Spiritual Direction
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction provides people with someone to talk with them in their journey of faith. It covers any aspect of life as well as things like prayer and questions of faith. It helps people look at the questions, "Where is God in this? In what direction is the Spirit leading me?"
Sometimes we need encouraging, sometimes challenging, but most of us need someone to meet us where we are, and to listen to us in the ups and downs of our journeys. A Spiritual Director does not have all the answers, is not a counsellor, advice-giver or problem-solver. The Spiritual Director keeps confidentiality and is non-judgemental.
The words Spiritual Direction are the traditional description of the work, so we use it, though Spiritual Directors are not "directive" in the way they used to be in the past. Others might use the term "soul friend", or even "mentor". The title does not really matter. Meeting our need does.
Who is it for?
Spiritual Direction is for all who want it, men and women, lay people and clergy alike. It is open to people of all churches, and to those on the fringe of the church. A Spiritual Director can help explore a person's religious or spiritual experience, so it can be at the cutting edge of evangelism.
Who are Spiritual Directors?
They are people from all churches, lay and ordained, women and men. They may have received specific training as spiritual directors, or they may simply be people experienced in listening and in spiritual matters. If you find people talking to you about where God is in their lives, you are probably carrying out something of this ministry already.
Taster Days, 7-Week courses, and longer courses are all available in the area, to increase skills and confidence, as are support groups and an annual residential Consultation. At the moment, the Diocese of Newcastle is appointing a new Adviser for Spirituality and Spiritual Direction in the Diocese As soon as he or she is in post, information will be available about these.
How can I find a Spiritual Director?
The Revd Gill Henwood
The Vicarage, Riding Mill, Northumberland NE44 6AT
Telephone: 01434 682 120
Email: ne44vicarage@live.co.uk
Gill served in parish and diocesan roles in Blackburn, London and York dioceses before moving in 2009 to the Tyne Valley to take up the Adviser’s post. Her experience covers rural, city-centre and suburban parishes; college and rural chaplaincies; liturgy for all ages; fostering a vibrant youth ministry; preparing many children for Admission to Holy Communion; preparation for Weddings and Christenings in a large parish; liaising with schools; time on General Synod engaging with current issues… as well as everyday life.