Have you heard of spiritual direction? or a spiritual director? If not, it's simply because it isn't a very "evangelical" idea. It's only becoming more popular in evangelical circles as the bond of unity between evangelicals and catholics grows stronger around the world. It is only in the last 20 years that evangelical organizations like Campus Crusade for Christ, Billy Graham and Alpha International have forged partnerships with the catholic church.
Along with those bridges has come an acceptance of other styles of worship - the rise in popularity of the liturgical service in evangelical churches is an evidence of this. Evangelicals are embracing ways of spiritual growth dating back to pre-reformation, mystical teachings and catholic teachings. Among those ideas is the concept of spiritual direction. Traditionally, a catholic nun or priest would be guided in their spiritual journey through a director - an older priest or nun who helped them decipher how God was intersecting their life.
Bruce Demarest in his book, Soul Guide: Following Jesus as Spiritual Director, takes a look at how Jesus enlightened people with the knowledge of God's presence and activity in their lives. In his book, he outlines the difference between a spiritual director, mentor, discipler and counselor.
A spiritual mentor helps you with skills for ministry. This could range from how to use powerpoint slides to the benefits of nametags. It could be training in how to do sound, lead a bible study or write a sermon. A mentor takes you with them as they teach practical ministry skills.
A spiritual discipler helps you to grow in your understanding of doctrine, theology and spiritual disciplines. They may lead a bible study, memorize scripture with you, teach you how to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit or help you to lead a friend to Christ.
A spiritual counselor helps bear your burdens. They listen and provide direction, usually out of a crisis in your life. They provide wisdom for that circumstance and help you understand what has transpired in your life to bring you to this point of crisis. They provide practical help in how to move ahead and not fall back into old patterns that lead to crisis.
A spiritual director helps you to figure out how God is intersecting your life. They ask questions that encourage you to think about God's work, God's character and God's desires as they relate to your specific circumstances, personality, skills, hopes and dreams.
As you can see, these categories are not that clear-cut, they overlap on occasion. A spiritual director, however, is something that is new to the evangelical community.
The Mark Centre was founded by Steve and Evy Klassen as a place of retreat for people in the MB denomination. In speaking with Steve recently, I discovered that he is a spiritual director as well. His experience in being directed comes from meeting with either Steve or Jeff Imbach (can't remember which one) brothers who are both spiritual directors.
Spiritual direction in the evangelical community was hugely influenced by Henri Nouwen. You can read more about it on the Henri Nouwen website, or take a look at a book that was written post-humously by two of his students, Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith. I have been reading this book and enjoying the practical questions that help me think and discover God's character, His interest in me and how my life is being intersected by His desires, purpose, love and plans.
Since some of the concepts in spiritual direction are very catholic, it is important to have an open mind, but not to be theologically dull when you are reading or growing in spiritual direction.
An example of this is found in a book that I recently purchased at Nugget's Bookstore. It is a series of spiritual exercises written by a catholic nun (many years ago). She writes about how the icons of Mary that were painted in the 1500's are God's work, inspired by the Holy Spirit the same way that the Scriptures were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
A reader of this concept needs to exercise caution - allowing that the painter of the icon painted with passion, insight and emotion - moved in their spirit by their faith in God to paint in a way that can likewise move the one who views the painting. This kind of inspiration is quite different, however, than the inspiration we mean when we talk about all Scripture being inspired (God-breathed) by the Holy Spirit.
Steve Klassen tells me that he is interested in putting on a retreat about spiritual direction - or perhaps a weekly course for those who are interested. I have found it difficult to connect with women who are spiritual directors or who are interested in growing in this area. There seem to be more men involved at this end of the Fraser Valley. Let me know if you know otherwise.
What are your thoughts on spiritual direction?
Have you heard about it?
Does it interest you?
sharon
Thursday, March 1, 2007
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2 comments:
I think I need some!
A retreat (or several evening sessions) centered around the hows/whys of spiritual direction would be great...
...unofficially there have been people in my life who have given direction and wisdom who have been invaluable. I have felt that in some instances God has used me to guide other young women toward Himself and His purposes in their lives.
And every so often it becomes clear that I need someone again. There have been times where I have felt the need for an outsiders insight into what God is doing in my life, and why I can't seem to see the obvious.
I want to know...
...how to tactfully come along someone and broach the subject of direction either for them or for you?
...how to steer someone in the right direction when you feel you would not be the right match?
...is it something you need a laid out contract (albeit simple or complex) for a length of time to commit to?
...am I making more of this than there should be?
I see so much value and insight in being wasted by women who think they no longer have anything to offer the church. I can learn so much from women who have been there and gone through the things I'm currently facing.
How do we mine that knowledge and wisdom, while bestowing them with dignity, honor and cherishment (word?) bringing us both closer to a clear picture of how God is molding us into the image of Jesus?
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