Who is it for? Any of us who provide pastoral care, teaching or support within the Anglican Church - whether we are lay or ordained - can benefit from regular Spiritual Direction.

What is it, why is it needed, and how do we make it happen? Read on!

Caring for people, giving of ourselves, listening to what is burdening others, gathering the energy and inspiration to teach or preach on a regular basis - all these things, while highly rewarding, are also potentially draining. Sometimes life is buoyant and full of hope, but things don't always go the way we had hoped they would. Sometimes we are unsure what the shape of our Christian life should be going forward. Sometimes we doubt God, or ourselves. Sometimes we act inappropriately without realising it.

These, and many other aspects of our lives, mean it can be not only helpful but actually necessary for our spiritual, emotional, and practical wellbeing, for us to meet with a Spiritual Director regularly. A Spiritual Director is someone who will listen with care, hold what we have given them with respect and wisdom, and help us, in turn, listen to God. That is why we are encouraging anyone who is involved in intentional ministry to seek regular spiritual direction.

Spiritual Direction is included in the package for stipended clergy, but few of our churches could afford to fund a Spiritual Director for every licenced lay minister or non-stipended, but active, clergyperson in their parish or region. There are a few options, then.

1. If you have, or can find, the means to pay for regular Spiritual Direction, you can go to THIS page for a list of Directors in Aotearoa New Zealand. Each name comes with a short description which can help you to find someone who might be a "good fit" for you.

2. Talk with your vicar or archdeacon. Some of them are coming up with ways of ensuring that they, or a recommended person, can meet with you regularly.

3. If there are 3-4 of you in the same region who would be interested in learning a very simple but profound method of group spiritual direction, contact me (Anne vG on enabler@calledsouth.org.nz) and I would be happy to come and work with you to make it happen.

4. Supervision is not just the same as spiritual direction but the people at Caira minister from a clearly Christian foundation. Check out their list of people in the South Island who offer this ministry HERE.

Or if none of these options work for you, feel free to drop me an email at enabler@calledsouth.org.nz.