Spiritual Direction (Continuing Education)

Welcome to our first community gathering of spiritual directors! Spiritual directors have the charism of walking alongside others in their spiritual journey. The role of offering spiritual direction is rich with life and beauty, but it is unknown to many. Those in our churches and lives are not familiar with this ancient ministry. Spiritual directors find themselves simultaneously educating those in their contexts while making themselves available to serve in the role of spiritual director. It can be a lonely road once the certification program has ended. Thus, this community seeks to offer a place for spiritual directors to gather to receive sustenance through (1) continuing education and (2) networking with other spiritual directors. Randy Harris, one of the founding directors of the Selah spiritual direction program (known by many names) will be our inaugural speaker to encourage and guide us into a deeper understanding of this sacred charism.

COMMUNITY DETAILS

We are excited to gather for the first Summit community for spiritual directors, a space dedicated to connection, encouragement, and continuing education. These sessions are meant to encourage and enrich those serving as spiritual directors so that they, in turn, can continue directing others with a fullness of spirit.

THURSDAY MORNING SESSIONS | Self of the Director

  • Session 1: Sharing Stories: Call to and Serving as Spiritual Directors

  • Session 2: Contemplative Orientation | Randy Harris

  • Session 3: Self of the Director | Jackie Halstead

THURSDAY AFTERNOON SESSIONS | Christian Traditions of Spiritual Direction

  • Session 4: Christian Traditions of Spiritual Direction | Randy Harris

  • Session 5: Group Discussions

FRIDAY MORNING SESSIONS | Best Practices

  • Session 6: Best Practices | Panel of Graduates

  • Question & Answer Time

 

FACILITATOR

Jackie Halstead

DR. JACKIE HALSTEAD

Dr. Jackie Halstead has been with Abilene Christian University since 1998. She was formerly on the residential campus in Abilene, and now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and serves in ACU’s online Marriage and Family Therapy program. In addition, she is the CEO of Selah Center for Spiritual Formation located in Nashville, Tennessee. This non-profit offers a certificate program in Spiritual Direction in collaboration with the Siburt Institute. Dr. Halstead has been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1986—specializing in ministers and their families—and received her certification in Spiritual Direction in 2005. She speaks frequently on the topics of contemplative prayer, spiritual formation, and relationships at the national and international levels and has authored the book, Leaning into God’s Embrace: A Guidebook for Contemplative Prayer. Jackie is married to Randy for 45 years and has two married daughters, Erin and Ashley.

 

ADDITIONAL SPEAKER

RANDY HARRIS

Randy Harris is Professor Emeritus at Abilene Christian University and serves the greater ministry community as a Spiritual Director.