Spiritual Director, Spiritual Companion
Subtitle: Guide to Tending the Soul
Publisher: Paulist Press
Published: March 1, 2001
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 232
ISBN-13: 9780809140114
Subjects: Christian spirituality; Christian theology; Spiritual direction; Religion; Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality; Christian Ministry - Counseling & Recovery; Spirituality - General; Christianity - Pastoral Counseling
First sentence: Perhaps the greatest paradox of human life is the discovery that what is most substantial about us is most elusive.
Description: Spiritual direction pioneer Tilden Edwards here shares the wealth of twenty years of experience he's gained since his classic book, Spiritual Friend. The fresh and insightful result covers both spiritual and practical sides of the art, from the nature of the soul to recommendations on payment rates. Both directors and directees benefit from this wholistic look that considers all of the person and not just his or her prayer life. At the book's heart, though, is spiritual direction at its best. Edwards examines new methods to nurture the soul, ways to recognize a true spiritual experience, and suggestions for being truly present during the process. Practical guidelines are also given for getting started with new directees, running group spiritual direction, evaluating sessions, and setting up a spiritual director peer group. In addition, Edwards gives a brief history of this special ministry and a view of its future. He also considers spiritual companionship in other religious traditions and their relation to a Christian framework. This new title offers enormous insight and support for both spiritual directors and directees, anyone considering entering spiritual direction, and all those ministers--from pastors to Christian counselors--who so often unexpectedly find themselves in the role of spiritual director.