Mary Albert Darling

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: “Spiritual Directing, Mentoring, and Leadership,” and “Spiritual Formation and Justice.” 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.In addition to teaching, for which she has received Spring Arbor University’s Teaching Excellence Award and their Faculty Merit Award, Mary is a frequent seminar and retreat speaker. 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. A more detailed list of possible speaking topics is available upon request.Mary is married to Terry Darling, Professor of Psychology at Spring Arbor University and Men’s Tennis Coach. They have two teenage boys, David and Michael, a yellow lab, Amelie, and two cats, Cocoa and Cappuccino. Besides being with her family and working with college students, Mary’s other interests include her friends, traveling, books, movies & popcorn, and coffee. 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).