Spiritual Direction
The diocesan Vision for Growth 2020-2025 focuses on the credal profession of faith ‘We believe in One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church’; holiness being one of the marks of the Church. It says: ‘We want to see our life flow out of prayer and worship, rather than see these things as one amongst other activities that we do.’ Seeking growth in our spiritual lives must be at the heart of our vision and activities.
Since the earliest centuries of the church, God has called Christians to offer support to others in their prayer life through forms of spiritual direction. This is a significant Christian ministry that requires a charism or particular gifting from God, rather than being something anyone can be trained in. It is essential that those involved in this ministry are themselves receiving spiritual direction, supervision and ongoing training, including in safeguarding.
Chichester no longer has a diocesan network of spiritual directors, following a significant review undertaken of spiritual direction within the diocese. However, the ministry of spiritual direction in Sussex continues, but it is overseen and resourced in a different way.
The London Centre for Spiritual Direction is an established and well-resourced Centre who already have directors from Sussex within their Community of Spiritual Directors. They would welcome applications by directors in the diocese who meet their training levels, safeguarding requirements and Code of Practice (https://www.lcsd.org.uk/resources/). They also offer a matching service for those seeking a spiritual director. Area co-ordinators for the Centre within the diocese can be contacted at spiritual.directors@chichester.anglican.org.
In addition, the Centre offers a three- year initial training course for those whose call to this ministry has been discerned. Spiritual Directors who are part of the Community network are given regular supervision and ongoing training.
A number of clergy, religious and laity exercise the ministry of spiritual direction within the diocese, maintaining appropriate support structures whilst not being part of the LCSD directory. These will often be known by the area co-ordinators (see above for contact details), but it might also be worth seeking the advice of local clergy who will often be aware of those exercising this ministry within a locality. The charism for this ministry within the Church has commonly been recognised by others who have sought their guidance.
Ultimately, it is not us but the Holy Spirit who is the director of souls, ‘God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us’ (Romans 5.5).Our prayer continues to be that more people across Sussex come to ‘know, love and follow Jesus’.
Shadows Hidden in Light: Exploring Spiritual Abuse Course is now ready to book:
Awareness of spiritual abuse is very much coming to the fore in all church and spiritual contexts. It has been described as ‘The next great scandal waiting to happen for the church’ and we are on the threshold of that realisation. Spiritual directors have a vital role in this in being able to come alongside someone in their spiritual journey who has experienced such abuse.
This workshop delves into the complex and sensitive topic of spiritual abuse. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of what constitutes spiritual abuse, its psychological underpinnings, and its impact on individuals' spiritual journeys. The session will equip Spiritual Directors with the knowledge and skills to create safe spaces for those who have experienced spiritual abuse, and to navigate the delicate process of accompaniment for directees grappling with church hurt or spiritual abuse in their lives.
Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, attendees will explore how spiritual abuse can manifest in various spiritual contexts, including within the practice of Spiritual Direction itself. The workshop aims to help participants feel more equipped with understanding and skills to work in Spiritual Direction with someone suffering the pain of church hurt or spiritual abuse in their spiritual life.
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- Online
£50 / £40 for Members