Statement of Purpose

Because we affirm the importance of the individual’s spiritual journey and formation, the MCC Spiritual Direction Network has been formed to bring emphasis to the ministry of Spiritual Direction within MCC. Further, the Network has been formed to provide information and guidance to MCC’ers worldwide about the nature and purpose of Spiritual Direction and to provide a list of Network Members to those seeking Spiritual Direction within an MCC or inclusive context. This Network will bring significant attention to the Internal or Contemplative nature of Spiritual Formation making it a perfect companion for other resources available in MCC such as “Creating a Life that Matters” and the L.E.A.D. program for leadership development.

Ministry Purpose

Beyond the provision of information and emphasis, the Spiritual Direction Network will serve as a referral source for anyone seeking information about Spiritual Directors who have committed to work from an inclusive perspective. Additionally, because the cost of traditional Spiritual Direction is often beyond the reach of Seminarians, In-Care persons and Clergy in transitional or small church situations, the Network will also seek to ensure a pool of Spiritual Directors who are committed to making Spiritual Direction available for all who desire it. Finally, the Spiritual Direction Network will serve as a supportive arena for Spiritual Directors within MCC by providing for open discussion, and resources for continuing education and professional development.

Guiding Principles

The Guiding Principles of the Spiritual Direction Network are:

  1. Spiritual Transformation is the unfolding of the individual’s relationship with the Sacred, Divine or Holy. Spiritual Transformation takes place in communal activities such as “church”; and, in individual spiritual practices and journeys.
  2. There are many ways to understand and express both this relationship and the individual’s understanding of the Sacred. No one way is the right way and all ways lead to greater understanding. Diversity will be cultivated and celebrated.
  3. Spiritual Direction is the walking together of two or more people on the journey of spiritual transformation where one is seen as a Guide who asks primarily asks questions and observes the way Spirit is working in the directee’s life. Their role is not to “direct” per se, but to serve as a Spiritual Friend or a Soul Friend.
  4. The context of Spiritual Direction should be inclusive of all traditions, cultures, and social and economic statuses. With regard to economic differences, the Spiritual Direction Network will make every effort to provide Spiritual Direction to all those who desire it.

Process and Guidelines for Participation in the Spiritual Direction Network

Requirements for MCC or Other Clergy in good standing:

  1. MCC Clergy will have already met the requirements for ordination. Those wishing to participate in this network and participate as a referral source must complete the application process which will include three additional requirements beyond ordination.
  2. During the application process, clergy will be asked to describe their study in the field of Spiritual Direction. This may include a formal Spiritual Direction Certification Program (either completed or in process), significant individual study, and participation in seminars, workshops, or webinars related to Spiritual Direction.
  3. All Network Participants must have had some experience (at least one year) in personal Spiritual Direction.
  4. All members of the Network will be asked to commit to:
  5. Monthly support virtual meetings (these may sometimes include continuing education opportunities and discussions) convened by the Coordinator of the Spiritual Direction Network; and,
  6. Clergy participants will be required to submit a formal recommendation from a colleague and at least one other person in a leadership position who can describe their readiness for participation in the Network.
  7. Clergy from other denominations must meet all the requirements of their own denomination for ordination and be able to demonstrate a commitment to the core principals of MCC.

Requirements for Laity:

  1. Lay participants will be asked to demonstrate that they have had considerable theological and spiritual formation. Completion of a Certificate of Spiritual Direction would fulfill this requirement but is not mandatory. Participation in the L.E.A.D. program and the completion of Creating a Life that Matters (preferably as a trainer) would be the kind of experience that would be sought.
  2. Lay participants will be required to submit a formal recommendation from their pastor and at least one other person in a leadership position who can describe their readiness for participation on the Network.
  3. Other requirements are the same as for clergy:
  4. During the application process, lay applicants will be asked to describe their study in the field of Spiritual Direction. This may include a formal Spiritual Direction Certification Program (either completed or in process), significant individual study, and participation in seminars, workshops, or webinars related to Spiritual Direction.
  5. All Network Members must have had some experience (at least one year) in personal Spiritual Direction.

All members of the Network must commit to:

  1. Monthly support virtual meetings (these may sometimes include continuing education opportunities and discussions) convened by the Coordinator of the Spiritual Direction Network; and,
  2. All Network participants will be expected to engage in their own personal spiritual direction.

Adherence to Ethical and Professional Guidelines

 All Network Members will be required to adhere to the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct—adapted for MCC from Spiritual Directors International attached to this document.

  1. All Members will complete a director/directee Covenant for each directee for whom they provide Spiritual Direction.
  2. All members will observe strict confidentiality regarding their directee’s experience, relationships and circumstances.

Regarding the Cost Associated with Spiritual Direction

Because of our commitment to Justice in all things, the MCC Spiritual Direction Network will seek, as much as possible, to provide Spiritual Direction on a love offering basis based on the ability of the Directee directee to pay. A sliding scale of Love Offering is suggested with the decision being left to the Directee directee to establish the amount of the donation to the Directordirector. This can be negotiated over time. This requires a certain trust that the Directee directee will honor the time and effort put into Spiritual Direction by the Director director by honestly assessing what he or she can contribute toward the cost. The Spiritual spiritual Director director is free, at any time, to assess the arrangement and re-negotiate the agreement or terminate the relationship.

Other Resources Provided by the Network Coordinator

  1. A page for inclusion on the OFLD webpage will be developed.
  2. A SD Network Blog will be developed which will be linked to the OFLD webpage. This blog will contain information about the Network and will feature relevant posts that will also be shared to the Facebook page. Additional resources and links to relevant materials will be included.
  3. In lieu of number 2 or in addition to: A FaceBook page will be developed and updated regularly.