Hi, I’m Lori
Author. Spiritual Director. Retreat leader. Podcaster. Passionate Follower of Jesus.
I’m Lori G. Melton— An author, host of the Sanctuary Stirrings Podcast, and retreat leader passionate about helping others grow in faith, deepen their relationships, and live abundantly in Christ.
For decades, I’ve been on a journey of following God—learning to walk closely with Him and helping others do the same. Whether through writing, spiritual direction, or hosting guests in the prayer cabin at The Sanctuary, my passion is to create opportunities for others to deepen their intimacy with Him.
I was raised as an Episcopalian, attended Catholic school, came to know Jesus through an Assembly of God youth group, and have spent my adult life in non-denominational Bible churches. Because of my diverse background, one of my greatest treasures is my appreciation for different Christian traditions. When people ask what denomination I belong to, I long to respond, “All of them!”
My husband, Bryan, and I are the founders and directors of The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center in Allegan, Michigan. Still in awe that five sons and a daughter call me "Mom," I now find great joy in this new season of life, helping others experience spiritual renewal through retreats, writing, and speaking.
When we became empty-nesters, a whole new world opened. I was introduced to Spiritual Formation and earned my Spiritual Direction certification from the Dominican Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am a member of the International Association of Spiritual Directors and the Association of Covenant Spiritual Directors.
I was born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York (yes, one of the seven wonders of the world!), played competitive badminton in high school (don’t laugh—it’s a sport!), and am the other half of a twin sister combination.
There’s nothing I love more than a steaming mug of something delicious, a good laugh, and walking this adventure of life with God and others.
Why I Write
I’ve wanted to be a writer since college—40 years! However, for many of those years, I set that dream aside to raise our children, homeschool them, and work alongside my husband in his businesses. Through it all, my passion for intimacy with Jesus never wavered. I believe that our relationship with Him is rooted in love above all else—before any calling or assignment, there is simply the joy of knowing and walking with Him.
Books have profoundly shaped my faith journey. There have been times I’ve finished a book, pressed it to my chest, and whispered a prayer of thanks—grateful for the author’s words that spoke so deeply to my heart. And in those moments, I carried a secret hope that maybe, one day, God would use my words to bless someone else in the same way.
That day has come.
My book, Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God, released on November 11, 2025, is an invitation to step into the abundant life Jesus came to give. It’s a guide for those longing to walk more intimately with God, free from distraction, fear, and the wounds that hold them back. I hope it blesses you as much as the books that have shaped my journey.