#University Chaplaincy

[in-sightpublishing]

The Practical Elements of Canadian Humanist Chaplaincy

Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2024/09/15 Dr. Martin “Marty” Shoemaker is a trained clinical psychologist and, currently, a Humanist Chaplain at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (Multifaith Centre) and Vancouver General Hospital (August, 2014-Present). Previously, he worked as a psychologist and instructor in…

[shamballalin]

Available in Paperback Today!!! The Medium's Medium Tracey Lockwood Has a Quote on the Back Cover!

IN THEIR IMAGE AND LIKENESS is available in paperback today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and anywhere books are sold. Reverend Medium, Tracey Lockwood has a quote on the back cover of my book which reads, “Get ready to take a deep dive. Metaphysician Lin Hourihan offers s multifaceted perspective on who we are at the core of our being. Challenging preconceptions and lending insight on how to…

[flowercrowncrip]

10. Have you had encounters where abled people were great allies to you?

For the disability pride ask game :)

I have! The one that really comes to mind is the chaplaincy when I was at uni.

I’m not religious and stumbled into one of their drop in sessions by accident when I needed a quiet space to deal with a medical episode and it was one of the best things I did at uni.

My uni were beyond shit when it came to disability access and ableism. Students and staff said some of the most ableist things I’ve ever heard, people didn’t want to sit near me or talk to me during class discussions, and the university’s response to raising any access issue was that it wasn’t a priority for them. Everything from using the bathroom, accessing buildings and classrooms and even being able to cross the stage when graduating was a huge fight that required so much energy.

The chaplaincy were probably the only part of the uni who could see and understand how terrible the situation was for disabled students. There wasn’t much they could do for the institution as a whole, but they provided accessible spaces where I could socialise and meet people and were able to provide a level of emotional support and validation that I desperately needed. And with no expectation of me exploring any religion or any kind of proselytising.

And ultimately the university as a whole continues to be terrible for disabled students and staff, but even just providing that support and choosing only to use accessible spaces was probably the difference between me finishing uni and dropping out.

[tonreihe]

Sarah Jobe, Death Work: Prison Chaplaincy, Karl Barth, and Practicing Life in Prison (Th.D. thesis, Duke University, 2023)

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

By DAVID BARRETT

A Chaplain at Leeds University was forced into hiding with his young family yesterday after receiving death threats over his role as an IDF reservist.

Rabbi Zecharia Deutsch, wife Nava and their two children were moved to a safe location on police advice amid a shocking hate campaign.

Pro-Palestinian campaigners have accused Rabbi Deutsch of 'genocide' after he returned to Israel after Hamas's October 7 terror attacks to serve in the Israeli Defence Force. 

He resumed his chaplaincy duties last month, leading to an escalation in anti-Semitic threats on campus.

On Thursday evening, the hate campaign intensified with 'hundreds' of malicious calls to the family, including threats to kill Rabbi Deutsch, to rape and kill Mrs Deutsch and to murder their children. 

Rabbi Zecharia Deutsch with his wife Nava. The pair were forced to flee their Leeds home with their children following the threats

In a recording of one phone call to Mrs Deutsch – heard by the Mail – the caller said: 'Tell that Jewish son of a bitch we are coming for him.

'We're coming to his house, we're going to kill him, and you as well you f****** racist bitch.' 

Another caller said: 'Us Muslims are coming for you, you dirty Zionist m***********.'

Another said: 'We are going to get you. How dare you come back to Leeds and expect the Muslims not to do 'owt, when all you lot have been doing is killing innocent children.'

The Deutsch family decided to leave their Leeds home after taking police advice, sources said.

It comes amid skyrocketing levels of anti-Semitism on British university campuses and around Europe.

The University Jewish Chaplaincy (UJC) said: 'We are deeply shocked and appalled by the despicable torrent of horrific anti-Semitic hate and threats of violence being directed at Rabbi Deutsch and his family.

'We are in constant communication with Rabbi Deutsch, and our primary concern is to ensure his and his family's ongoing safety, and the safety of Jewish students at Leeds University.

'To find ourselves in this situation in the UK in 2024 marks a dark day for British Jews.'

