Dr. Gene Maynard is a spiritual formation guide, pastor, and writer with a doctorate in theology and spiritual formation from Princeton Theological Seminary. He serves as the director of the Doctor of Ministry program in Spiritual Formation and Leadership at Epic Bible College and Graduate School in Sacramento, California.

For twenty years, Gene has served as pastor of Upper Room Community Church in Auburn, California, helping shape it into a community rooted in spiritual formation. He is also the founding CEO of The Compass Center, a spiritual formation center that offers resources, experiences, and community for those seeking the way to a deeper life with Jesus.

Gene writes The Compass: Navigating the Interior Life on Substack and hosts Presence: 5 Minutes of Stillness, a contemplative podcast offering short reflections to help listeners return to God’s presence in the midst of daily life.

Gene and his wife, Lorri, have a home near Glacier National Park. They have three grown children and five grandchildren who continue to deepen their joy, stretch their faith, and keep life wonderfully real. When he’s not writing or teaching, Gene loves hiking quiet trails and living slowly in the beauty of God’s creation.