This is Beach Theology, Rachael Keefe’s home on the web. Welcome.

I recommend anyone looking for a deeper spiritual walk consider Rachael.

Rachael’s compassionate presence and active listening have guided me in negotiating difficult life transitions and painful losses. Through caring discernment, she has been instrumental in helping me to “un-box” God, allowing me to be more attentive to the voice of Spirit. This has allowed me to recognize and accept certain gifts that I was afraid to own. In embracing these spiritual gifts, I’ve learned to accept myself and bond deeper with Spirit.

C. Elaine Watkins

Mental Health and Pastoral Counselor

I cannot thank her enough!

Rachael helped me understand my unconventional call to ministry. One of the biggest challenges for me was that, though called to the ministry, I was not quitting my secular job and did not want to pastor a church. Rachael was a wonderful guide for me, listening compassionately and deeply while asking clarifying questions that helped me in my discernment process. She accepted me unconditionally both emotionally and spiritually, something I was not used to at all.

Rev. Dr. Christopher Macdonald-Dennis

Chief Diversity Officer, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

She was instrumental to my spiritual and personal growth.

I am grateful to have spent many hours with Rachael discussing my spiritual battles. Having a daughter die at the early age of 32 from leukemia, I spent many years being angry at the world and at whoever is running the universe. Rachael helped me sort out the grieving and unanswerable questions with compassion and a gentle guidance that was both supportive and therapeutic.

Carolyn Egan

Retired Nursing Education Coordinator

I am forever grateful for Rachael’s accompaniment.

While contemplating where God was calling me, and at the same time, unpacking my past, Rachael’s gifts of nonjudgmental listening and open questions allowed me to do deep spiritual work with authenticity and faithfulness. Her ability to meet me in my spiritual journey, and to sit with me in the long night of the soul without judgement and with great care and compassion continue to support my spiritual walk.

Rev. Carlos Jauhola-Straight

Pastor, First Congregational Church of Pelham, NH

I trust Rachael.

Over the past seven years, I have called on Rachael for spiritual direction, to assist and to guide me both personally and professionally through discernment. Rachael has a calm pastoral presence and listens deeply. Her guidance is thoughtful and intentional. She speaks a truth from love which both uplifts and challenges one to think deeply.

Rev. Steven J. Boorsma

Pastor

She’s smart, compassionate, non-judgmental, and honest.

Pastor Rachael’s grasp of the Gospel, and her knowledge of both the historical context and how the lessons apply to life today, has helped me grow in my faith journey. When I have needed sound, spirit-based advice, Pastor Rachael has been a wonderful “partner in prayer”.

Sherlonda Clarke

Administrator, Speaker, Comic

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

Are you wondering about spiritual direction?

For Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe, the beach is sacred ground—a place to be barefoot and relax into one’s true self. Spiritual direction at Beach Theology is open to anyone who wants to explore their relationship with the Divine, with a particular invitation to those who have been marginalized or excluded by traditional church. You can read lots more on the spiritual direction page, including how to sign up for a free spiritual direction session.

What is spiritual direction — Rachael Keefe, spiritual director, sitting casually on a beach

Online home of the Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe. — Screenshot of the promo video for “The Lifesaving Church” with Rachael at a table with the book and candles.

Suicide and Faith

The Lifesaving Church: Faith Communities and Suicide Prevention

“The Lifesaving Church is an unflinchingly faith-filled resource for Christians helping people who are facing mental illness and considering suicide. Rather than engaging with the complexity of mental illness, too often the church simply clings to the belief that everything is okay. But when lives are at stake, avoidance is not an option. Rachael A. Keefe calls on Christians to understand mental health, recognize the signs of suicide risk, and care deeply for one another.” ―Foreword Reviews

Learn Lots More Here

From 2012-2022, Rachael published a weekly RCL-based blog, a trusted resource for many preachers. Check it out!

Story

This is Beach Theology, Rachael Keefe’s home on the web. Welcome.

I recommend anyone looking for a deeper spiritual walk consider Rachael.

I cannot thank her enough!

She was instrumental to my spiritual and personal growth.

I am forever grateful for Rachael’s accompaniment.

I trust Rachael.

She’s smart, compassionate, non-judgmental, and honest.

Are you wondering about spiritual direction?

The Lifesaving Church: Faith Communities and Suicide Prevention

From 2012-2022, Rachael published a weekly RCL-based blog, a trusted resource for many preachers. Check it out!

How Matilda, a Minnesota Moose, Saw the First Christmas: A Christmas Story

Thinking of Jacob’s Long Night: A Poem for Pentecost 19c on Genesis 32:22-32

On Sabbatical Until September

Unity and Liberation: A Sermon for Easter 7C on Acts 16:16-34 and John 17:20-26

Reach out for a free consultation

Check out the Blog

How Matilda, a Minnesota Moose, Saw the First Christmas: A Christmas Story

Social Media

Meet Rachael