Supplement, not Substitute
Unpopular (probably) statement…
Spiritual Direction is NOT a substitute for spiritual community (what’s often called church). It is only a supplement to church.
I know that spiritual direction is richly relationally, and quite spiritual (except when it’s just psychological listening to the self, rather than spiritual listening to God).
NOT AN INDIVIDUAL SPORT
But the spiritual community that Jesus calls us into, in his name within his kingdom, IS NOT an individual sport with a personalized coach.
The community of Jesus is more of a team sport, or a body made up of many members, many parts.
I know people have been injured, harmed, or abused their spiritual community. That is terrible. I am so sorry. So a time of rehab, or convalescence is necessary—but it should be temporary.
I’m not against spiritual direction. And I’m not against therapy. I’m support and recommend them both.
But only as supplements, not as substitutes, for the church.