If you don’t currently have a spiritual director but are curious about how to find one, let me offer a few suggestions that could benefit your search. There are three primary sources to consider when trying to locate one. The first may be obvious but it’s your own network. Think of people you know who are meeting with a spiritual director or would be familiar with directors in your area. Priests, pastors, nuns, Christian educators, retreat leaders, authors and counselors are often good resources.
Secondly, consider contacting any nearby theological schools, convents, monasteries or retreat centers for names of spiritual directors in your area. It’s common for these types of communities to make referrals of spiritual directors to the broader Christian community. Some will even have a training program they offer for those interested in learning the art of spiritual direction.
Finally, there are a few organizations that you can consult on-line. The first and largest is called Spiritual Directors International (SDI) (http://www.sdiworld.org/ ). On their web site are several aids that will help you in your search for a spiritual director in your area. Keep in mind, spiritual directors listed in their Seek and Find Directory are from all faith traditions. Another organization you can consult is the Evangelical Spiritual Directors Association (ESDA) (http://www.ecswisdom.org/esda/tips). On both SDI’s and ESDA’s web sites you can read about how to find a spiritual director, what to ask them, and how to determine who is a good fit.
Which brings us to another consideration when looking for a spiritual director: what makes for a good fit? The answer to that question is very personal. You will need to trust your own instincts and be patient and determined about finding someone who works well for you.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
• Do I prefer a female or male spiritual director? Or is either fine?
• From what faith, denomination or spiritual tradition do I prefer my director to be?
• How far am I willing to travel to meet with a spiritual director?
• Would I be comfortable meeting for spiritual direction “virtually”—via phone, Skype, etc?
• How much can I afford to pay to meet with one?
Once you identify a few names, I encourage you to set up an interview with two or three. Here are some questions you might ask them:
• How would you describe the ministry of spiritual direction?
• How do you approach offering spiritual direction?
• How many years have you been offering spiritual direction?
• Where were you trained?
• How often do you typically meet with directees?
• How much is your fee? (Some directors charge a flat fee; some ask for what you can afford; and some don’t charge a fee.)
Finally, here are some things to think about as you reflect on your time with each spiritual director you interviewed:
• How did I feel in their meeting space? Did the setting feel comfortable to me?
• What was the “chemistry” like between us?
• What did I enjoy about my interaction with this spiritual director?
• Was there anything I didn’t like about my experience?
• Of those I’ve met with, who am I most drawn to?
I hope your search is profitable! And, if you would ever be interested in receiving training in becoming a spiritual director, here is information about the Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction.
Secondly, consider contacting any nearby theological schools, convents, monasteries or retreat centers for names of spiritual directors in your area. It’s common for these types of communities to make referrals of spiritual directors to the broader Christian community. Some will even have a training program they offer for those interested in learning the art of spiritual direction.
Finally, there are a few organizations that you can consult on-line. The first and largest is called Spiritual Directors International (SDI) (http://www.sdiworld.org/ ). On their web site are several aids that will help you in your search for a spiritual director in your area. Keep in mind, spiritual directors listed in their Seek and Find Directory are from all faith traditions. Another organization you can consult is the Evangelical Spiritual Directors Association (ESDA) (http://www.ecswisdom.org/esda/tips). On both SDI’s and ESDA’s web sites you can read about how to find a spiritual director, what to ask them, and how to determine who is a good fit.
Which brings us to another consideration when looking for a spiritual director: what makes for a good fit? The answer to that question is very personal. You will need to trust your own instincts and be patient and determined about finding someone who works well for you.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
• Do I prefer a female or male spiritual director? Or is either fine?
• From what faith, denomination or spiritual tradition do I prefer my director to be?
• How far am I willing to travel to meet with a spiritual director?
• Would I be comfortable meeting for spiritual direction “virtually”—via phone, Skype, etc?
• How much can I afford to pay to meet with one?
Once you identify a few names, I encourage you to set up an interview with two or three. Here are some questions you might ask them:
• How would you describe the ministry of spiritual direction?
• How do you approach offering spiritual direction?
• How many years have you been offering spiritual direction?
• Where were you trained?
• How often do you typically meet with directees?
• How much is your fee? (Some directors charge a flat fee; some ask for what you can afford; and some don’t charge a fee.)
Finally, here are some things to think about as you reflect on your time with each spiritual director you interviewed:
• How did I feel in their meeting space? Did the setting feel comfortable to me?
• What was the “chemistry” like between us?
• What did I enjoy about my interaction with this spiritual director?
• Was there anything I didn’t like about my experience?
• Of those I’ve met with, who am I most drawn to?
I hope your search is profitable! And, if you would ever be interested in receiving training in becoming a spiritual director, here is information about the Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction.
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