[pure-ablution]

You briefly talked about religion in the past, and I have a couple questions for you. So growing up you went to church often, but religion wasn't a big part of your life, correct? So when you were a child did you go to church just because your parents were going? Was the purpose of going to church made clear to you, or was it just something that you did on Sundays?

Then you get older and go to uni. And then what? Why do you decide to go to church? Does going to church have a social component for you? Is it more cultural, ritual, or sacral? Is it just tradition? What do you feel? I didn't quite catch did you go to orthodox church in UK before you met Alajos, or did you immediately start going to catholic church?

What role does religion play in your life?

Why are you a part of an organised religion?

Do you favour organised religion over faith?

How important to you is being catholic? Would you have made the transition hadn't you met Alajos?

What difference does being catholic make for you personally opposed to being orthodox?

What happens when you go to mass?

Do you just adopt the views and values of the catholic church, or do you pick and choose?

You mentioned that re-ignited faith in God helped you with your mental health- how does that happen?

I'm asking all these questions because there aren't (m)any (openly?) religious people around me that I could ask why do they choose to be religious, and I think that's such an interesting topic. You seem level headed and polite so I'm giving it a chance. I know I asked a ton of questions, so by all means take your time!

Religion was a big part of my life in the sense that it was my community. As a little girl, I was raised as a Christian in a Muslim-majority country, and so the church in our town was a source of community for us, especially for my mother, who was living in a foreign country and relied on the other Orthodox Christians in our area for help and support in navigating homesickness and raising a family in an alien system. The church, for us, was much more of a meeting place and community hub than a place of deep spirituality. Services on Sundays and holidays were important, of course, and even as a little girl I realised the magnitude of them, but on a more human level, the church was just the focus of our little community, where I met with friends, took lessons, and was looked after by various grandmothers. When I grew older, and we moved to Ukraine, there was less of a cultural divide, in that most people in our town were Orthodox Christians (although we also have a sizeable population of Eastern Catholics), but it was still a point of community and tradition.

When I started at university, I felt very, very homesick, and most of the students in the Ukrainian society here also attended the little Orthodox church just out of the centre of town. I started attending, partly as a way to make friends and combat homesickness, and partly as a kind of spiritual lifeline during a very tough transition period. The Orthodox chaplain here was very good to me, and although it was a big adjustment, in a sense, because the services were held in a fairly plain sort of makeshift building, and in a mixture of languages, it was a great source of comfort and community to me in my first year. After Russia invaded Ukraine, a lot of my friends left the church, and I found myself going less often, too, though I’m not sure whether that was because of the war or simply because my schedule had become busier.

Most of my friends here at university are Catholic. The city is quite an important one for English Catholics, and my subject also tends to attract a lot of Catholics, so right from the beginning, I knew that most of my friends were socialising at the main Catholic church here and attending the different Catholic social events put on by the societies and chaplaincies here. I’d attended a few events myself, with Theresa, not with any intention to convert but just to meet people and have a nice time, and so when Alajos and I met and he invited me to attend Mass, I didn’t really think twice about it. I was very pleasantly surprised when I first attended Mass here by just how much of a community there was, and how many of my friends and acquaintances were there; it seemed to me a beautiful thing that so many of the people I loved, even just tangentially, were all gathered to worship in the same way, in the same place, at a time of our lives when so many are very secular. I also really appreciated the beauty and quiet reverence of the Latin Mass, and how it was similar to but also different from the services I’d known growing up.

Alajos never asked that I convert, and although I did it for him, because I felt as though it was so important that I do so, I also think that if we hadn’t ended up in a relationship, I would likely still have converted at some point. Catholicism feels like home to me, in a spiritual sense that’s very different from the down-to-earth community I found in the Orthodox Church. I think that an organised religion, and an ancient one, is very important to me—it brings me huge solace to feel a part of something much greater than myself. It hasn’t always been easy for me to entirely adopt a Catholic understanding and lifestyle; I’ve had difficulties with breaking old Orthodox habits and ties, and I’ll never be the most pious girl in the world, or even of all my friends, but I try my best, and I’m so happy. I learn new things all the time, and I’m so glad to have so many good friends by my side to help me and guide me.

