Our Story

Deeper Journey Ministries and its network of ministries originated from Ann Starrette's profound spiritual journey during her "Dark Night of the Soul.” This transformative experience deeply influenced her subsequent work. From 2004 to 2021, Ann led the Spiritual Formation Ministry at Davidson United Methodist Church, overseeing it with a dedicated team of lay and clergy leaders with the aim of nurturing and deepening the spiritual lives of individuals. Rev. Dr. Jody Seymour, the Senior Pastor at the church, was instrumental in this effort, driven by a passion to provide intentional spaces for spiritual formation and renewal. Together, their work laid the foundation for Deeper Journey Ministries, continuing their mission of fostering spiritual growth through the Holy Spirit.

These ministries have continued to thrive after Ann’s and Jody’s retirement from Davidson UMC, largely due to a dedication to embracing diverse backgrounds and Christian traditions. This inclusive approach has played a crucial role in the success of Deeper Journey Ministries (DJM), a 501(c)(3) organization. DJM now leads two main 12-month programs: the School of the Spirit, which has facilitated 15 cohorts, and The Sacred Invitation, which has hosted 7 cohorts. Additionally, DJM is actively developing exciting new initiatives that have grown out of these core programs.

Despite humble beginnings, DJM shares the same aspirations as more prominent ministries: to strengthen souls, deepen our impact, expand our reach, and most importantly, nurture inside-out transformation and growth toward wholeness in Christ for the healing of the world.