Who are the spiritual directors?
In the Bath and Wells Diocese, this ministry is offered by many people – men and women, lay and ordained, and from a wide variety of backgrounds and Christian denominations. However, they all share a common calling to support others in responding to the invitation to know and love God and to walk alongside others on the journey of growth in Christ, as well as an acute awareness of the riches of spiritual wisdom in scripture and in our Christian heritage.
Find out more about spiritual direction.
Many church leaders offer spiritual direction and accompaniment in their local context. Alongside this, we have a list of spiritual directors across the diocese, who feel a particular call to this ministry and have chosen to join the Bath and Wells list so that their ministry is available through our referral process. They have all undertaken relevant training in spiritual direction and safeguarding, hold an enhanced DBS certificate and receive regular spiritual direction and supervision themselves.
How do I find someone?
As well as local clergy who may have suggestions, within the diocese there are three others who can help you find a spiritual director:
- In the Bath archdeaconry: Sue Lloyd
- In the Wells archdeaconry: Patricia Hellier
- In the Taunton archdeaconry: currently vacant. Please contact the representative for Wells or Bath.
They will, through thought and prayer, try to match you with one of the listed directors, offering you an initial conversation, either by phone or face-to-face, to help you find the best match. This will include your own preferences and a chance to ask any questions, such as:
- Would you prefer male/female, ordained/lay, close to home or further afield?
- Is there a particular spiritual tradition you would like your director to follow?
- Are there any particular areas in which you would like help?
The referrer will then offer you an introduction to a potential spiritual director. If the match does not work out, either side may withdraw without embarrassment. We can then offer further suggestions to enable you to find the best guide for you. This is a very personal relationship and so it may take time to find the right person.
How often and where?
People usually meet in their director’s home, but many also offer online meetings or telephone calls if that would be more accessible and/or safer.
The frequency of meetings can vary, and this is something that needs to be discussed and agreed at the first meeting with your director, but every 6-8 weeks is common.
Do I have to pay?
This varies. For some who offer this ministry, it is their livelihood, and they may ask to be paid while others offer it free of charge. It is important that this is discussed and agreed at the outset, so you could ask the referrer first.
Who to contact
If you are looking for a spiritual director, please see the 'How do I find someone?' section above.
For more general questions, contact Ronnie Crossman, Ministry Training & Support Team Leader.