Statement on Spiritual Direction
The underlying assumption of the Center is that God acts in every area of our lives. God is present in our families, our work and working relationships, our leisure and our quiet times. God is there in our doubt as well as our certainty, in our weakness as well as our wholeness. To receive the gift of this ministry we need to accept God’s presence in all areas of our lives. We need to commit ourselves to be as honest as we are able about our Christian life, and be willing to trust in the transforming power of God’s love.
Spiritual direction is a ministry of listening, discernment, and prayer in a confidential setting of encouragement and compassion. Through this ministry one finds a spiritual companion who can listen to the stories of one’s life and help discern the presence and work of God’s Spirit.
Though we believe God is always calling us and leading us, sometimes we need a “soul friend” to help us recognize God’s voice and respond to his presence. This companion intentionally sets aside the concerns of his or her own life to listen and attend to the experience of God in the life of the other person. The ministry of spiritual direction is being such a listener and friend. The goal of spiritual direction is that those who enter into direction would grow closer to God and become more the persons God created us to be in Jesus Christ.