[northfaceho]

guys i just sent the most insane email of my life. would you believe it if i said i'm thinking about becoming a buddhist chaplain? because that's what i just said to the guy who runs the university hospital's chaplaincy training program so apparently it's true

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"Prison pipe rites rules listed," Vancouver Sun. April 27, 1983. Page 14. --- Federal prison authorities say they are prepared to allow native Indian frisoners the right to hold their fous "pipe ceremonies under certain guidelines

Jack Stewart, regional communications manager for the Correctional Service of Canada, said the institution was not preventing the holding of the ceremonies. The Indians were objecting to the guidelines for holding their Services.

Stewart took issue with an article published in The Sun April 21 that said the prison administration had "balked in the grounds of security" from allowing the ceremonies. The report was on a fast by native prisoners protesting the Kent administration's position on pipe ceremonies.

Stewart said: "The native inmates at Kent Institution were granted permission by the warden in July, 1982, to hold pipe ceremonies and have not made a formal request to build a sweat lodge although they have been encouraged to discuss the matter with the chaplaincy at Kent Institution."

The guidelines require that one prisoner be designated the pipe carrier to look after the pipe and other religious materials in his cell. The materials include tobacco, pieces of leather, a ceremonial choker to bind the pipe bun die together, two small blankets to wrap the pipe, sweet grass, sage and clear plastic container, cedar and cedar pouches and six eagle feathers.

The guidelines included a requirement that the ceremonial materials be "searched" by prison staff at any time.

"Clearly, the administration is not balking at allowing the pipe ceremonies to take place. It is, in fact, the native Indian inmates who are balking because they consider the guidelines to be unacceptable." Stewart said.

Stewart noted that Federal Court of Canada Judge Allison A.M. Walsh had rejected an application from another prisoner, Gary Leroy Butler, for an injunction preventing him from being transferred to Edmonton. Butler had sought the injunction on grounds his rights and freedoms had been interfered with.

Judge Walsh had written in his decision: "It appears that plaintiff and his cousin, Darelle Butler, also an inmate of Kent Institution, have been active members of the Native Brotherhood at Kent, in connection with the arrangements for organizing and holding aboriginal religious ceremonies.

"Discussions with the authorities commenced in about July, 1982, and after various difficulties were over-come guidelines were set for the ceremony, and arrangements were made on the understanding that security would not be compromised in any way.

"A report by Miss (deputy warden) P.L.M. Lamothe indicates that on Jan. 12, 1983, an Indian spiritual workshop was held and apparently proceeded smoothly. A perusal of correspondence and material submitted in connection with the various affidavits indicates that the prison authorities are cooperating to the full in the Indians' desire to have their own form of religious rites. There is no suggestion that their religious rites are being interfered with.

Stewart also questioned a paragraph in the April 20 article that said University of B.C. law professor Michael Jackson got warden Stonoski to "tone down" some restrictions that prevented the pipe ceremonies from being held.

"At a meeting on April 19. Warden Stonoski and Prof. Jackson were discussing the wording of the guideline he had approved last year for pipe ceremonies and volunteered that he was open to discussing the guidelines with the native Indian inmate population to assess the validity of their complaints and he also stated that the guidelines on searches was incongruous and could be reworded. He did not say, as reported, that the requirement for searches was incongruous."

Stewart concludes. "In total, we feel that the administration and staff at Kent Institution have not been inflexible in dealing with the native Indian in mates on this issue and we continue to be approachable in our efforts to meet the religious and spiritual needs of the inmate population at Kent Institution.

Caption: JACK STEWART "administration not balking"

[in-sightpublishing]

Dr. Marty Shoemaker on Spiritual Care in Humanist Chaplaincy

Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2024/09/08 Dr. Martin “Marty” Shoemaker is a trained clinical psychologist and, currently, a Humanist Chaplain at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (Multifaith Centre) and Vancouver General Hospital (August, 2014-Present). Previously, he worked as a psychologist and instructor in…

[alvinsmith0176]

Master of Divinity Online: Top MDiv Programs for Spiritual Leadership 

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is a foundational degree for those called to serve in ministry, pastoral care, or spiritual leadership. As faith communities and ministry roles evolve, so does the approach to theological education. Today, online MDiv programs offer a flexible and accessible pathway for individuals to gain deep spiritual insights, practical ministry skills, and leadership expertise without compromising their professional and personal commitments. 

This guide explores the value of pursuing a Master of Divinity online, highlights the top programs available, and outlines how they prepare students for impactful spiritual leadership. 

