Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction is when one person, the director, comes alongside another, the directee, to help them notice and pay attention to the presence, conversation and work of God in their lives. As the directee is sharing, the spiritual director practices double listening in which they listen to the directee but also to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the true director of the conversation, and the director humbly assists the directee to recognize where the Spirit is leading and inviting the directee. Spiritual direction differs from other “helps ministries” such as therapy, counseling and coaching in that the purpose isn’t crisis management, goal setting or problem solving. Rather than being motivated out of difficulty or crisis, the directee pursues spiritual direction out of a desire for more intimacy and growth in their relationship with God.   

Biblical References: (1 Sam 3:8-9; Prov. 3:5-6; Matt 13:9-17; Luke 24; John 3:1-16; 10:27; 14:16-21; 16:12-15; Ro. 8:14, 26-27; 2 Cor. 4:18; Rev. 2:11) 

For more on Spiritual Direction:  

Book: The Practice of Spiritual Direction by William Barry and William Connelly 

Podcast: Discerning Leader Podcast Season 13 Episode 5—Spiritual Direction  

Article: Surprised by God by Jan Johnson