Gemma Ryan is a pastor, teacher and spiritual director who is passionate about helping people to discover the beauty of walking with Jesus in the midst of their ordinary lives.
Gemma’s Journey
Until recently she served as Associate Pastor at Oaks Church, Brooklyn and returned home to Ireland after twelve years of living in the US. She completed her M.A in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership through Friends University and currently works as an adjunct professor for the same program. Prior the that, she trained as a spiritual director with Sustainable Faith.
Gemma enjoys a beautiful, ordinary life with her husband John and their four wild and wonderful kids. They are currently reimagining Ireland’s monastic legacy of hospitality, rest, creativity, and prayer as they cultivate a small spiritual retreat space called The Hearth in the Northern Irish countryside.
Publications
BREATHE: 40 Devotions and Reflections on Prayer
BREATHE: 40 Devotions and Reflections on Prayer invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the power of authentic prayer.
In today’s fast-paced world, many people struggle to maintain consistent prayer habits or feel pressure to “say the right words.” BREATHE gently removes that pressure, encouraging readers to approach God with honesty, openness, and authenticity. Rooted in the author’s personal journey and spiritual transformation, this devotional reminds us that true connection with God begins when we bring our real selves into His presence.
Over forty days of prayer and reflection, you will learn to pause, pray honestly, and experience God’s unfailing love and kindness. This devotional teaches that prayer is both a spiritual discipline and a source of joy. Like the natural rhythm of breathing, communion with Christ renews your soul and flows into your daily life, helping you live with greater purpose and compassion.
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The Good Way
While at Oaks Church, Gemma designed and wrote a ten-week course that helps people understand and develop a rule of life. Over the course of ten weeks, participants explore and unpack eight key spiritual practices.
Learn more at thegoodway.live
Spiritual Direction
Gemma provides spiritual direction, walking with people as a trained companion who aims to help them notice God’s presence and voice in their daily life.
Gemma is currently unable to take on additional spiritual direction requests.
Speaking Engagements
Gemma regularly teaches at her local church, training events and conferences. Previously, she has shared at Practicing The Way’s Pastor’s Conference and Bridgetown Church’s Holy Spirit Conference.