You love God.
You want to make a difference.
You know you were created for more.

But something feels off.

A crossroad signpost and sunset

Maybe you're feeling:

  • Spiritually dry or disconnected?
  • Entangled in habits, shame, or disappointment?
  • Unsure of your calling?
  • Restless, but without direction? 
  • Accomplished on the outside…yet stuck on the inside?

You're standing at a crossroads.

And you don't want to waste your life walking in circles.

“You are standing at the crossroads. So consider your path. … Ask where the path is that leads to blessing and follow it. If you do, you will find rest for your souls. – Jeremiah 6:16

I’ve been there, my friend.

I once dreamed of big impact and public ministry. But beneath the surface, I was wrestling with unhealthy attachments, struggles with my health, and hidden strongholds that kept me from fully living the life God designed for me.

After my brother’s death in 2008, I entered a deep journey of healing with the Lord.

He met me in the waters.

He walked with me through the fire.

He has since established me in my identity—not as a platform builder, but as a shepherd. A mentor. A spiritual friend.

Today, as a pastor and spiritual formation graduate pursuing coaching certification, I help people experience the freedom and intimacy with God that changed my life.

Because I want to be a friend of God—and a friend of people.

Matthew Penner smiling with his arms crossed

Contemplative. Charismatic. Wholehearted.

What does that mean?

At Redeeming Rivers, we honor both:

  • The ancient paths of spiritual formation and contemplative prayer
  • The living, active work of the Holy Spirit today
A young woman's hands holding a cup of coffee while reading her bible inside a cafe.

Through Soul Care, Spiritual Direction and Coaching we integrate:

  • Deep listening—hearing your story
  • Healing prayer
  • Identity formation
  • Coaching toward clarity and action
  • Freedom from strongholds and life’s entanglements

Gain Freedom

In soul care, we look back together to find freedom from what's held you, and learn to think and walk in a new way.

Grow in Freedom

In spiritual direction, I help you discern what God is saying and doing, as you grow into who He made you to be.

Go in Freedom

In coaching, I help you renew your mind, set goals, and move forward where you've longed to go.

“Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.”
– Isaiah 43:19

Our goals when we journey together:

  • Walking free from shame and untangling from hidden struggles.
  • Growing in secure attachment with God and others.
  • Knowing who God has designed you to be.
  • Discovering your purpose so you can move forward with clarity and direction.
  • Learning how to steward your health—so you can live with more joy and shalom. 

You were not created to live bound, distracted, or uncertain

You have been redeemed for freedom!

What some of my clients say

“One of Matthew’s greatest gifts is that he is a safe presence. He listens deeply…. Because of that, I feel seen, validated, and heard. I’ve learned to trust him with my emotions because he knows how to approach people with care.”

- E.

“He is not just there for one conversation or one issue—he is committed to helping someone walk through the entire journey from start to finish.”

- B.

“[Matthew] has helped me define goals that were ambiguous and unclear in my own mind, and he has consistently pointed me back to Jesus in the places of my spirit that only Jesus can meet.”

- A.

“Matthew is passionate about the health of the whole person—mind, body, and soul.He is very intentional about connection and carries genuine joy in the way he engages with others.”

- T.