Spiritual Directors
Evie Waack
Licensed Lay Minister and LEARN graduate
Member of First Cong'l UCC, Waterloo
Cedar Falls, Iowa
319-277-0163
informational brochure
Workshop on Watercolor Mandalas
Maryellen S. Knowles
Spiritual Companioning
4301 Park Avenue
Unit 510
Des Moines, Iowa 50321
515-274-4412
What is spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is an ancient form of guidance based on spiritual companioning designed to enhance a person’s relationship with God. Regular consultation with a spiritual director enriches a person’s spiritual growth and helps one through the occasional tough ‘stuck’ places. Spiritual direction is typically gentle and non-intrusive. It is built around careful listening: listening to self, listening to God, and listening to the person seeking direction. All sessions are confidential.
How do I know if direction would be valuable for me?
Spiritual direction assumes that a person who is reasonably well emotionally and spiritually wants to explore and deepen his or her spiritual path. So, if you have a sense of wanting to tend to you spiritual growth, find yourself in a life transition, or simply want to enrich your spiritual journey, you are a candidate for direction.
Who does spiritual direction?
People who offer spiritual direction feel a distinct call for this ministry and have specific training.
Maryellen’s doctorate is in education from Northern Illinois University. Her additional three years of preparatory work for Spiritual Direction was received both at the Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Chicago and St. Joseph’s in Des Moines. She also completed two years Pastoral Counseling study at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center.
Maryellen was the Spiritual Director at Urbandale United Church of Christ for seven years. She has led several retreats and was Iowa liaison with Spiritual Director’s International one year.
Is it therapy?
While spiritual direction can be therapeutic, it is not therapy because it does not focus on psychopathology or presuppose a problem to be overcome. Its focus is clearly on one’s relationship with God and enhancing one’s spiritual growth. The underlying principle is that such an intentional pursuit of relationship with God bring one to fuller and more joyous life.
How is spiritual direction done?
Ordinarily, spiritual direction is done one-on-one or in small groups let by a trained and experienced director. On-going regular sessions are advisable at first. A session generally lasts an hour.
What does direction cost?
Maryellen offers her ministry for $35 an hour. If that is not feasible, offering a service is an alternative.