FAQs

God invites each of us on a unique journey. As we follow Him, there are times when we sense a clear path forward and at other times the trail is hard to find.   Spiritual directors are trained to walk with individuals as they look for God at work in their life. They meet one-on-one with individuals to listen, offer observations, and ask questions.  

While spiritual direction is a listening ministry, it is different from counseling or therapy. Spiritual directors do not attempt to analyze, fix or problem solve. They listen and offer support and encouragement as you look for God and listen for his voice.  Counseling and therapy tend to look back at past things, coaching tends to look ahead, while spiritual direction looks at the present; where is God at work in the here and now. 

When you arrive for your appointment (or we connect online) I will welcome you, you share on what’s happening in life, and pray for our time. Often, I will also offer you a few moments of quiet. This is a good time to take some deep breaths, connect with God and allow thoughts and feelings to surface. 

When you are ready, you will begin the conversation by sharing something that you’ve been thinking or feeling. I will listen without interrupting and ask a question or make an observation when it feels appropriate. 

A session lasts around 60 minutes and usually ends with prayer.  Spiritual direction conversations happen at a slower pace than normal conversation, include pauses for thought and prayer, and invite what we might be tempted to call rambling or making a short story long. 

If we are meeting online, I ask that you identify a private place in which to have our conversations. This will allow both of us to focus on listening and being open to the Spirit’s movements.

I believe that God is working in every part of your life – school, work, family life, relationships with friends, hobbies – everything.  So, you are encouraged to talk about anything and everything in spiritual direction. 

You may want to talk about a strong feeling you’ve experienced recently, a question you are wrestling with, what’s happening (or not happening) in your devotional life, or even something from your past that keeps popping up.  If you aren’t sure where to start, let me know and I will ask a question designed to get the conversation started. Don’t worry! You can’t do it wrong.

I encourage everyone (including myself) to meet with a spiritual director once a month. You may not have a big thing every month that you want to talk about, but it is helpful to have someone to talk to about the little things as well. 

Sometimes the movements of God are subtle, and it helps to have someone to help you notice. Sometimes life moves so quickly that we need a monthly excuse to take a moment to pause and listen. A monthly appointment provides the structure we need for stopping to notice. 

My ministry is funded by generous people and partners.  Like all staff at my missions organization, I have no outside income.  

You are invited to consider $50-75 a session.  A sliding scale rate is available upon request. I don’t want people to be unable to pursue direction due to lack of financial resources.

If I have not received it by the next day, I will request for funds as a reminder.

Yes. What you share with me remains confidential. You, however, are free to share your experience with others.  The only exception to this is if you share information that would lead me to believe you have, or are in danger of, hurting yourself or someone else. 

On occasion, I meet with a supervisor to discuss a specific question or concern. In those instances, your name and other identifying information is omitted or changed to protect your privacy.

Many people are good listeners, but spiritual directors have also participated in a two-year training program designed to hone their skills and provide a strong theological foundation for ministry. In addition, spiritual directors are committed to journeying with God through spiritual practices and engagement in a community of faith. They also commit to receiving regular spiritual direction.  I have completed my certification in Spiritual Direction from Sustainable Faith. Contact me if you would like a copy.

Click on any of the book a free introductory session on the home page to get started.