I’ve read more books on pastoral ministry and leadership in my life than I care to recall. Looking back over those many books, I find myself wishing I had returned more often to three particular texts. None of these books focuses on any leadership technique or organizational strategy. There is, of course, a time and place for such books—but the focus of these three texts is on the life of the leader in communion with the people of God. Here are the three books where I’ve found wisdom that has outlasted the latest trends:
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Life Together. 1939/1954.
- Eugene Peterson. Under the Unpredictable Plant. 1992.
- Eugene Peterson. Working the Angles. 1989.
All three of these books emphasize, in different ways, the notion of participating in “spiritual direction”—something that I’ve found to be every bit as relevant as a professor as it was when I was a pastor.
The work of a professor—particularly of a professor who professes to teach the mysteries of God—can never be limited to the classroom. The task of teaching is always more than a mere transfer of knowledge from one mind to another. Ministry preparation requires the intentional formation of God-called men and women for the faithful practice of ministry among persons who are collectively the beloved Bride of Christ. This formation develops most effectively through some form of spiritual direction.
Spiritual direction is most effectively accomplished in the context of the local church, but spiritual direction provided in other contexts is important as well. It is the giving and receiving of spiritual direction that helps students to root their lives in the beautiful ordinariness of God’s work through his Word in the life of his church. That’s why I find these words from Nathan Finn to be particularly relevant and helpful:
“A Christian spiritual director is a trained listener who will accompany you as you share about your spiritual journey, helping you to notice God’s presence and activity along the way, as well as your personal reactions and responses. Hospitable, confidential, and grounded in biblical truth, spiritual direction is a ministry that helps you grow in prayer and live into your calling as a follower of Christ.” …
In the classroom, we [as professors] need to be intentional in applying our respective disciplines, not only to vocational ministry, but also to personal godliness. We must regularly and explicitly encourage our students to follow Christ, mortify sin, cultivate godly virtues, and practice disciplines that aid them in their spiritual journeys. We need to recognize that we are not just professors to them, but we are also spiritual role models who should be encouraging students to follow us as we follow Christ (1 Corinthians 1:11). I have no doubt I am describing the present classroom practices of many professors.
When it comes to spiritual direction, however, the rubber meets the road in personal relationships. If we are to be spiritual directors, we need to be available to our students. Office hours can’t just be about academic advisement or answering questions about the term paper—these also must be times when we invite our students to meet with us for spiritual counsel, encouragement, and prayer. We need to listen to their stories, challenge them in their sins, rejoice with them in their victories, and always point them back to the gospel that fuels their spiritual journeys from beginning to end. …
Read the rest of the article here.
Discuss in the Comments:
Read this article in its entirety. Describe your experiences of spiritual direction, whether formal or informal. What were the best aspects of these experiences? What dangers or challenges do you see in serving as a spiritual director? What dangers or challenges do you see in being a recipient of spiritual direction?
For more on the life of the leader, take a look at The God Who Goes Before You.