The Nebraska Synod, ELCA seeks to respond to an increasing request for spiritual direction and spiritual retreats by preparing those who are experiencing a call from God for this ministry.

Spiritual Direction is an ancient form of strengthening and encouraging one another in our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Spiritual Direction seeks to attend to God’s activity in the lives of both director and directee.

While we recognize and honor the spiritual beliefs and practices or other faiths, this is a Christian program.

What is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual direction means that you meet monthly with someone who is a trained spiritual director. Mystic John of the Cross said spiritual directors are ushers, opening the door for others to step into the presence of God.

The spiritual director helps a person notice how God is moving in the life of the directees in the every day events of their lives, and encourages them to respond to God in ways appropriate for the individual. Directees are encouraged to draw closer to God.

Other things directees might expect, based on their willingness to ask, are suggestions for spiritual practices, assistance with discernment in important life matters, and/or resources for personal reflection and growth. Generally speaking, directors are nondirective. They are trained to listen empathically for God’s movement in the life of a directee, and to God for the questions that want to be asked.

Statement for Ecumenism

This statement of Ecumenism describes the Institute and its participants: Steeped in the Christian spiritual tradition and consistent with the values of the ELCA and Nebraska Synod, Seeking the Spirit Within, the Institute for Spiritual Direction Formation, is an ecumenical institute welcoming people of all Christian faiths. We recognize the gifts of other denominations and benefit from how we make each other better by growing the Body of Christ together.