course

Living A Spirited Life: An Exploration Of God's Guidance And Meaning In Our Lives

God’s Spirit moves us, nurtures our curiosities, and gives meaning to our lives. In this course, we will explore Scripture, the wisdom of Desert Mothers and Fathers, and medieval and contemporary voices. Walking together as companions on this lifelong journey, we will learn to breathe deeply, step boldly, and trust the Spirit's guidance even when it leads us into the unknown.

Class Sessions

Mondays from 7-9 pm ET / 6-8 pm CT
*See our Academic Calendar for term dates.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. —Galatians 5:22-23  
course instructor

Rev. Patti Axel

Rev. Patti Axel is a mission-driven Lutheran pastor with over 40 years of professional experience spanning both healthcare and ministry. A graduate of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, she holds a Master of Divinity in Theology and a Spiritual Direction Certification, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Georgia State University. Before her ordination in 2008, she served for more than two decades as a Staff and Charge Nurse in the Neonatal ICU at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Rev. Axel has led thriving congregations as a Pastor/Mission Developer with the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA and, most recently, served as Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Evangelical Mission for the Southeastern Synod. A certified spiritual director and ELCA-credentialed coach, she is deeply committed to congregational vitality, outreach, and shepherding both new and existing members across all areas of ministry.