Why Choose an Online Master of Divinity Program? 

1. Flexibility and Accessibility 

Online MDiv programs enable students to study at their own pace, making it easier for working professionals, parents, and those in full-time ministry to pursue theological education. 

2. Cost-Effectiveness 

Compared to traditional on-campus programs, online masters of divinity programs often reduce tuition costs and eliminate expenses related to relocation and commuting. 

3. Diverse Learning Environment 

Online platforms connect students with peers and faculty worldwide, offering exposure to a broad spectrum of theological perspectives and cultural contexts. 

4. Tailored Specializations 

Many programs allow students to focus on areas such as pastoral counseling, chaplaincy, global missions, or worship leadership. This customization ensures the degree aligns with their unique calling. 

5. Practical Ministry Integration 

Most online Master of Divinity programs blend academic learning with real-world ministry experiences, equipping students with the tools to apply their knowledge effectively in their communities. 

Key Components of an Online MDiv Program 

Comprehensive Curriculum 

A Master of Divinity degree online typically includes: 

Biblical Studies: Detailed exploration of scriptures to understand their historical, cultural, and theological contexts. 

Theology: Study of Christian doctrines and their practical implications in ministry. 

Pastoral Care and Counseling: Developing skills for offering guidance, comfort, and support to individuals and families. 

Church Leadership: Training in administration, conflict resolution, and organizational skills to lead faith communities effectively. 

Ethics and Social Justice: Addressing moral and societal issues from a Christian perspective. 

Field Education 

Most programs require students to engage in internships or supervised ministry work, providing hands-on experience in real-world settings. 

Thesis or Capstone Project 

Many online masters of divinity programs include a final project where students synthesize their learning through research, reflection, and practical application. 

Top Online MDiv Programs for Spiritual Leadership 

1. Liberty University 

Highlights: Liberty offers a robust Master of Divinity online program with multiple specializations, including chaplaincy, discipleship, and church planting. 

Unique Feature: Flexible eight-week courses and experienced faculty committed to Christian values. 

2. Fuller Theological Seminary 

Highlights: Fuller's online MDiv program emphasizes integrating theology with cultural contexts. 

Unique Feature: Offers a balance of academic rigor and practical ministry training. 

3. Regent University 

Highlights: Regent’s program focuses on leadership development, biblical studies, and practical theology. 

Unique Feature: Customizable concentrations like marketplace ministry and spiritual formation. 

4. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary 

Highlights: This program emphasizes biblical faithfulness and practical ministry skills. 

Unique Feature: Affordable tuition and a strong focus on global missions. 

5. Denver Seminary 

Highlights: Denver Seminary’s online MDiv program equips students for pastoral and missional roles. 

Unique Feature: Strong emphasis on spiritual formation and ethical leadership. 

Is an Online Master of Divinity Right for You? 

An online Master of Divinity degree is ideal for: 

Aspiring Pastors: Those preparing for ordination or leadership roles in churches. 

Chaplains: Professionals seeking to serve in healthcare, military, or corporate chaplaincy. 

Ministry Leaders: Individuals desiring to lead nonprofit organizations or missionary efforts. 

Lifelong Learners: Those committed to deepening their faith and understanding of theology. 

If you are driven by a passion for serving others and growing spiritually, an online Master of Divinity could be your next step toward impactful leadership. 

What to Look for in an Online MDiv Program 

When choosing an online masters of divinity program, consider these factors: 

Accreditation: Ensure the institution is accredited by a recognized body, such as the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). 

Faculty Expertise: Research the backgrounds and qualifications of professors to gauge the quality of instruction. 

Flexibility: Look for programs that offer asynchronous learning or part-time options. 

Cost: Compare tuition fees and financial aid options to find a program that fits your budget. 

Specializations: Choose a program with concentrations aligned with your ministry goals. 

The Path to Spiritual Leadership Starts Here 

A Master of Divinity online equips individuals with the theological knowledge, practical skills, and spiritual depth required to lead and serve effectively. Whether you're preparing for ordination, exploring chaplaincy, or seeking to deepen your faith, online MDiv programs offer a transformative educational experience tailored to your needs. 

Take the first step toward spiritual leadership by exploring the top online masters of divinity programs today. With the flexibility, affordability, and depth these programs provide, you can answer your calling while balancing your personal and professional life. For more information, read on St. Bernards’ official website today.  

