering 2011-2013
Practices of Faith course (multiple semesters)
Graduate TF Lecturer/Facilitator
Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA
Intentional Community Prayer Basketry 2007
Iona Community
MacLeod Center Crafts Room, Isle of Iona, Scotland
Weaving Experience
The Weaver’s Haven, Owner 2000-2009
Original and Commissioned Handwovens
Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, Exhibiting Fellow (Juried) 2002-present
Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi Handweaving class 1996-2003
Author 2009-present
I have penned prayers and poetry for over thirty years honing the wordplay via
liturgical training and writing groups to write original elements for corporate
worship. Further graduate studies in poetics and spirituality inform both my
Holly C. Benzenhafer
homiletical, liturgical, and academic writing valuing the weight and importance of
intentional writing and careful speech.
Personal Blog - HollyHaven.wordpress.com 2016
Contributor
Acorns and Archangels: Resources for Ordinary Time, The Feast of the 2009
Transfiguration to All Hallows, (Wild Goose Publications, Iona, Scotland)
ISBN: 9781905010561, Ruth Burgess, editor
South Church in Andover, United Church of Christ, Andover, MA 2004-2009
Lenten Devotional Book (Congregation)
Northminster Baptist Church, Jackson, MS 1996-2003
Advent Meditation Book (Congregation)
Lenten Meditation Book (Congregation)
Liturgist – Compose original texts for congregational Sunday worship, weddings,
blessings, and special occasions
First Baptist Church, American Baptist Churches, Needham, MA 2016
First Parish Truro, United Church of Christ, Truro, MA 2016
First United Baptist Church, American Baptist Churches, Lowell, MA 2016
Brooksby Village, Protestant Faith Community, Peabody, MA 2016
Community Baptist Church, American Baptist Churches, Medford, MA 2016
First Baptist Church, American Baptist Churches, Medford, MA 2015, 2016
Haden Institute, Kanuga Retreat & Conference Center, Hendersonville, NC 2011
South Church in Andover, United Church of Christ, Andover, MA 2004-2010
Northminster Baptist Church, Jackson, MS 1996-2003
TEACHING___________________________________________________
Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA
Instructor, Contextual Education 2015-2016
Integrating Theology and Practice course (year-long)
Interim Professor, Practical Theology and Spirituality 2014
Practicing Faith: Integrating Spirituality and Leadership course
Advanced Graduate Teaching Fellow, Practical Theology and Spirituality
Served in a senior teaching role each semester that includes lecture,
grading, course planning, website administration, and student mentoring.
Courses:
Sabbath: Theology and Practice 2016, 2011
The Principles and Practices of Restorative Justice 2015
Spiritual Guidance in the Christian Tradition 2014
Spiritual Autobiographies 2014
Holly C. Benzenhafer
Vocation, Faith, and Work 2014
Practices of Faith (team-taught year-long course) 2011-2013
Lead Graduate Teaching Fellow – Coordinated and managed a 9-10
person teaching team of faculty and graduate teaching fellows/semester
Supervised and mentored the teaching fellows throughout the course and
served as students and faculty team liaison and supervising mentor for the
student spiritual companioning groups. I also maintained the course
website, made class presentations and conducted workshop and retreat
coordination and facilitation
Protestant Faith Group, Brooksby Village Retirement Community, Peabody, MA
Instructor, Spiritual Education 2015
Courses:
Praying the News: Multi-faith Prayer Practices and Social Justice
Celtic Spirituality
Mississippi College Department of Sociology and Social Work, Clinton, MS 1992-1998,
Adjunct Professor, Sociology 2000-2003
Courses:
Sociology of Religion
The Family
Social Problems
Deviant Behavior
Crime and Delinquency
Introduction to Sociology
Hinds Community College Department of Sociology 1995-1998
Raymond, Jackson, and Nursing/Allied Health Campuses
Raymond and Jackson, MS
Adjunct Professor, Sociology
Courses:
The Family
Introduction to Sociology
LECTURES AND PRESENTATIONS (RECENT)___________________
Boston University School of Theology
Companioning the Journey: The Practice of Spiritual Direction 2016
Christian Spiritual Practices as Daily Restorative Justice 2015
