Natalie Emptage Downs is a preacher, teacher, and musician. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological seminary (M.Div.) and currently serves in the Northwest Ohio Synod in the ELCA. She is a Spiritual Direction student in training through the Crossroads Soul Resources School of Spiritual Direction. Previous to ministry, she received degrees from Otterbein College (B.M.) and Michigan State University (M.M. and D.M.A.) in Vocal Performance. She has been an active performer and collegiate teacher in Michigan. Her recent graduate thesis, That You May Come To Life: The Work of Spiritus Creator in the Musical Arts, explores her interest and work in both pneumatology, creation, and music. She also enjoys the piano on Sunday mornings and composing music for the church. She lives in Michigan with her husband Trevor and their daughters Genevieve and Amelie.