[wutbju]

Charles Wellington Marvin, BJU Class of 1958.

Capt. Charles W. Marvin of San Diego, California, passed into eternal life on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 88 years old. Known to many as ""Chuck"" or Chaplain Marvin, he proudly and faithfully served God and country as an active duty U.S. Navy chaplain for 27 years.

A committal service with military honors will be held in San Diego on June 7, 2024, at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., at 11:15am. A memorial service will take place on June 8, 2024, at City View Church, 8404 Phyllis Place, at 10:30am (reception will follow). The family requests that attendees contact them at cwmarvinmemorial@gmail.com for further information, especially for those planning to attend the Miramar committal service. Born on March 9, 1936, in St. Clair, Michigan, to parents Daisy Amanda (Isaacs) Marvin and Wayne Frank Marvin, Chuck was the seventh of 12 Marvin children (seven boys and five girls) and enjoyed recounting many lively adventures and mishaps from his childhood near the Pine River in St. Clair. Perhaps an early sign of his Navy future, Chuck once ventured onto a boat alone at three years old until his mother hauled him home. He retained a ""nothing ventured, nothing gained"" spirit throughout his life.

After graduating from St. Clair High School in 1953, Chuck enlisted in the Naval Submarine Reserves in Cleveland, Ohio. Between Chuck, his father, and six brothers, an immediate Marvin family member served in the Navy during every major conflict from World War I through the Gulf War. While a young reservist, Chuck attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, earning a B.A. in 1958, with a view toward ministry and the pastorate.

Chuck spent the first part of his career as a civilian. He served as assistant pastor in two churches in Cleveland and was ordained by the Ohio District Council of the Assemblies of God in 1962. While in Cleveland, he met Beverly Sliwinski at a district youth roller-skating event. Beverly was unimpressed at the time, but, not one to be easily deterred, Chuck won her over and they married on her twenty-first birthday in 1962. They remained devoted husband and wife for nearly 62 years until Chuck's death, and enjoyed decades of fruitful family life, ministry, and military moves and adventures, both foreign and domestic.

While serving as pastor of First Assembly of God in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, from 1964-1970, Chuck completed a divinity degree at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh. He discerned a call to military chaplaincy and was commissioned as a Navy lieutenant and entered active duty in 1971 at age 35. In 1979, Chuck was selected for Naval Postgraduate School and attended Princeton Theological Seminary, receiving his Master of Theology degree in 1980.

Both Chuck and Beverly thoroughly enjoyed military life and cherished the friends they made and kept throughout their many moves and various duty stations. Their two years in Holy Loch, Scotland, aboard the U.S.S. Holland in the late 1970s sparked a lifelong family love for Great Britain, where Chuck had a ball golfing on the picturesque Scottish courses and Beverly and their three daughters enjoyed the port town of Dunoon and trips to Glasgow. Other duty stations saw Chuck serving as senior chaplain aboard the carrier U.S.S. Independence (where son Matt enjoyed dependent cruises and sonic booms!), preparing the ministry that would be provided to sailors and Marines during the Gulf War, conducting funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, ministering at Navy chapels on Guam and in Washington, D.C., and providing comprehensive pastoral ministry to recruits at a trio of different boot camps.

Chaplain Marvin held a special place in his heart for the Marines he served, earning their respect and camaraderie by opting to participate in their rigorous physical training even though it was not required of him as a chaplain. His many honors included the Legion of Merit awarded by the Marine Corps for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding service.

Capt. Marvin retired from the Navy on March 31, 1998, as assistant chief of staff for religious ministries at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. A decorated naval officer, Chuck served honorably and wholeheartedly as an armed forces chaplain who was known, loved, and regarded for being an ebullient and personable minister of the gospel. He blended personal and professional integrity with reverence for God, down-to-earth humor, and genuine love for the men and women he served. He excelled at offering spiritual and practical counsel and mentoring and was quick to listen to and encourage his fellow servicemen and women. Following his Navy retirement, Chuck served for nearly eight years as director of chaplaincy ministries and endorsing agent for the Assemblies of God, headquartered in Springfield, Missouri.

