As a prayer preparation, do whatever you've found to be effective in the past. You may take a few calm, deep breaths, gaze out the window, journal, or read scripture to relax. Then, ask God to reveal you what would be beneficial to discuss in a spiritual direction session.
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What happens during spiritual direction?
During the session, the Spiritual Director is gifted and/or taught to listen for the things of God. While you speak, they are actively listening. Exercises or spiritual disciplines like as lectio divina are offered to the directee as fodder to sustain his or her spiritual growth during these daily meetings.
What is spiritual direction training?
SFTS is pleased to provide a spiritual direction certificate based on the art of thoughtful listening but open to persons with a wide range of interests. Spiritual directors were once simply people who were thought to be wise in spiritual matters and caring toward others. Good spiritual direction, we believe, is based on a strong and consistent spiritual practice. As a result, spiritual direction training takes place during contemplative retreats. Even as one trains in the arts of listening, discernment, and fundamental knowledge of spiritual direction, study, reading, and practice in community establish a rhythm that supports rootedness in spiritual discipline.
Spiritual direction also necessitates the habit of paying attention to others' faith journeys holy listening. Spiritual direction will be practiced in a variety of settings under the guidance of experienced directors. This emphasis on supervised practice is a unique feature of the SFTS program.
A Certificate in the Art of Spiritual Direction from SFTS is distinguished by its concentration on spiritual formation, practice, and sensitivity to compassion and justice. Participants who plan to engage in Christian ministries, as well as activists and followers of other spiritual traditions, are encouraged to attend.
“The Art of Contemplative Listening,” a basic retreat toward a certificate, teaches “open-hearted hearing”: listening from the heart, attending to the hearts of others, and seeking the center of the topic. Participants will learn about the elements of deep listening through research and practice.
Those interested in spiritual guidance should attend the following retreat modules:
Those who choose to focus on spiritual formation or activism will attend three additional retreats tailored to their professional interests. One of the three electives can be fulfilled by attending one of the Center for Innovation in Ministry's Collaborative Seminars.
- Complete a set of prescribed readings and submit short reflection papers on the material.
- Meet with a designated spiritual companion or friend at least once a month for an hour to practice contemplative listening.
Participants interested in spiritual vocation will find 2-3 directees to begin practicing their own style of spiritual direction after completing retreats in Contemplative Listening and Foundations of Spiritual Direction. This program has approved a local spiritual director to conduct these practicums. With their supervisor, participants will establish a contract and payment. Those interested in formation or activism will find a suitable practicum and supervisor.
Students can work through the four retreats and supplemental background material at their own pace. However, in order to get the certificate, they must complete two years of supervised practice.
What are the benefits of spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction has been a source of nourishment for Christians for millennia.
Spiritual direction is a type of soul care in which a person interacts with another Christian for the sole goal of analyzing his or her personal relationship with God.
The spiritual director's role in the meeting is that of a facilitator, assisting the person in focusing on what God is doing in their life. They may be referred to as spiritual guides, spiritual advisors, or spiritual partners (3), but they are not a spiritual authority figure in the directee's life (2).
It is critical to remain centered in one's faith and understanding of what God is doing in order to be effective and available to others in ministry. When a Christian's life is coming apart or they need a clear understanding of God's presence and action in their lives, they can turn to a spiritual director (3).
Spiritual direction is crucial because it assists the individual on their spiritual path, making it less lonely. It can also increase one's awareness of God's presence in one's own life (2).
When it comes to spiritual guidance, pastoral counseling, and psychological counseling, what's the difference?
Spiritual direction's objective is to assist a person in discovering how God is operating in their lives and facilitating a creative and loving response to God.
Pastoral counseling focuses on living a life that is founded on the Bible. The person is aided and encouraged to have a better understanding of God's grace and love on a personal level.
Psychological counseling aids in the development of increased personal understanding and freedom of choice as a result of improved self-awareness (3).
The goal of spiritual direction is for the client to encounter God in their daily lives, therefore the spiritual director offers a secure environment in which the client can honestly reflect on what God is doing in their lives while also listening to what God is saying to them. There is no fixed schedule or technique for spiritual direction; it is likely to include talk, quiet, readings, and prayer (2).
It is critical to listen in order to improve one's relationship with God. People seek spiritual direction for a variety of reasons, one of which is to enhance their listening abilities, as it is through hearing that we discover what God is up to in our lives. This understanding will then assist a person in spiritual growth (2).
