Frequently Asked Questions
What is Christian spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is paying attention to what God may being doing in your life. It is a prayerful conversation that is authentic and a move toward knowing Christ in everyday life.
Emily P. Freeman describes spiritual direction as, “a counter-cultural practice of co-listening for anyone who wants to deepen their awareness of and relationship with God. It allows space for curiosity, discovery, and held silence. It’s a space where both people submit to the movement of God and where one person listens without an agenda. In its purest form, I believe spiritual direction is our human way of making up for what has been lost. I believe these listening relationships are what we’re actually meant to do for each other but it has become a lost art, even in well-meaning and healthy faith communities.”
What is the difference between discipleship care and spiritual direction?
I actually use those terms interchangeably. In the context I grew up in, discipleship was more intellectual and curriculum-based which is helpful but incomplete. “Knowledge” or being a “disciple/learner” in the Scriptures involved being formed in the head and the heart. Experiential knowledge connects into ordinary life which is the place people see our spiritual transformation. The Spiritual Formation movement is an effort to return discipleship to it’s original intent: transformation of the entire person into Christ-likeness.
How is discipleship care/spiritual direction different from counseling or coaching?
Simply put, counseling tends to look at the past to fix a present day problem. Coaching tends to look at the future and how you can best maximize your gifts. Spiritual Direction is focusing on the present moment and seeking the presence of Father, Son and Spirit (John 14:23). This might be an oversimplification because these forms of relating often overlap.
Are you connected to a Christian denomination?
No. Grace Discipleship offers various contexts for all people who desire to have a deeper relationship with God. It is my passion for the Christian church (especially in Greensboro) to be one just as Jesus describe his relationship with the Father and Spirit as one (John 17). Grace Discipleship best holds space for all Christian denominations and backgrounds.
What does a typical spiritual direction session look like?
We might have a brief period of silent prayer to settle our minds and hearts around the presence of the Holy Spirit. The director will ask questions and prayerfully consider what the person sharing. No one is in a hurry and all attention is on what God might be doing or saying. Trust and confidentially are essentials for this time together. Sometimes a session is ended with a prayer or brief reading/benediction from the Scriptures. Usually a typical session is 50-60 minutes. Meetings are generally every 3-4 weeks. Spiritual Direction usually doesn’t have a end or beginning but is based on the needs of the recipient.
What are examples of themes you may talk about in spiritual direction?
how to experience Christ on a daily basis
biblical mediation and prayer
discovering your unique way to connect with God
walking in the freedom of our union with Christ
our holy imagination
spiritual answers to basic struggles of anxiety, depression and anger
how to rest and sabbath
how to let go of life to find life in Christ
false and true narratives
grief and spiritual formation
Can you do sessions on Zoom? Yes.
How much does a typical session cost?
Because we are a non-profit there is no set cost. However we do encourage a donation per session. Generally $50 is an average amount to donate. You can give through the website or Venmo.
Do you offer group spiritual direction or hold space for teams?
Yes. There are a variation of ways to do group spiritual direction and training. I love leading times with small groups or intentional communities for leaders. Message me your ideas or needs.