Spiritual Direction
What is Spiritual Direction?
Hospitable, confidential, and grounded in biblical truth, spiritual direction is a ministry that helps you grow in prayer and live into your calling as a follower of Christ.
A Christian Spiritual director is a trained listener who accompanies you on your spiritual journey, helping guide you through spiritual blindspots (not seeing God anywhere or only where you expect to see Him) to spiritual sight (finding God everywhere, especially where we least expect it).
How Does Spiritual Direction Differ From Other Disciplines/Relationships?
Spiritual direction is not the same as mentoring or disciple-ing. Those types of relationships usually focus more on moral, educational and vocational guidance in a particular faith tradition. Although hints of mentoring and discipleship can cross paths within a director/directee relationship a true spiritual director is someone who can listen and provide spiritual guidance beyond any personal need to defend or uphold any particular tradition or religious institution. Spiritual directors, are there solely to attend to the directee. There is a willingness on the part of the directee to submit to the guidance of the director because of the inner authority they possess and their ability to listen (both to the directee and the Holy Spirit) not to be a student of preaching or teaching.
Long Version
Shonda Carter
Online or In-Person
Training:
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Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Spiritual Formation & Soul Care, Talbot School of Theology
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M.A. Spiritual Formation,
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MTS Master of Theological Studies
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Certification in Spiritual Direction
The phrase "spiritual direction" is a misnomer in a way because it is not so much about being directive as it is about being open, receptive, aware of, and responsive to the movement of the Spirit in the directee's life. It is understood that the Holy Spirit is the true director, Advocate, or Counselor given to lead us into truth as we can bear it (John 15, 16). The director is present to assist the directee in paying attention to the invitations of the Holy Spirit and to support the directee in responding faithfully.
To receive spiritual direction is to recognize that God does not solve our problems or answer all our questions, but leads us closer to the mystery of our existence where all questions cease. -Henri Nouwen
Our Mission
To create an environment for edification, education, and empathy to help guide alongside the spiritual journey:
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Falling in Love with God
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Learning & Trusting God
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Productivity (Using our gifts in service & ministry)
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Inward Journey (Rediscovering God when we no longer feel certain) --------The Wall (God Where are You?)--------
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Journey Outwards (Totally "sold-out" to God - discovering a new sense of vocation
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Life of Love (Reflecting God in Christ-like living)
