Groups, organizations, congregations and communities also use the services of a spiritual director. In this case, the director considers the entire group as the directee. The focus is always on the group as one body seeking God’s desire.

Organizations bring in spiritual directors for many reasons. They may be facing a critical crossroads and need help with discernment. A spiritual director could lead the group in a discernment process or sit on the sidelines and offer help as needed as the group follows its own process for decision-making. They may want a spiritual director to sit in on meetings to give observations and reflections about where the director notices spiritual energy and life (or lack thereof).

The spiritual director may also lead the organization in prayer, meditation or special reflections.

The field of organizational spiritual direction is fairly new and is currently being used by many church boards and faith-based organizations. The organization and the spiritual director usually draw up a covenant or contract and agree upon what is expected ahead of time.

I have worked with many organizations both in discernment processes and “sitting on the sidelines” to offer reflection and observations. Some of my clients have included a youth advisory council, a church redevelopment committee, a retreat center team and denominational regional gatherings. In 2009, I received a grant from the Congregational Discernment Project at George Fox University to assist church leaders in using discernment practices in the daily life and business of the church.

To make an appointment call 520-971-4724 or email me at teresa@teresablythe.net.

Photo by Perry Grone on Unsplash