Silence and Storytelling: The Dance of Formation for the Ministry of Spiritual Direction

Abstract

This portfolio develops the themes of storytelling and listening, silence and community and the necessity of the integration of theology and experience in our spiritual journeys. The role of private prayer and personal reflection in coming to a deeper experience of God’s love is balanced with the gift of community in the development of our relationship with God. The experience of spiritual direction and The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius inform this work as does the spirituality of the Reformed tradition. The spiritual autobiography elucidates the formation received in both of these Christian faith traditions and the program for the formation of spiritual directors continues the dual emphasis. The program for forming spiritual directors is grounded on the foundational experience of personal and transforming encounter with Jesus. The silence of the spiritual director as a starting point for developing a contemplative posture is highlighted in the fourth chapter as it explores the practice of silence in direct connection with the ministry of spiritual direction.