As a counselor for 4 decades and as an assistant pastor for two of those decades, being a spiritual director is a natural fit for me. However, beyond it just being the logic of a next step or additional service, spiritual direction feels like a calling to me. Having been on the receiving end of spiritual direction, I know from experience how refreshing and life-giving it can be. (By the way, all spiritual directors have a spiritual director themselves, not just as a supervisor but as a companion on their own personal and spiritual journey.)
The Role of Spritual Director
As a spiritual director I think of my role and my work in this way. To come alongside people in 1:1 conversations who are seeking, to use the prayerful words of Richard of Chichester “…to see Thee more clearly, to love Thee more dearly, to follow Thee more nearly.”
Other terms for spiritual direction are “spiritual companion” and “soul friend.” Thus a spiritual director is not an “expert” or a “guru.” Spiritual direction is not counseling, coaching, mentoring, or discipleship, although at times a session may venture briefly and lightly into one of those arenas.
The Experience of Spiritual Direction
One of the metaphors for spiritual direction I like is that of the inviting light and warmth of the campfire in the wilderness, “welcoming sojourners from all corners of life to stop, relax, and talk for a while. A place where tired bodies and spirits are warmed by the fire and refreshed.”
People may seek spiritual direction for one or more of the following reasons:
* desiring to live authentically and deeper in their faith
* wishing to alleviate the staleness and the boredom of their current faith experience
* seeking rest from the weariness of rule-centered and performance-based Christianity
* longing for a safe place to express questions and doubts
* needing a safe place to wrestle with God
* wanting to discern God’s will in their life
* rejecting the current politicizing of Christianity, prompting the desire to know the real Jesus
* desiring to make sense of and see God’s hand in their story
* for those in ministry, wishing someone was there for them and cared for their soul
* for those in helping professions, wishing someone was interested in their life and spiritual well-being.
When & Where
<> Spiritual direction sessions are typically once a month and usually for an hour.
<> Spiritual direction sessions meet at my office in Franklin or via Zoom for out-of-towners.
<> The fee is $70.
If you resonate with any of the above experiences and needs, and you’re curious to know more, let’s have a chat about your interests and questions. Email me at ramonpresson@gmail.com and put Spiritual Direction in the subject line. You can also call/text me at (615) 319-6450