New Monasticism and Intentional Communities 2010-13, 2015
“Give Me a Word” Box Meditation on Sayings of the Desert Ascetics 2014
Art and Movement in Spiritual Guidance 2014
Weaving and Words; Dreamwork and Spiritual Autobiography 2014
Discerning Vocation: Labyrinth Meditation 2014
Holly C. Benzenhafer
Spiritual Practice of Dream Sharing: Building Community Through 2013
Theological Reflection on the “Big Dreams” of Lived Experience
Response to a Work in Progress by Courtney Goto 2012
Anam Cara and Group Spiritual Companioning 2012
Sabbath and Valuing Time 2011
Northminster Baptist Church, Jackson, MS
Pilgrimage as Spiritual Practice 2014
Part One: A Peregrine People: Humanity’s Practice of Pilgrimage
Part Two: Quotidian Pilgrimage: Search, Encounter, and
Transformation in the Dailiness of Life
Winter Lecture Series Guest Lecturer
Celtic Holy Pilgrimage 2013
Adult Studies Guest Presenter
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE______________________________________
Center for Practical Theology, Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA
Graduate Research Fellow
Editorial Assistant on Mothering, Public Leadership, and Women’s Life Writing: 2016
Explorations in Spirituality Studies and Practical Theology
Author: Claire E. Wolfteich
Editorial Assistant on Catholic Approaches in Practical Theology: 2015-2016
International and Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Editors: Claire E. Wolfteich & Annemie Dillen
Editorial Assistant on Introduction to Practical Theology: Catholic 2013
Voices and Visions
Editor: Claire E. Wolfteich
Research related to Spirituality and Practical Theology with the Spiritual 2009-2013
Formation and Church Life Project
HONORS AND FELLOWSHIPS__________________________________
Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA
School of Theology Fellowship 2015-2016
Hester Ann Beebe Fellowship 2014
William and Anna Lowstuter Fellowship 2014
Center for Practical Theology Fellowship 2009, 2010
Faculty Fellowship 2009, 2010
Evans Endowed Scholarship (Alumni Office) 2008, 2009
Theta Alpha Kappa National Honor Society, Founding Member 2008-present
Holly C. Benzenhafer
Merit Scholarship (Renewed Annually) 2006-2009
South Church in Andover, United Church of Christ, Andover, MA
Walter Partridge Scholarship 2006, 2007
Board of Christian Education
Mississippi College, Clinton, MS
Senior Psychology Award 1991
Perry Academic Award - Psychology 1991
Norman E. O’Neal Religious Education Award 1991
Psi Chi Honor Society, Founding President 1990-1991
Mortar Board Senior Honor Society, Historian 1990-1991
Alpha Chi Honor Fraternity 1989-1991
Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Fraternity 1989-1991
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS________________________________
Alliance of Baptists
American Academy of Religion
The Association for Contemplative Mind in Higher Education
Association of Practical Theology
Baptist Women in Ministry
Baptist Peace Fellowship
International Association for the Study of Dreams
Mindfulness in Education Network
Spiritual Directors International
Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality
Sacred Threads
Veriditas
Holly C. Benzenhafer
REFERENCES FOR HOLLY BENZENHAFER_____________________
Dr. Claire E. Wolfteich
Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Spiritual Studies, Co-Director for the Center for Practical
Theology
Boston University School of Theology
745 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Email: [email protected]
Office: 617-353-6496
The Reverend Doctor Robin Olson
Director, Spiritual Life Center
Bentley University
175 Forest Street
Waltham MA 02452
Email: [email protected]
Office: 781-891-2418
The Reverend Dr. Robert Allan Hill
Dean of Marsh Chapel, Chaplain to the University, Professor of New Testament and Pastoral Theology
Boston University School of Theology
735 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Email: [email protected]
Office: 617-353-3560
The Reverend Anastasia E.B. Kidd
Director of Admissions and College Relations
Boston University School of Theology
745 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Email: [email protected]
Office: 617-353-3036
Congregational references available upon request.
