"Within each of us lies the desire to find meaning beyond the moment, to discover our true selves, to grow closer to God and to one another.  A spiritual director can help you fulfill that longing."

Mark 28 tells the story of two friends walking to Emmaus when Jesus joins them.  There is a deep interaction between them that changes the two friends forever. I believe spiritual direction is like that. Two people meet face to face, one sharing with another, his or her spiritual jouney, while the director listens.  The director listens, not only with his or her ears, but with a heart opened to the Spirit.  The directee, through the sharing of where God is active in his or her life, expereinces God at a deeper level.

Spiritual direction is not about being "directed". Rather, it is very much about being encouraged to draw closer to God.  Spiritual direction helps people pay attention to God's personal communication in their daily expereinces.  This is NOT counseling which focuses on problem solving and/or behavior change.
The privilege and responsisbility of a spiritual director is to journey with another as he or she deepens the relationship with God.  The journey takes place in the context of confidential, one on one or group sessions, that last about one hour in length.
Most spiritual directors have 2-3 years training and formation. They also meet regularly with a director as they continue to grow.

Jean Wise is trained as a spiritual director by the Dominican Center at Marywood, Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Contact her to discuss if spiritual direction may be right for you.

"The first service one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them.  Just as love of God begins in listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them.  It is God's love for us that He not only gives us His Word but lends us His ear.  So it is His work that we do for our brother when we learn to listen to him."