Mary Albert Darling is Associate Professor of Communication at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. In addition to teaching classes in the Department of Communication and Media, Mary designed and teaches two courses for the university's MA in Spiritual Formation and Leadership: "Introduction to Spiritual Direction," and "Christian Spirituality and Social Justice." She has received the university's Teaching Excellence Award, as well as their Faculty Merit Award. She is co-author with Dr. Tony Campolo of two books:* "Connecting Like Jesus: Practices for Healing, Teaching, and Preaching (Jossey-Bass, 2010). * "The God of Intimacy and Action: Reconnecting Ancient Spiritual Practices, Evangelism, and Justice" (Jossey-Bass, 2007). Released in paperback with a readers guide in September 2008. Mary also has been trained in spiritual direction, completing a two-year program through the Manresa Jesuit House in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and has studied spiritual formation under Richard Foster and Dallas Willard. Mary is a frequent speaker in the U.S. and also conducts retreats and seminars in Central America (Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras) on spiritual practices. Other topics include developing meaningful, life-changing relationships and communicating more dynamically, specifically in the context of spiritual formation, "lost" ancient prayer practices, and justice issues. For more information on Mary, you can visit her website at www.maryalbertdarling.com. Mary's mission statement: To help people find and experience the love of God in Christ that frees them to "do justice, love mercy, and walk tenderly with God" (Micah 6:8).