Chuck was a true people person. His glass was always at least half full, if not spilling over and splashing everyone around him with his contagious love for life. He laughed easily and heartily, even at his own jokes. He was as comfortable rolling up his sleeves and getting greasy doing manual labor and repairs as he was conducting weddings, funerals, and baptisms or preaching and administering communion on a Sunday morning. He lifted others up both in word and deed, whether neighbors, strangers, parishioners, fellow church members, colleagues, friends or family.

Chuck is lovingly honored and survived by his wife, Beverly Marvin; daughters Julie Randolph, Beverly ""Mandy"" Marvin, and Sara Daniel, and son, Matthew ""Matt"" Marvin; sons-in-law (and worthy opponents in golf, tennis, and Scrabble) Richard ""Rick"" Randolph and Charles ""Clay"" Daniel; grandchildren Emily Randolph, Ian Randolph (Victoria), Brandon Randolph, Knox Daniel, Leo Marvin, and Lacy Daniel; great-granddaughter and namesake Charlotte ""Charlie"" Randolph; five of his siblings--Robert ""Bob"", Glenn, Gladys (Ron), Ann (Larry), and Elsa; and numerous cherished Marvin nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Chuck and Beverly Marvin Military Chaplain Scholarship fund by emailing Linda Ragain at lragain@ag.org, or to support Assemblies of God chaplaincy ministries at https://giving.ag.org/donate/700001-583366.

[lboogie1906]

Reverend Dr. Madeline Manning Mims (January 11, 1948) is a former runner. She won ten national titles and set several American records (1967-81). She participated in the 1968, 1972, and 1976 Summer Olympics. She likely would have participated in the 1980 Games in Moscow, had they not been boycotted. At the 1968 Olympics, she won a gold medal in the 800 m, one of only two American women to win this event. Until 2008, she was the youngest winner of the event. At the 1972 Games in Munich, she won a silver medal in the 4 × 400 m relay. When she was 3 years old, she was diagnosed with spinal meningitis and was not expected to live.

In 1965, she won her first national title in the 440-yard run at the girls’ AAU championships. She was named to the US team that competed in meets against West Germany, the USSR, and Poland.

She earned a BS in Sociology from Tennessee State University, an M.Div and D.Min from Oral Roberts University, and an Honorary Doctorate from ORU.

She was inducted into the US National Track and Field Hall of Fame.

She is the founder and president of the US Council for Sports Chaplaincy and has been a chaplain at the 1988 Seoul, 1992 Barcelona, 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney, 2004 Athens, and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. She has a ministry through sports and the arts known as Ambassadorship, Inc. She is an author, speaker, and contemporary gospel recording artist, who was inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame in 2005. She is studying for an M.Div at Oral Roberts University and is one of the chaplains of the Tulsa Shock of the WNBA.

She competed through the mid-1970s under the hyphenated name of Madeline Manning-Jackson. She married John Jackson (1969-70). Their son, John Jackson III was the NCAA Triple Jump champion while competing at the University of Oklahoma.

In 1976, she released the gospel soul album Madeline: Running for Jesus with New #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[fratresdei]

Juicy Question Embedded in Burning Questions

What is spiritual direction? What happens in a spiritual direction session? Is spiritual direction tied to a specific religion? Who sparked your gay awakening? How is spiritual direction different from therapy or chaplaincy? Also, what does "Fratres Dei" mean?

Earlier this year Fratres Dei Spiritual Direction created a series of posts called "FAQ o' the Week." Throughout the series we answered your burning questions about spiritual direction. For your ease of consumption, we've compiled the content of each of these posts right here on this one. And for your reading pleasure, Rachel has added an overshare.

What is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual direction is “a long, loving look at the real.” It’s the millennia-old practice of partnering with another to navigate one’s spiritual journey or relationship with the sacred. It’s like therapy for your spiritual health (and is not a replacement for mental healthcare). Spiritual directors help the spiritually curious connect with their essential selves. Through counseling-style interaction, directors create a space within which directees may openly, honestly, and safely explore, process, and deepen all parts of their personal spiritual inclinations and longings. Matters addressed by spiritual direction include but are not limited to:

Self Integration / Body-Mind Integration

Discernment

Faith Crisis

Deconstruction

Spiritual or Religious Doubt

Head-Heart Connection

Friendship / Intimacy with the Sacred

Nonreligious Spiritual Growth

Occupational / Caregiver Burnout

Imagination-Based Meditation

Interfaith Relationships

General Spiritual Growth or Refreshment

Body Movement

Spiritual Maturity

Spiritual or Religious Transition

Spiritual or Religious Trauma

Spiritual Practice Exploration

Issues of Anger with the Divine / Misotheism

LGBTQIA+ Spirituality (Affirming)

Ecospirituality

Bodywork

Schedule a free first session in the comments.

