Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction is a prayerful, conversational way of looking at one's life as the raw material for discerning the presence of God. The spiritual director does not direct, so much as help the other notice those indicators of God's real and active presence and movement. It is a way of finding meaning and purpose, of seeking and finding direction for one’s life and spiritual journey.

Spiritual direction is not problem centered like counseling, not skill centered like mentoring, not issue centered like coaching. While similar to these disciplines, spiritual direction centers explicitly on one's relationship with God, with the goal of awakening and strengthening that relationship. Spiritual direction's purpose is to help you discern God's presence and purpose in the midst of your struggles and questions.

Credit: Sustainable Faith

Coaching is focused more on personal or professional outcomes, helping individuals determine goals and action plans. Often these are for their job, but they can also be for personal growth. Spiritual direction focuses more internally and on the present, as we listen together to how God wants to mature our souls, form our identity, and clarify our calling.

David Benner is a psychologist who also has practiced spiritual direction. He distinguishes between them in this way:

Counseling and spiritual direction share some common features but differ in very important ways. The most important of these differences is that while counseling is problem-centered, spiritual direction is Spirit-centered.

Put in my own words, therapy is a valuable discipline, especially for those seeking growth and healing from trauma or disruptive relationships and events. I’ve benefitted from it, and will readily refer directees that way when I think it would be beneficial.

Spiritual direction, on the other hand, can help us be more attentive to the Spirit, especially in matters of calling, discernment, or maturity.

The goal of our time together is to be attentive to God, available to respond to how God might be leading. My favorite metaphor for spiritual direction is dancing, with an understanding that God is the music we are listening to together. I like to begin with silence to orient ourselves to the time, and invite directees to initiate our conversation when ready. Every session will be different though I will often suggest practices for us to explore together or between sessions.

In a word...no! I do often work with pastors and ministry leaders because of my experience doing that kind of work.  However, I do not limit my practice as I find spiritual direction to be valuable for anyone who desires to experience the fullness of life that a good God offers.