Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiritual Direction?
As we conceive it, Spiritual Direction is the process of exploring and understanding the interior world of another, following the Spirit’s work in transforming the person’s interior world to become more like Christ. A one-on-one session offers an objective, non-judgmental space where you can talk freely and openly about the things on your heart and mind and receive valuable insight from a trained fellow sojourner.
What does a Spiritual Director do?
As believers, we have been given a Spirit-dependent ability and wisdom (when and as He sees fit to give) to join another in the journey to see, explore, discern, and touch some of the beliefs, struggles, battles, and energy that are revealed in the relational story of the soul. Spiritual directors seek to hold onto who a person really is in Christ as they are invited to travel into and through their suffering, fearful, thirsty, and fallen internal realities into a greater freedom to gratefully receive and joyfully offer the Father’s sacrificial love.
What is the process of spiritual direction through Larger Story?
- First, fill out our Spiritual Direction interest form.
- We will then connection you via email with one of our recommended Spiritual Directors.
- Reply to that email to start a conversation with one of the directors about what their process looks like.
Who is spiritual direction for?
- Spiritual direction is for anyone looking to take their spiritual life more seriously.
- Those in vocation ministry who are regularly pouring out spiritually (and have few places they can receive spiritual guidance and direction for themselves?): Pastors, associate pastors, missionaries, youth leaders, campus minsters
- Those seeking to go into ministry.
- Those seeking direction vocationally
- Those who feel emotionally or spiritually stuck
How much does Spiritual Direction cost?
Each director will determine his or her own rates. Generally Spiritual Direction is offered from free to $120 per session with the average session cost being in the $75 range.
How long are the sessions?
Typically a standard session is 60 minutes but in some instances 90 minute sessions can be a better fit.
How often is Spiritual Direction necessary?
“There is no strict timetable for spiritual direction though it should be regular. After the initial spiritual assessment period, where your director helps you take stock of your spiritual journey thus far, you and your director will decide on the frequency that best serves you and your goals. However often you decide to meet (monthly at minimum), it will be important to be faithful to your time together. Your commitment builds a relationship of trust between you and your spiritual director so that, together, you may be more responsive to ways God is working in both of you.”
How is Spiritual Direction different from counseling?
There are distinctions between spiritual direction and therapeutic relationships. In general, therapy and counseling deal primarily with problem areas of one’s life and attempt to bring healthy resolution to issues. Spiritual direction is concerned with finding and responding to God in the midst of pain or disorder as well as in the rest of life.
Problem/issue solving is not the primary focus of Spiritual Direction. Surprising new perspectives usually arise in contemplative spiritual direction as both director and directee listen deeply for the whispers and nudges of God, but the focus in Spiritual Direction is not on practical problem solving.
Are the sessions confidential?
Your time with your spiritual director is sacred; and will hold our conversations in strict confidence. Our spiritual directors will not reveal the content of your conversations unless they are required to do so by law. There are situations, however, in which the law requires that certain information can be revealed without your consent. If there is any indication that you may be a danger to yourself or others, or are involved in the abusing of a minor, your information may be disclosed to appropriate mental health services or law enforcement.
Are there technical requirements to participate in the spiritual direction sessions?
Yes and no. Directors often conduct spiritual direction meetings over a secure video conferencing technology called Zoom but if you would prefer to do a phone call session, that is generally something you will be able to arrange with your director.
For Zoom Video Meetings:
You will need to have Zoom installed on to your computer in order to run the meeting.
Once your appointment is booked with your spiritual director, you will automatically receive an email with the link to the Zoom meeting room.
If it is your first time using Zoom, we suggest clicking the link to the Zoom meeting (which will be found in your confirmation email) 5 minutes before the start of the meeting to get Zoom properly set up on your computer. While the setup prompts are relatively self explanatory, you can also see this video for instructions on how to get set up.