In my understanding, Spiritual Direction has a long tradition in Christian history. I had to take a few courses on Spiritual Direction in college and seminary, and read a number of very good books on the subject.

Off the top of my head, one of the better introductions to the practice can be found in Eugene Peterson’s “Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity,” which is an all around fantastic book on pastoral ministry.

Another good book on the subject is Margaret Guenther’s “Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction.”

I could go back and look through my notes if you wanted some more information.

Casey

Oh, I should say that I am using Spiritual Advisor as an equivalent term with Spiritual Director/Direction. Direction is the term I have heard used most often, and the term given to the historical practice.

I’m going through RCIA to join the Catholic church and we’re asked to make three appointments with the spiritual advisers of our choice before Easter. We can choose from any of the three priests at the parish.

Hmm..so Casey, what denomination is that associated with? And what, in a nutshell, is the advantage of having someone besides the preacher/priest at the church you regularly attend?

Occasus, I can see the need for this sort of relationship when going through a confirmation process—and for duplicating the number of them so odds are you’ll get at least one orthodox voice during your preparations!

I knew some people in college who were in the International Church of Christ/ Bsoton Church of Christ movement, which had a fairly cultlike relationship between the “discipler” and the “disciple”. That’s probably one reason I’m curious about these “outsourced” pastors.

King David did not seek spiritual advice, God sent it in the form of Nathan. Moses also did not seek spiritual advice and God sent it in the form of Jethro. I personally believe that it is better to seek it before God has to send it.

If you do a search in the Bible for “advice” you will get a huge hit list in O.T. and N.T. I think anyone with a solid knowledge of the Bible and Spiritual Maturity is fine to get advice from. Advice is just that, advice. It doesn’t have to be followed to the T but it may shed light on something that you are struggling with. In the famous words of those Brady kids, “Gee dad, we never thought of it THAT way…?