Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction (sometimes called spiritual guidance) is a confidential relationship where you receive help in noticing and responding to the Triune God. The true director is always God.
Because God works in and around us, a central question in spiritual direction is paying attention to these stirrings of God. I try to tune in and listen for the movements of God in your life, occasionally asking questions and offering suggestions. Once we notice what God might be doing in your experience, you're free to respond to God's initiatives in whatever way you want.
Spiritual direction is one avenue for Christian discipling. It's inspired by Jesus, whom others sought for insight into their relationship with God (e.g., Mark 10:17-22, 12:28-34). The ministry of spiritual direction was historically offered by desert fathers and mothers, monks and nuns, and laypeople and clergy. Well-known spiritual guides have included Anthony, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, Ignatius Loyola, Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal, and many others.
Frequent Questions
What Might I Expect from Spiritual Direction?
In general, you might hope for:
How often do we meet?
Most people choose to meet once a month. But we can meet more or less often depending on your needs. Sessions last one hour.
How many sessions will I need?
Leaders in demanding roles usually choose open-ended direction as a way of finding sustenance for their work and cultivating a richer relationship with God. We can also meet for a limited length of time if you prefer.
Do you offer mental health services?
No. Spiritual direction isn't counseling or psychotherapy.
What do I bring to a spiritual direction session?
You can bring an experience that intrigues or baffles you, a surprising event, a lack of clarity about something, or an issue you struggle with. Our conversation flows from the material you bring with you.
Can I try it and quit if it's not for me?
Yes. I don't charge for the first session, so you're welcome to explore direction and then decide if you want to continue. You can stop any time.
What ethical standards do you uphold?
I uphold the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct published by Spiritual Directors International. Among other things, these guidelines require me to honor your dignity, to hold our conversations in confidence to the extent of the law, to receive spiritual direction for myself and supervision from others, and to be faithful to my own personal and corporate spiritual practices.
Spiritual direction (sometimes called spiritual guidance) is a confidential relationship where you receive help in noticing and responding to the Triune God. The true director is always God.
Because God works in and around us, a central question in spiritual direction is paying attention to these stirrings of God. I try to tune in and listen for the movements of God in your life, occasionally asking questions and offering suggestions. Once we notice what God might be doing in your experience, you're free to respond to God's initiatives in whatever way you want.
Spiritual direction is one avenue for Christian discipling. It's inspired by Jesus, whom others sought for insight into their relationship with God (e.g., Mark 10:17-22, 12:28-34). The ministry of spiritual direction was historically offered by desert fathers and mothers, monks and nuns, and laypeople and clergy. Well-known spiritual guides have included Anthony, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, Ignatius Loyola, Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal, and many others.
Frequent Questions
What Might I Expect from Spiritual Direction?
In general, you might hope for:
- More pronounced fruits of the Spirit in your life (Gal. 5:22-23).
- A greater ability to notice what God's doing in and around you.
- A deeper sense of inner peace.
- A better understanding of God's call.
- A more expansive awe of God's glory.
How often do we meet?
Most people choose to meet once a month. But we can meet more or less often depending on your needs. Sessions last one hour.
How many sessions will I need?
Leaders in demanding roles usually choose open-ended direction as a way of finding sustenance for their work and cultivating a richer relationship with God. We can also meet for a limited length of time if you prefer.
Do you offer mental health services?
No. Spiritual direction isn't counseling or psychotherapy.
What do I bring to a spiritual direction session?
You can bring an experience that intrigues or baffles you, a surprising event, a lack of clarity about something, or an issue you struggle with. Our conversation flows from the material you bring with you.
Can I try it and quit if it's not for me?
Yes. I don't charge for the first session, so you're welcome to explore direction and then decide if you want to continue. You can stop any time.
What ethical standards do you uphold?
I uphold the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct published by Spiritual Directors International. Among other things, these guidelines require me to honor your dignity, to hold our conversations in confidence to the extent of the law, to receive spiritual direction for myself and supervision from others, and to be faithful to my own personal and corporate spiritual practices.
