Spiritual directors are spiritually sensitive, non-judgmental, caring and interested listeners. You are free to explore any emotional struggle or life hurdle in spiritual direction as it pertains to your ongoing experience of God. The director’s primary ministry is to help you notice 1. the dynamics of your unique relationship with God, 2. how God may be speaking to you and working in your life, through Scripture, the Spirit’s inner promptings, your Christian community, etc., and 3. how you are currently relating to God in the midst of your present circumstances.
However, spiritual direction/soul care is distinct from other one-on-one Christian ministries and is not meant to replace them. The spiritual direction relationship can, however, compliment other resources.
1. Spiritual direction is not therapy. Though discussing your experience of God and connecting more deeply with the Holy Spirit can be therapeutic, the spiritual direction ministry does not claim to resolve any ongoing biological disorders or psychosocial maladjustment, for which board certified psychiatrists and licensed clinical counselors have specialized expertise and training.
2. Spiritual directors do not take the place of a recovery sponsor, and individual soul care is not recommended as a substitute for group-oriented recovery ministries.
3. Spiritual direction does not replace systematic classes on the basics of Christian theology. Spiritual direction does not follow any set curriculum or track.The content of the spiritual direction conversation is primarily your personal experience of God, your personal mental and emotional connections to Biblical ideas of God, and how the Holy Spirit may be speaking to you in the moment and in your life. However, you are free to discuss Biblical ideas or explore concepts or assumptions you may have been taught about God as they pertain to your current circumstances and rapport with God.
NOTE: Christian spiritual direction has never been associated with the work of an occult ‘spiritual advisor’. Spiritual directors never read palms, predict the future, use talismans, or involve themselves in occult practices in any way. We are not conduits to deceased spirits, or any other spirits. We seek to humbly listen to the Holy Spirit of God, and no other, along with you. We are careful to avoid becoming a go-between in your relationship with God, as we seek to foster a more open, direct, and trusting relationship between you and your Lord.
If you have further questions, feel free to contact Jess Mason at jmason@deeperhope.org. God bless your journey, and let us know if we may be of assistance.
