The purpose of Spiritual Director Certification is to acknowledge persons who have achieved an appropriate level of training, abilities, and effectiveness as a Spiritual Director through the certification process.
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Everyone with the appropriate qualifications is encouraged to apply, regardless of age, race, nationality, sex, or handicap.
- To give competent people who have studied, worked, and acquired abilities in spiritual direction a way to be recognized as professionals.
- To give the public confidence that Spiritual Directors have reached a level of competence that is acceptable.
- To urge Certified Spiritual Directors to keep their spiritual awareness, education, and professional growth up to date.
What does a spiritual director do?
Spiritual direction has its origins in the early Christian church. According to the gospels, Jesus acted as a mentor to his disciples. In addition, Ananias is described in Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 as assisting Paul of Tarsus in growing in his newfound faith. Similarly, Paul is described as mentoring Timothy and Titus, among others, in various Pauline epistles. Polycarp, the 2nd-century bishop of Smyrna, is said to have been instructed by John the Evangelist.
John Cassian, a fourth-century theologian, wrote some of the first known principles on the Christian practice of spiritual direction.
In the monasteries, he established mentoring. Each novice was assigned to an elder monk for supervision. Cassian's precepts were incorporated into what is now known as the Rule of Saint Benedict by Benedict of Nursia.
Spiritual direction is common in the Catholic tradition: a wise and spiritually discerned person, generally but not always a priest or a consecrated person in general, counsels a person who aspires to embark on a journey of faith and discover God's will in his life. The spiritual guide's goal is to identify and grasp what the Holy Spirit is telling the person accompanied via life events, spiritual insights gained through prayer, reading, and meditation on the Bible. The spiritual father or spiritual director may give advise, give life and prayer hints, and resolve doubts in areas of faith and morals without taking the place of the accompanying person's choices and judgments.
How do you qualify as a spiritual director?
Over the course of a year, complete 30 hours of spiritual direction with at least three people. After all supervision and direction hours are completed, you will get 10 hours of supervision and a written recommendation from your spiritual-direction supervisor.
Are Spiritual Directors certified?
Those seeking certification and the title of Certified Spiritual Director (CSD) shall give the CCPC with information on their education, supervised experience, and specific training in the subject of Christian Spiritual Direction. Copies of all of the aforementioned papers are required and will be kept on file at the CCPC; they will not be returned.
An Evaluator will screen the application and evidence for certification eligibility, and then the CCPC Board of Examiners will review it. The Board of Examiners' decision will be communicated to the applicant in writing. Denial of an application will be accompanied by a written explanation and recommendations for obtaining the necessary training or education.
Can spiritual directors help?
Spiritual Directors International's rules state that spiritual directors should have their own directors, as well as mentors or peers who may give oversight and responsibility. Spiritual direction fees are usually on a sliding basis, ranging from $50 to $150 each 50-minute appointment. For those who cannot afford to pay, some directors provide pro gratis services.
The relationship between companion and seeker is personal, and spiritual directors must establish proper limits, just as they would in any other type of counseling. Some spiritual companions, such as Ms. Pannier-Cass, have social work degrees.
While therapy “may provide expert aid with recovering from mental health problems,” spiritual direction “focuses on your relationship with God or the divine” through prayer or reflection, according to Emily Malcoun, a clinical psychologist in Philadelphia who has worked with a spiritual director.
Some argue that the profession should be held more accountable. In an article published last October in Presence, a journal published by Spiritual Directors International, Andree Grafstein, a spiritual director in Avon, Conn., recalled an episode of sexual harassment from a director nearly 40 years ago. “I look forward to a day when the reality of sexual harassment by spiritual directors is as obvious as other forms of sexual abuse,” she added.
Ms. Grafstein said she has gotten supportive communications from other spiritual directors since the piece was published. She is particularly concerned about the need for spiritual directors to get instruction and assistance if they hear that a directee has been harassed or abused by another director.
Directees can be vulnerable, especially if they came to a spiritual director because of their rejection of organized religion or a previous religious community. Kristabeth Atwood, a spiritual director and former United Methodist minister in Burlington, Vermont, refers to herself as a pastor for individuals who don't attend church. The majority of her subordinates “I just don't feel at home in a traditional or formal religious group,” she explained.
What questions does a spiritual director ask?
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.
How do I become a certified spiritual advisor?
To become a spiritual counselor, you will need to complete a lengthy education program. This entails earning a Bachelor's degree, followed by a Master's degree, and lastly a Doctorate or PhD program. Request information from programs available to you here if you are serious about entering this field of study.
What is meant by spiritual formation?
The process of becoming conformed to the image of Jesus Christ for the glory of God and the sake of others is known as Christian spiritual formation (II Corinthians 3:17-18).
The Holy Spirit, who directs the continual path toward union with God, is at the center of spiritual formation.
Submission is the response. Individuals and communities are formed through an organic, life-long, and holistic process involving proper thinking (orthodoxy), right behaviors (orthopraxy), and right feelings (orthopathy).”
What is soul shepherding?
Mission. DISCIPLESHIP, COUNSELING, RETREATS, SEMINARS, WORSHIP SERVICES, AND OTHER MEANS ARE USED TO PROVIDE SPIRITUAL MINISTRY TO PASTORS, LEADERS, AND OTHER CHRISTIANS.
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. Rather, they accompany you on your path to find your inner wisdom and discover your spiritual requirements.