Is Spiritual Direction Tied to a Specific Religion?

No. Spiritual direction is the practice of serving as a companion to another as they discern their own personal journey. It is not tied to a specific faith tradition, and the goal is not to push dogma onto the directee. Spiritual direction is an evocative process, as the director seeks to help the directee understand how they encounter spirituality or the sacred. Rather than telling the directee what to think, believe, do, say, or know, the director helps the directee explore aspects of their experience of spirituality or the sacred or of something that points to these. Although teaching and instruction do occur, the director often observes and highlights what happens when a person becomes aware of a dimension of themselves or of the sacred. This results in a deepened intimacy with the self, the universe and its inhabitants, and the sacred.

What Happens in a Spiritual Direction Session?

Every session is as varied as the number of people on earth, but here’s a description of what generally happens in a session:

Many directors will start with some kind of centering practice to help the directee settle into the space. I (Rachel) personally like to use a body-based approach to centering practices, as this invites the whole person, body and mind, into the session. I believe that when the body feels safe and welcome in the spiritual direction space, the session is infinitely more fruitful. (Furthermore, if the body doesn’t feel safe, I don’t think the session should happen at all.)

From there, the director and directee will discuss whatever aspect of the directee’s spiritual life they would like to focus on. If they are not sure exactly what that is, the director might guide an exploratory meditative practice to help the directee discern.

Sometimes the session simply has a “talk therapy” structure. Other times, if the directee believes it would be beneficial, the director may use modalities to encourage deeper exploration. In my own practice, I enjoy utilizing freeform imagination-based meditation as well as body-centric discernment techniques. Spiritual direction is best served agenda-free, as each directee will benefit from different approaches and styles. Part of the joy of spiritual direction is discovering what those unique styles may be and how the directee can use them long after the session is over.

Spiritual Direction vs. Therapy

Spiritual direction and mental health counseling walk a fine line, because your spiritual health impacts your mental health, and your mental health impacts your spiritual health. However, spiritual direction and therapy serve different primary functions. Spiritual direction seeks to serve the whole person, body and mind, by helping the directee cultivate their spirituality. Spirituality helps individuals and communities find meaning and cohesion in all areas of life, which includes mental health. However, in the same way that you wouldn’t go to your PCP for surgery, spiritual direction is not a one stop shop for mental and emotional wellness. While some spiritual directors are licensed mental health counselors, not all are. While it may be appropriate to discuss mental health challenges in a spiritual direction setting, a spiritual director will not diagnose or treat mental illness. Part of spiritual direction training involves learning when it is appropriate to refer the directee to a mental health counselor.

That said, these two forms of care work beautifully in tandem with one another. Many individuals greatly benefit from alternating between spiritual direction and therapy sessions for holistic care. 

Spiritual Direction vs. Chaplaincy

As someone who has served as a hospital chaplain, a hospice chaplain, and a spiritual director, I think chaplaincy and spiritual direction are close cousins. So close, that I sometimes think the two terms could be used interchangeably. (I’d be interested to hear any hot takes from other chaplains or spiritual directors about that. Please share your thoughts in the comments.) I had a friend who once jokingly described spiritual direction as “chaplaincy for people who aren’t in crisis,” and I honestly struggle to find a better definition.

While spiritual direction certainly can provide care for people in crisis, the context for spiritual direction is typically less specific than that of chaplaincy. With plenty of exceptions, chaplaincy usually is practiced in the context of hospitals, hospice, schools, the military, etc. There are heavily emotionally charged circumstances in each of these settings, and chaplains serve as spiritual support for individuals in the thick of these circumstances. Again, while spiritual direction also could be helpful in and around these settings, spiritual direction tends to be less specialized in its scope. Spiritual direction lends itself to difficult times, neutral times, and euphoric times. It can serve as a temporary space of discernment for specific issues or life decisions, and it can be a normal part of one’s routine for general spiritual growth.

