Being a Spiritual Director

The Director

Spiritual directors may be found among persons of many denominations, laity, clergy and persons in religious communities. They may be married or single and may seek their livelihood in a variety of occupations. What is paramount is that the director is responding to an invitation from God to participate in this ministry; that the gift of direction has been called forth by others; and that the director has sought to enhance the gift and sharpen skills through means appropriate to her or his particular needs .

The primary responsibilities of the director are prayer for the directee and openness to God for what is truly called for on behalf of the directee during the sessions. This assumes that the director is taking seriously his or  her relationship with God through intentional prayer, attention to solitude time and regular spiritual direction.

Further, as a means of accountability in this ministry, and growth as a director, it is encouraged that directors avail themselves of supervision in a one-to-one or group setting with other directors. Whatever way this supervision happens, confidentiality must be observed and anonymity of directees needs to be preserved.