What is spiritual direction?
God is always pursuing and shepherding us in love, through both the mundane and the extraordinary events of life. Spiritual direction is a set apart time to reflect and explore the generous work of God and his guidance. Additionally, there are seasons when God feels absent or our foundation is shaken. Spiritual direction is a safe place to talk and pray through these doubts and questions without judgement. One might seek spiritual direction during a life transition, to gain a deeper understanding of God’s work in one’s life, to more deeply sense the friendship of Jesus, or to explore complex questions of faith. Spiritual direction is for anyone and many find it a helpful ongoing practice to keep in touch with the state of their soul.
What can i expect from a spiritual director?
A spiritual director hosts an open & undistracted space to increase the other’s awareness of God and prepare to respond to Him. This is done through careful listening, times of silence, prayer, engaging scripture, making observations and asking questions. A spiritual director differs from a counselor, therapist or mentor in that we don't analyze, fix or problem solve. We help you notice God and hear His voice. You can expect a spiritual director to hold confidentiality for everything you share in your sessions, with the exception of mandatory reporting for abuse or neglect.
What can i expect during a session?
It is typical to meet with your spiritual director once a month for 50-60 minutes. The session usually begins with a brief prayer and a few moments of silence to help transition to a posture of attentiveness. Conversation in spiritual direction happens at a slower pace than normal conversation, so you can expect an unhurried cadence. We trust the Holy Spirit, the True Director, to guide our speaking and our silence. Since God is working in every part of your life, you may share whatever is on your mind and heart. If you don’t know where to begin, your director can offer prompting questions or a prayer exercise to see where God might lead.
how do i choose a spiritual director?
When choosing a spiritual director, it is recommended to inquire about their training and accountability. Spiritual directors are specially trained for this ministry and there are several programs around the country that provide certificates of completion after two years of study and practice. Additionally, spiritual directors should themselves be in spiritual direction, have accountability, and be part of a Christian church.
Meet Amy
Amy Wolthuis is a disciple of Jesus, confirmed in the Anglican church with history in the Reformed and Vineyard traditions. She is married to Brian, an Anglican priest, and mother to 4 young adult children. She enjoys directing people from all denominational backgrounds and draws on the roots of the historic faith to inform her spirituality.
Amy has benefitted from receiving spiritual direction for over a decade and pursued training as a director to help others more deeply experience the profound wonder of being God's beloved child. She was trained by Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction and offers in-person direction in Holland, Michigan or virtually. She has daytime and evening availability and can meet in the All Saints Chapel - a space adjacent to her home - or in a virtual meeting room. Her fee is $40-$60.
Contact her below for a free exploratory conversation. She would love to meet you!