Again with plenty of exceptions, interactions with chaplains can be relatively brief (especially in a hospital setting), and relationships with spiritual directors tend to be more ongoing. There is nuance between the training and skill sets required for chaplaincy and spiritual direction, especially when chaplains need to prepare for specific contexts. But insofar as both fields invite interfaith and exploratory approaches to spirituality without direct instruction or dogma, they feel like different sides of the same coin to me. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

What Does "Fratres Dei" Mean?

In Latin, “fratres dei” means “siblings of god.” (The gender-neutral word for “siblings” and “brothers” is the same word.) I chose this name to evoke a sense of esteemed divine companionship, rather than a top–down, hierarchical understanding of divinity. “God” here is interpreted as a higher power, ultimate reality, consciousness, inherent unity, or a personal spiritual center. “God” is a cultural term that an individual may use as a shorthand for each of these things, whether or not they believe in a deity from a specific faith tradition.

Who sparked your gay awakening?

Potiphar's wife from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Have more questions? Please do not hesitate to reach out via DM or the link in bio. Interested in scheduling a FREE spiritual direction consultation session? Schedule in the comments.

Thank you to Evan Dennis on Unsplash for this photo.

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How Author Chaplain Sy Alli Transforms Lives Through Compassion and Dedication

Chaplain Sy Alli is a remarkable individual whose life story is both inspiring and deeply impactful. Right now, he lives in Carmel, California, and works for Elevo Learning as a Site Success Manager. Author Chaplain Sy Alli also works as a preacher in a number of Personal Care Homes in Monterey and spends his free time helping young people who are in danger. He has a lot of different degrees, such as one in criminal justice and another in religion studies and chaplaincy. Chaplain Sy has three grown children: Tasha Nycole, Samaria Hope, and Sy Alli the 4th. He is also proud to be Joiee Wray Kenny's grandfather. His story is noteworthy since he survived a suicide attempt and suffers PTSD that could have killed him. 

A Life of Service and Dedication

Chaplain Sy Alli has always worked hard to help other people. The Author Chaplain Sy Alli work with Elevo Learning and Personal Care Homes reflects his desire to help others. He works closely with at-risk teens and young adults in Monterey, giving them advice and support. His training in both Criminal Justice and Chaplaincy equips him with the skills and compassion to make a real change in people's lives. It's not just a job for Chaplain Sy; it's a calling. He knows how hard things can be for many people and is there to support and give them hope.

A Diverse and Inspiring Route

The story of Author Chaplain Sy Alli life is both interesting and moving. He has been an actor, a professional wrestler, a university professor, and an expert in protecting important people. He was also the USAF European Powerlifting Champion. His wide range of activities has helped him learn more about the world and the people who live in it. Chaplain Sy's life story shows how strong resolve is and how important it is to take care of your mental health. Through his work and personal journey, he continues to influence people.

Conclusion

There is a lot of bravery, strength, and devotion in Chaplain Sy Alli's story. His ministry, the work he does in Carmel, California, and his life events all add to his powerful story. Author Chaplain Sy Alli gives hope to people who are going through similar problems because he has survived suicide attempts and PTSD. Powerlifting, professional wrestling, and other things he's done in his life give his story more meaning and make it one that many people can relate to. The Author Chaplain Sy Alli story gives everyone hope and motivation at a time when mental health is becoming more and more important.

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Please can you talk about how you converted to Catholicism?

My university town is quite an important one for English Catholics, and almost all of my friends are Catholic (of varying levels of scrupulosity), so right from the very beginning, I was fairly immersed in the community and the events that the university chaplaincy and student society hold there. The chaplaincy runs a yearly conversion course and information programme specifically for students that I took part in from the beginning of my third year, and I would really recommend taking this path if it calls to you and something similar is available in your area; it was good to have something so structured and certain, and to work towards everything with a little group of like-minded and supportive young people alongside me. I’m really lucky in that all of my friends were so patient with me, and were perfectly happy to answer all my silly questions, take me to Mass with them, sit with me whilst I studied in the chaplaincy library, and introduce me to everyone at events so that I never felt awkward or the odd one out as someone seeking conversion, and I’m so grateful for the circumstances that allowed me to be received into the Church.