Rev. Dr. Kendrick D. Weaver is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the pastor of Union United Methodist Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland— a revitalized niche community and contemplative church that Rev. Weaver has served for the last eight years. This historically black church (154 years old) resonates with and reflects Howard Thurman’s models for blending a growing multiracial community with a shared commitment to a contemplative life. Rev. Weaver also provides training in spirituality at conferences, retreats, and other venues and is the founder of the Sleeping with God Meditation Center and the Maryland Christian Meditation Group. He holds degrees in philosophy, divinity, and Christian spirituality, as well as certifications in meditation. He is author of Sleeping with God and Chasing Chariots: Eleven Lessons for Spiritual Growth (CSS publishing). Weaver studied philosophy at American University and received his MDiv from Harvard Divinity School. He holds a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Spirituality from Washington Theological Union and has studied meditation with Jesuits and Carmelites.