My Spiritual Direction Journey
I was first introduced to spiritual direction while in seminary over 16 years ago. During multiple spiritual formation classes, I heard my professors and mentors sharing stories of their experiences with spiritual directors. I became intrigued by the idea of having someone journey with me and help me sort through issues of the soul. Growing up in evangelical circles, I had never heard of the practice and thought it was specific to Catholic traditions.
Spiritual direction is increasingly gaining traction within mainstream Protestant circles, with ministry leaders like Rich Villodas, John Mark Comer, Ruth Haley Barton, and Curt Thompson highlighting its benefits. These leaders emphasize the transformative impact spiritual direction has had on their personal and ministry lives.
Soon after completing seminary, I joined a team of church planters to plant Missio Community in SW Portland. We committed to one another that we would care for our souls and families, knowing the demands of planting and leading a church. As a team, we prioritized learning about spiritual formation and soul-care. During the first few years of this commitment, we attended Space for God retreats and engaged in the practice of silence and solitude. At some point, I was reintroduced to the ministry of spiritual direction. I researched and sought out a personal spiritual director.
I remember going to direction for the first time. I wasn’t even sure how it worked or if I needed it. All I knew was that many of my mentors and people I respected in ministry were doing it. As I came into the session, my expectation was that it would be like some form of coaching or counseling.
I was so confused when the first question I was asked was, “How is your soul?” I had no context or language to actually talk about or answer that question. I said, “I guess, I feel good... or it feels good?”
After one or two sessions of direction, I realized I didn’t specifically know how to attend to my soul. I had spiritual disciplines; I knew how to read and study the Bible. I could lead church ministries, walk people through baptism classes and foundations of faith, yet I struggled to describe my relationship with the Triune God I believed wholeheartedly in. I had the language to describe theology (what we know and think about God), but I had little language for spirituality (what we experience of God).
Spiritual direction has helped me know myself. I can begin to see who God was imagining me to be when He created me. I’m learning to accept and even love this person and can understand why Christ loves me.
I’m reminded that I am beloved by the Creator and worthy of this love.
Spiritual direction helps me to discover and process the way that Father, Son, and Spirit want to be present in my life. I’ve learned to holistically connect with the Triune God, understanding that He has created me to use all my senses to receive and respond to Him.
Over the years, I've been fortunate to cultivate diverse relationships that have influenced my journey. From the personal relationships shared with family and friends to the connections built with mentors, teachers, and coaches. I’ve had pastors and discipleship relationships that guided my spiritual formation. Each of these relationships has holistically formed me. But the spiritual director and directee relationship I have had has been one of the most significant over recent years.
Defining the essence of the soul or spiritual formation can be difficult and complex. Lately, I've found myself simplifying it as much as possible. Borrowing ideas from Cindy S. Lee, I think of the soul as the space your sacred self dwells. This is the space where God sees you clearly and, on good days, where you see God clearly.
Spiritual formation is the transformation that happens when you encounter God again, and again, and again.
The challenges of life and work can crowd into your soul and formation practices, overwhelming and depleting you. This can lead to a distortion in your perception of both yourself and God. Spiritual direction is a safe and honoring space for ongoing reflection and processing of your soul's journey. It involves conversations aimed at helping you listen and respond to matters of the soul. The primary goal is to lead you to a deepening relationship with God and self.
What I found in spiritual direction wasn’t answers and advice that so many other personal and professional relationships offer. Instead, I found a person who was focused on companioning me as I sought the Father, Son, and Spirit. I’ve learned how to slow down and be present to their movements in my life.
Spiritual direction has profoundly impacted my life, enabling me to see and love myself as God does. It has also empowered me to extend love and grace to others.
If you are curious about spiritual direction, let’s connect.
