Spiritual Direction Referral Network

FIND A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
“When we really want to live a life of prayer and seriously ask ourselves what the prayer of our heart may be, we will also be able to express the type of guidance we need and find that someone is waiting to be asked. Often we will discover that those whom we ask for help will indeed receive the gift to help us and grow with us toward prayer.The openness and the honest seeking of the directee are of primary importance to both individuals in a spiritual direction relationship. It is also the search and openness of the directee that calls forth and creates the power and gifts of the director.” —Henri Nouwen, Reaching Out

We know how important yet arduous the search for the right spiritual companion for our journeys can be. We have a community of qualified directors we can potentially pair you with, and our goal is to grow this community of spiritual directors as the Holy Spirit brings them to our awareness.

If you happen to not have any direct access to a spiritual director in your area and are seeking one who can do direction via email, phone,  Facetime, FB Messenger Audio/Video or Zoom, feel free to fill out our intake form below. We will get back to you within a few days, after discerning whether there may be a good match for you. Should you have further questions or need for clarification, you may contact us through our contact page. Thank you.

Click Here To Complete the Spiritual Direction Intake Form

frequently asked questions
What is spiritual direction?

Henri Nouwen, in his characteristic simplicity, narrowed his definition of spiritual direction to “direction given to people in their relationship with God” (“Spiritual Direction,” Worship, p. 55). He wisely focused on the basic dynamics of spiritual direction: prayer and discernment. As he elaborated further, a spiritual director is “a mature fellow Christian . . . from whom we can expect prayerful guidance in our constant struggle to discern God’s active presence in our lives” (Worship, p. 402).
Does a spiritual director tell me what I should do?
A spiritual director does not literally “direct” you, so to speak. S/he refrains from advice-giving and does not seek to “fix” a directee or control the outcome of the conversations. Rather, the director always seeks to honor the journey of the directee as uniquely hers/his. The director does, however, discern with the directee the movement of God’s Spirit in his/her life. In CenterQuest we advocate the contemplative-evocative stance in the spiritual direction process.
What can I expect in a spiritual direction session?

Typically, a director and directee meet for 45 minutes to an hour at least once a month. The session usually starts with a brief time of centering or silence. There really is no set agenda in spiritual direction. It revolves around prayerful listening and discernment as they relate to God’s working in a directee’s life. Spiritual direction is not about advising, teaching, coaching, counseling or therapy. If there is a need to meet more or less frequently than once a month, this can always be arranged with your spiritual director.
Does a spiritual director tell me what I should do?

A spiritual director does not literally “direct” you, so to speak. S/he refrains from advice-giving and does not seek to “fix” a directee or control the outcome of the conversations. Rather, the director always seeks to honor the journey of the directee as uniquely hers/his. The director does, however, discern with the directee the movement of God’s Spirit in his/her life. In CenterQuest we advocate the contemplative-evocative stance in the spiritual direction process.

Isn’t it preferable to locate someone local with whom I can connect face-to-face?

The most ideal situation is certainly to find a director near you, but that is not always possible. SDI’s website can assist you through their “Seek and Find” guide. We realize how hard it can be to find a good fit in spiritual direction, which is why we offer a networking service. Some of the spiritual directors in our network employ other modes for connecting, such as email, phone, Skype, FaceTime, or Google Hangouts.
Are the spiritual directors in your network employed by CenterQuest?
No, they don’t work for CenterQuest, which is why you will need to discuss the details of the arrangement with the spiritual director after making initial contact with him/her through us. While we do have certain criteria for the spiritual directors we recommend, we merely operate as a networking service to help connect genuine seekers with seasoned practitioners in the field of spiritual companioning.
Is there a cost involved, and if so, what is the payment arrangement?

Just as we invest monetarily in our physical well-being, we believe in doing the same thing for the spiritual well-being of our souls. The fee range for spiritual direction varies depending on what a person can afford. Most are willing to do sliding scale arrangement. This is something you can discuss directly with your spiritual director. The method of payment (check, money order, bank transfer, PayPal, etc.) is also arranged directly with your spiritual director.
How do I get started with the process?

  1. Read the above FAQ thoroughly to make sure you understand and agree with the arrangements.
  2. Review our list of Recommended Spiritual Directors and choose one who seems suitable for you. We may be able to suggest a good match for you based on the data you provide us and our knowledge of the unique qualities and expertise of our recommended spiritual directors, but we would ultimately defer to your choice, especially if you feel strongly about it.
  3. Complete and submit the Spiritual Direction Intake Form.
  4. We will initiate contact with you after receiving your completed form and give you specific instructions on how to proceed.
recommended Spiritual Directors

Meet the spiritual directors recommended by CenterQuest. All of them are highly qualified and seasoned spiritual directors who subscribe to the guidelines for ethical conduct outlined by Spiritual Directors International (SDI). Most of them can do spiritual direction via email, phone, or web connect, or some combination thereof (as well as in person if you happen to live near their area). NOTE: The current list here will be updated soon!

Recommended Spiritual Directors