What is spiritual direction, in general?

• The practice in which we pay attention to the Triune God, growing in responding to him in an ever-more intimate relationship of love
• “… a one-on-one relationship organized around prayer and conversations directed toward deepening intimacy with God” – David Benner, Sacred Companions
• “The essence of spiritual direction is this deepening love and communion with God” – Jeanette Bakke, Holy Invitations

How would your approach be described? (source: Selah Certificate Program in Spiritual Direction)

• Spiritual Direction:
  • Biblical: my understanding of God and his ways are from the Scriptures.
  • Contemplative: I am attentive to Christ’s presence; noticing the movement and activity of the Holy Spirit.
  • Trinitarian: I pay attention to how God the Father is actively shaping a person’s life through the Holy Spirit in ways that form them deeper into the image of Christ.
• Coaching:
  • Inquiry, active listening, patient, a pragmatic balance of valuing relationship and tasks

How does coaching and spiritual direction differ from counseling, mentoring, etc.? 

	agenda	process	role of helper	goal	questions asked
Coaching	Set by coachee	Set action steps & celebrate wins	Clarify & encourage	Achieve goals, make progress, breakthrough change	“What will you do …?”
Counseling	Set by counselee	Heal wounds, manage crisis, problem solve	Facilitator	Health	“What is broken or wrong …?”
Discipling	Set by discipler	Instruction	Transmit knowledge & skills	Learning	“What do you need to know…?”
Mentoring	Chosen together	Develop-ment	Coach	Improve-ment	“What should you do …?
Spiritual Direction	Revealed by the Holy Spirit	Noticing, paying attention, praying	Listener, pray-er	Intimacy with God	“What is God doing …?”

What can I expect from a session?

• During the complementary introduction session, we will discern next steps during a 30 minute Q&A session.
• A virtual session totaling no more than 60 minutes.
• The session will be a mix of prayer, stillness, questioning and introspection.
• As your Director, I will “serve as the means of God to open the path to the inward teaching of the Holy Spirit” – Richard Foster

What do I talk about? (What is permissible? Is anything off-limits?)

• Whatever you are comfortable discussing. 
• It could be a personal matter, it could involve another relationship, it could involve work or other responsibilities. 
• Nothing is off-limits except for what you are not prompted to share by the Holy Spirit.

What if my problem/life isn’t improving?

• The goal is about intimacy with God.  
• A challenge and goal of the experience is “… not to strengthen the ego but to surrender the ego to God” – Jeanette Bakke

How long is the commitment?  Can I cancel at any time?

• After the introduction session, should we mutually discern that direction is needed, I ask for a minimum of 3 sessions. 
• Each session is scheduled with at least 1 month in between.
• If desired, you can cancel after the 3 sessions.

I’m interested.  How do I get started?

You can schedule a session below or you can also contact me via email at husharborsd@gmail.com.