Janie Walker has been a trusted spiritual leader in Richmond for many years. When her name is spoken it is usually coupled with words like "powerful preacher, trusted spiritual director, wise mentor, community leader, thoughtful organizer and respected minister". Janie has been invaluable to me as a spiritual director and mentor, and I have witnessed her leadership in community and in worship. Janie brings people together with honesty, compassion and clarity. Anyone who calls upon her gifts in ministry will be blessed indeed.

Rev. Walker has been a trusted mentor, pastoral confidant, counselor, and friend to me over my years in Richmond. As a young white woman desiring to follow God into the work of racial healing in our community, Rev. Walker was a needed authority, guide, and counsel to me. I love her even confidence, her deep love, her steady perspective, and her strength. She is a leader through and through and one that has brought people together during dividing times.

When I think of Janie, the first phrase that rises up in my spirit is "a strong woman of God." She truly embodies the grace, dignity, determination, fearlessness, and wisdom that expression evokes. Living in community with her offers me the opportunity to experience her presence in various roles. She serves broadly as a Pastor to all connected with Richmond Hill. Within this work, she expresses her gifts as a highly skilled and attentive administrator, a prudent counselor, mentor, and spiritual director, a gentle and knowledgeable teacher and preacher, and an aide to all in need wherever needed. Those who encounter her are blessed by her anointing to the glory of God. Amen.

I have known Janie Walker since 2008. She and I worked together when I was shifting my faith-based non-profit toward a community development focus. Janie helped develop our leadership training materials and also launched a worship service for some of our community residents. It was Janie's wise council that helped shape the vision and mission of Embrace Richmond during one of the most crucial times in our history.

When Janie left our team, she continued as my spiritual director. As an Executive Director, I often feel overwhelmed and alone. Janie has helped me gain perspective and refocus my energy in a way that is most life giving to me personally and to my organization. Her still, calm presence helps me to slow down, listen to the spirit, and discern with greater clarity how to move forward during both difficult and promising times.

I highly recommend Janie as a spiritual director, teacher, preacher or speaker.

Through my time at Richmond Hill over the last 19 years I have come to know Janie Walker well and have worked closely with her as faculty member in The RUAH School for Spiritual Guidance and on the Council of Richmond Hill. She is a strong and deeply spiritual woman of faith with many gifts. Janie is a compassionate and caring leader of the Richmond Hill staff and community of residential members. Her knowledge and understanding of scripture comes through her powerful and profound preaching. She is well known and respected throughout the Richmond Metro area as a prayerful faith leader, as a spokesperson for racial healing, and social justice. Janie is a natural teacher particularly in regards to scripture, social justice, and the power of healing through forgiveness. It is a blessing to have worked with her over these many years. I have learned a lot from her and grown on my own spiritual journey as a result.