What is spiritual direction?

It has become popular in modern times to be “spiritual but not religious.” People who describe themselves this way often use the word spiritual to mean “in touch with one’s own spirit, the spirits of others, or some Higher Power or Spirit that inhabits the universe.” Of course, to claim this kind of spirituality, one does not need to be part of an organized religion or hold to any specific doctrine about God, sin, salvation, heaven, hell, or Jesus. In fact, those who are “spiritual but not religious” usually view doctrine as limiting and divisive. Religion separates, according to this type of thinking; spirituality brings us together.

A spiritual director, also called a spiritual companion or soul shepherd, is someone who helps another person get in touch with the True Self and be more aware of God’s presence—whoever “God” may be. The process of spiritual direction involves an exploration of a deeper spirituality, an expansion of one’s perspective, and an experience of God’s love and grace.

Spiritual direction has its roots in Catholic mysticism but has been embraced by the emergent church and thus has made inroads into Protestantism. Other religions offer their own spiritual directors, and so it is possible to find spiritual directors who serve under a label of Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, etc. “Denominational” spiritual directors will operate within the context of their particular religion but focus on the more mystical and personal interactions with the Divine. Spiritual direction will most likely focus on contemplative prayer, meditation, and other mystical aspects while avoiding judgment or dogmatism of any kind. Ironically, a spiritual director will offer little actual direction, opting to listen and ask questions over giving advice. Spiritual direction is not concerned with solving specific problems.

Spiritual direction involves people communicating their spiritual experiences for the purpose of awakening to the mystery within and the wonder without. Spiritual directors use conversation, silence, and suggestion to help others see how God (or a Higher Power) is working in and through the various circumstances of life. Spiritual directors usually meet with directees weekly in a quiet place that lends itself to contemplation.

There is nothing wrong with the concept of spiritual direction, per se. All of us need help developing spiritually, and, if we are growing in the right direction, following the Word of God, it is a good thing. The main problem with most of what is called spiritual direction today is the emphasis on personal experience over the Word of God as the final authority. While anything “spiritual” may be more appealing than materialism and consumerism, spiritual direction can be seen as consumerism on a spiritual level. With the help of a spiritual director, the directee picks and chooses the experiences he finds most meaningful and seeks to interpret them based on what feels best. Spiritual direction is mysticism seeking a spiritual experience minus the doctrinal content.

The Bible teaches that our most basic need is not getting in touch with our True Self but new life in Christ. Apart from Christ, we are spiritually dead because of our sin (Ephesians 2:1). We need spiritual life that can only come from God through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:6–7). Those who are “raised with Christ” (Colossians 3:1) are born again and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the ultimate Spiritual Director (see Romans 8:14), and He will always glorify Jesus (John 16:14) and direct us to become more like Christ (Ephesians 4:15).

The Bible does call for “spiritual directors” of a sort. They are called pastors (shepherds), elders, or overseers, and they must meet specific qualifications (see 1 Peter 5:2–4, Titus 1:5–9, and 1 Timothy 3:1–7). Further, all believers are to help each other move in the right spiritual direction:

The fellowship of the local church is the context for spiritual direction and growth. Those who are seeking spiritual direction should get involved in a local church where the Bible is clearly taught and obeyed and where people help each other to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

The Bible will consistently point us in the right direction (Psalm 119:105), and a Spirit-filled local pastor has all the makings of a qualified spiritual director. The propositional truth in the Bible should take priority over mystical or personal experiences.