Spiritual direction is open to anybody seeking a deeper relationship with God, but because the focus is on reflecting on one's faith journey, it will be more beneficial to those who are not new to Christianity.
In fact, for Christian leaders who want to improve in their relationship with God, it can be a useful tool. C.S. Lewis is claimed to have met his spiritual director once a week for 11 years, with their relationship ending only when the spiritual director died.
Spiritual direction can benefit Christians in leadership roles because of the loneliness and isolation they may feel; it allows them to focus on their life and God while also allowing them to privately partner with the spiritual director on challenges they may be facing. Furthermore, it allows the leader to be accountable to someone for what is going on in their spiritual life (2).
It's worth noting that spiritual orientation is moving away from simply talking about God and toward meditating on one's experience with God. Individuals report improved awareness of God and spiritual growth as a result of spiritual direction; many report greater freedom in their relationship with God, enjoyment of God, understanding of God, and clarity of what God is doing. They also express a deep sense of calm in their life as a result of their spiritual direction experiences (2).
It's crucial to understand that spiritual direction is not the same as discipleship, counseling, or preaching.
In a nutshell, spiritual direction is a ministry of support in which one person goes alongside another on their faith journey.
Spiritual direction, a focused ministry of listening, prayer, and conversation, is a refreshing, pleasant experience in our contemporary “introspective individualistic age,” where many believe they don't need anyone to accompany them on their journey (1).
B Th (Hons), M Counselling, Dip Youth Work, Dip Youth Justice, Dip Couns, Dip Pentecostal Theology, Dip Ministry. Author: Corey Human, B Th (Hons), M Counselling, Dip Youth Work, Dip Youth Justice, Dip Couns, Dip Pentecostal Theology, Dip Ministry. PACFA and CCAA member.
In both English and Afrikaans, Corey Human has nearly 20 years of experience giving counseling to teenagers, adults, couples, parents, and families. His goal in relationship counseling and teaching is to equip each couple with the tools they need to heal themselves when their relationship is at a crossroads.
Online Booking is a good way to make an appointment. M1 Psychology Brisbane can also be reached by phone at
How often should you meet with your spiritual director?
How frequently should we gather for spiritual guidance? The standard meeting schedule is once a month, although there may be periods or seasons when meeting twice a month or every other month is more appropriate and beneficial.
Is spiritual direction Biblical?
So, if you're wondering whether Spiritual Direction is Biblical, the answer should be a resounding yes. When beginning to engage and guide a person, spiritual direction takes into account their spiritual experiences, prayer life, relationship with God, and faith tradition.
What is the difference between spiritual direction and Counselling?
Spiritual direction is usually ongoing and is part of one's inner desire to figure out “Where is God in this experience?” Counseling, on the other hand, is frequently brief and focused on a single topic. Unlike therapy, spiritual direction takes place in the context of prayer and a sense of God's presence.
What is spiritual direction certificate?
CSD is a non-credit continuing education program that aims to teach individuals how to accompany and guide others on their spiritual paths. Over the course of three years, eight weekend training sessions will be held in April, August, and December. (Only new cohorts start between April and August.) After successfully completing all needed courses and training, participants will get a certificate of completion.
What is Franciscan spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is a time-honored ministry of listening that is deep, sympathetic, and nonjudgmental. Anyone seeking spiritual growth, healing, or a closer relationship with God and others may find it useful. In the one-on-one dialogue reflecting on God's presence in the actions and experiences of your life, your spiritual director will be a trusted guide. Spiritual directors do not provide therapy, advise, or solutions to problems. Rather, they accompany you on your path to find your inner wisdom and discover your spiritual requirements.
Do you need a degree to be a spiritual director?
For the Education portion of the certification process, the CCPC has established the following requirements.
Formal classroom education in the field of spiritual direction is described as the required education. The foundation of information and skills connected with the basic functions must be addressed through education. Every aspect of your schooling must be documented.
A master's degree from a recognized accredited university with an emphasis in biblical, theological studies and a minimum of six courses in spirituality is required for accreditation. Individuals holding a baccalaureate degree in spirituality may be eligible in exceptional situations if they meet all other qualifications.
What do you talk about in spiritual direction?
People frequently find it easy to answer the first few questions. They do not make people nervous or perplexed. These questions provide a foundation for the spiritual director to learn about the person and his or her spirituality. Leading questions aren't the same as starting questions. When someone wants a certain answer, they ask leading questions. On the other hand, there are no correct solutions to these questions. A person can reply in any way they want without fear of being judged.