Editors Gary W. Moon and David G. Benner, along with a team of expert contributors, provide a comprehensive survey of spiritual direction in its myriad Christian forms. With insights on spiritual direction's relationship to psychotherapy and pastoral counseling, this book serves as an authoritative resource for spiritual transformation and pastoral care.
This book explores the relationship between the practices of pastoral care and the practices of spiritual direction with the aim of enabling pastoral caregivers to draw upon the guiding principles, resources, and techniques of spiritual direction within the Christian tradition. With an emphasis on both "practice" and "presence", the book reclaims the tradition of "soul care" for the pastoral ministry, thereby complementing the medical, or crisis intervention, model of pastoral care with a wellness/growth model of pastoral care.Listening for the Soul: -- Challenges clergy to take seriously the relationship between pastoral care and spiritual direction.-- Integrates theological and psychological insights with issues of spiritual life and formation.-- Includes a chapter on the spiritual formation of children.-- Provides practical guidance for integrating spiritual direction with pastoral care.-- Tends to the pastoral caregivers own needs for spiritual deepening.-- Includesreflection,questions and case studies to enable the text to function on both the individual reader and classroom levels.
Drawing on a lifetime of pastoral experience, The Care of Souls is a beautifully written treasury of proven wisdom which pastors will find themselves turning to again and again. Harold Senkbeil helps remind pastors of the essential calling of the ministry: preaching and living out the Word of God while orienting others in the same direction. And he offers practical and fruitful adviceâ€"born out of his five decades as a pastorâ€"that will benefit both new pastors and those with years in the pulpit. In a time when many churches have lost sight of the real purpose of the church, The Care of Souls invites a new generation of pastors to form the godly habits and practical wisdom needed to minister to the hearts and souls of those committed to their care.
Spiritual director and pastor Barbara Peacock illustrates how the practices of spiritual formation are woven into African American culture and lived out in the rich heritage of its faith community. Using the examples of ten significant men and women, Barbara helps us engage in practices of soul care as we learn from these spiritual leaders.
We need companions on our spiritual journey. In this inviting guide, David G. Benner introduces readers to the riches of spiritual friendship and direction, explaining what they are and how they are practiced. Through prayerful, guided attunement to God's activity, sacred companions provide care for the soul, and Benner models the kind of traveling companion who can move us toward deeper intimacy with God.
The modern resurgence of interest in spiritual direction comes from every occupation and lifestyle, not just those in the religious life. But while some books cover the basic topic, almost none consider the subject of advanced direction. What are the special issues of someone who's been offering spiritual direction for more than five years? And of someone who's been receiving spiritual direction for more than five years?Written by a well-known practitioner, researcher and theoretician of the art, this clear and insightful book fills the gap by providing concrete help for both veteran directors and veteran directees. The book offers a theological basis for the process of direction then moves onto such advanced themes as resistance, desire in prayer, transference and counter-transference, love mysticism and mutuality with God. It also focuses on the special concerns of women in direction. Each chapter includes a section on theory, some illustrative case material, verbatims, and suggested discussion questions.Spiritual Direction: Beyond the Beginnings is for a wide ecumenical audience of both directors and directees. It's of particular interest to women clergy, retreat directors, pastors, and all religious and clergy who find themselves spiritual directors "by default."
A practicing psychologist explores the church's role in soul care, advocating a counseling method that anchors modern therapy in timeless biblical principles.
God gives us companions on our journey. A spiritual director is one such companion, offering spiritual guidance. Whether you are a director, a directee or simply someone who wants to learn more about this ancient ministry, this comprehensive introduction to the art of both giving and receiving spiritual direction will be a helpful guide.
Beyond the Suffering offers an in-depth exploration of the rich tradition of African American soul care, showing Christians proven ways to help people find hope in the midst of deep pain and sorrow.
Spiritual and professional mentor Demarest provides biblically based, practical information on life and soul guidance, using the example of Christ as our Spiritual Director. This book is ideal for evangelical and mainstream readers who want spiritual emphasis (versus psychological emphasis) in the area of soul guidance.
