Spiritual Director, Spiritual Companion: Guide to Tending the Soul

Product Description

Updates his classic, Spiritual Friend Spiritual direction pioneer Tilden Edwards here shares the wealth of twenty years of experience he’s gained since his classic book, Spiritual Friend. The fresh and insightful result covers both spiritual and practical sides of the art, from the nature of the soul to recommendations on payment rates. Both directors and directees benefit from this wholistic look that considers all of the person and not just his or her prayer life. At the book’s heart, though, is spiritual direction at its best. Edwards examines new methods to nurture the soul, ways to recognize a true spiritual experience, and suggestions for being truly present during the process. Practical guidelines are also given for getting started with new directees, running group spiritual direction, evaluating sessions, and setting up a spiritual director peer group. In addition, Edwards gives a brief history of this special ministry and a view of its future. He also considers spiritual companionship in other religious traditions and their relation to a Christian framework. This new title offers enormous insight and support for both spiritual directors and directees, anyone considering entering spiritual direction, and all those ministers–from pastors to Christian counselors–who so often unexpectedly find themselves in the role of spiritual director.

Review

This is a substantive and edifying overview of the art of spiritual direction. —
Values and Visions Reviews Service

This is a truly valuable book for anyone on the journey of spiritual direction. —
Spiritual Book News

About the Author

Episcopalian priest Tilden Edwards is a well-known pioneer in the ministry of spiritual formation and spiritual direction. He is founder and senior fellow of the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Bethesda, Maryland. He is also well known for his many books, including Paulist Press’s Spiritual Friend and Living Simply though the Day.