Spiritual Direction

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What is Spiritual Direction? | Is Spiritual Direction Right for Me? | Available Directors
Upcoming SoulConnections Events | Recommended Retreat Centers
 

What is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual direction is a ministry of intentional holy listening, providing space for reflection with another to hear/see the work of God in your midst. Spiritual direction is an intentional relationship and process of discernment. The intent of spiritual direction is to deepen our connection with the Sacred Mystery, to develop a heightened awareness of God’s presence and to grow in faith.

An image of spiritual direction is three chairs with the directee, spiritual director and God sitting together in conversation.

A Spiritual Director is a companion who listens to you in the presence of God. That companion offers holy listening with you along the way for you to see/hear how God is touching your life/inviting you. A spiritual director hears you. A spiritual director allows space for stillness and silence to help people become aware of what is deep within them.

A companion/spiritual director is not a coach or counselor. The focus is primarily on the presence of the Holy, seeking to hear the Word, gain clarity about next steps on our faith journey, responding to ways the love of Jesus Christ is alive and real among us.

Spiritual direction occurs on a regular basis (often monthly).  A typical session lasts an hour.  Persons may seek a spiritual director for ongoing spiritual care/formation or during specific season of their life.  Examples include a season of discernment, spiritual growth (deepening of prayer and/or spiritual practices), clarity on a spiritual matter or grief.

Many programs offer education for spiritual directors. Those who complete these programs are simply given a certificate of completion. Since spiritual direction is a personal calling, education and skill development is offered; certification by an organization is not. At the orientation meeting with a potential spiritual director, it is appropriate to ask how he or she felt called to this ministry and if they have had any formal education.

Spiritual Directors offered by the MOAC have received a level of training and are practiced spiritual directors.  They are to continue in spiritual direction themselves.
 

Is Spiritual Direction Right for Me?

MENTOR: A mentor is a person who can support, advise and guide you. They typically take the time to get to know you and the challenges you're facing and then use their understanding and personal experience to help guide you on your journey. Contact the Center for Leadership Excellence for more information about mentoring.

COACH: Individuals who partner with and help you achieve your goals. Coaches use a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires clients to maximize their personal and professional potential. Learn more about coaching and see available coaches at www.moumethodist.org/consultingandcoaching

SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR: A companion who listens to you in the presence of God. That companion offers deep listening with you along the way for you to see/hear how God is touching your life/inviting you. A spiritual director hears you. A spiritual director allows space for stillness and silence/contemplation to help people become aware of what is deep within them.
 

Recommended Retreat Centers

Hermitage Soiritual Retreat Center - on lake Pomme de Terre
Mount St. Scholastica - Atchison, Kansas
Conception Abbey - Conception, Missouri
Marianist Retreat Center - Eureka, Missouri
LaSalle Retreat Center - Wildwood, Missouri
Assumption Abbey - Ava, Missouri