Pastor's Bio

Reverend Dr. Kendrick D. Weaver

The Reverend Dr. Kendrick D. Weaver also goes by the spiritual name of Lael (pronounced lie-el).

La-el’s purpose was reawakened with the discovery of the Christian monastic tradition. Invigorated by this encounter, he pursued and completed doctoral studies under monastic teachers in the Augustinian, Franciscan, and Carmelite traditions. After those studies, he delved into the Semitic languages including academic training in both Biblical and Modern Hebrew.

He studied philosophy at American University and went on to receive his Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School. As a certified consulting hypnotist and meditation instructor, La-el holds specialized training in subconscious states such as autogenic, heart center hypnotherapy and medical meditation as well as a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Spirituality from Washington Theological Union.

La-el is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and the founder a Christian Contemplative community and institute. He also established the Hagah Hebrew Academy to teach Biblical Hebrew for devotional use. He is the author of seven books, including the best-selling work, Meditate Like Jesus: Uncover the Meditative Practices of Jesus, and his latest work, Meditative Parables.