Who are the spiritual directors?
In the Bath and Wells Diocese, this ministry is offered by many people – men and women, lay and ordained, and from a wide variety of backgrounds and Christian denominations. However, they all share a common calling to support others in responding to the invitation to know and love God and to walk alongside others on the journey of growth in Christ, as well as an acute awareness of the riches of spiritual wisdom in scripture and in our Christian heritage.
Find out more about spiritual direction.
Many church leaders offer spiritual direction and accompaniment in their local context. Alongside this, we have a list of spiritual directors across the diocese, who feel a particular call to this ministry and have chosen to join the Bath and Wells list so that their ministry is available through our referral process. They have all undertaken relevant training in spiritual direction and safeguarding, hold an enhanced DBS certificate and receive regular spiritual direction and supervision themselves.
How do I find someone?
Whilst we are currently without archdeaconry-based voluntary referrers who would normally, through thought and prayer, try and match you with one of our Spiritual Directors, please contact Ronnie Crossman, Ministry Training and Support Team Leader.
You wlll then be put in contact with a potential spiritual director. If the match does not work out, either side may withdraw without embarrassment. We can then offer further suggestions to enable you to find the best guide for you. This is a very personal relationship and so it may take time to find the right person.
Please be aware that due to the current vacancies for archeaconry-based referrers, it may take longer than usual to respond to your enquiry.
Do I have to pay?
This varies. For some who offer this ministry, it is their livelihood, and they may ask to be paid while others offer it free of charge. It is important that this is discussed and agreed at the outset, so you could ask the referrer first.