sojourners’ approach to
spiritual direction & training

Our program is grounded in contemplative spirituality and a unique skill-building approach to learning the art and craft of spiritual direction. Our Model of Spiritual Guidance is the result of years of trial and error and study. It identifies the specifics competencies that are needed not only to provide effective guidance with clients but also to run a health spiritual direction practice.

Our Sojourners approach is theoretically grounded in an adult learning theory and a stage model of human development. It is guided by our Spiritual Direction Blueprint which identifies 12 facets to developing and sustaining a vital spiritual direction practice.

The 4 sections of this blueprint walk you through a step-by-step process that

1. Begins with a Practice Formation Process through which foundational mindsets are developed by clarifying the Why, the Who, and the What that shape your practice

2. Details the 3 phases of a Client Guidance Process that defines how you do spiritual direction. It captures how you engage clients in your sessions, starting with Spiritual Holding, deepening the process with Spiritual Engaging, and then helping your clients gain traction and movement through Spiritual Guidance.

3. Specifies how you enhance connection and support for your clients through an On-going Client Support Process.

4. Clarifies the all-important Practice Oversight Process so that we nurture the the “business” that supports our client work and practice.

Whereas many spiritual direction programs take a “broad brush” approach to spiritual direction, our program takes a deep dive into the mechanics and techniques of spiritual guidance work, with the belief that the more technically skilled we are, the more freely we can exercise the art of the craft.