+ Spiritual Direction +
What is spiritual direction?
“…My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!” (Galatians 4:19)
Eugene Peterson has described spiritual direction as what takes place when two people (director, and directee) give their full attention to what God is doing in the life of the directee, and seek to respond to this activity in faith. This spiritual practice is underpinned by three convictions:
+That God is always doing something. An active grace is at work, shaping the life of this person toward mature salvation.
+That the Christian community has acquired wisdom through the centuries that can provide guidance for perceiving and faithfully responding to this work of grace.
+Each soul is unique. No wisdom can simply be applied without discerning the particulars of the life and situation before you.
My colleague, Rev. Art Going, reflects on the above passage from Paul’s letter to the Galatians, and considers the image of midwifery an apt one for the work of spiritual direction:
“( The Apostle Paul calls) himself a midwife—attending at the birth of Christ in his friends!
That’s what spiritual direction is. One person helping another to pay attention to God; God’s presence, voice, and work in another’s life. Giving one’s attention to God rather than to a particular problem that needs to be fixed. Listening together to the Holy Spirit’s presence. Inviting curiosity through evocative questions, restful silence, and contemplative companionship. Helping a friend trust God more. Attending at the birth of rekindled faith in Jesus.”
Essentially, a Spiritual Direction session is a time set apart for prayerful listening, attending to the presence and voice of God in the company of an experienced companion (director), who is committed to listening, praying, and seeking God alongside you, with you, and for you.
spiritual Director:
Rev. Chris Bannon
I am a lifelong New Englander, longtime New Hampshirite, father of four (Shiloh, Madeline, Abel, and Esther), and husband of one (Rebecca). Our family lives in Rochester, NH, where I serve as Lead Pastor to The Commons ECC, a church community that we were called to help establish in 2014. Prior to this call I served with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship - first as campus staff at the University of Rhode Island, then as Area Director for the state of NH - as well as several years on the pastoral staff of Dover Baptist Church in Dover, NH.
B.S. Marine Biology - University of Rhode Island (1999-2003)
M.A. Theology - Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (2006-2011)
Ordination to Word & Sacrament - Evangelical Covenant Church (2021)
Spiritual Direction Cert. - Leadership Transformations Inc (2023-2024)
Beyond the calling of my own formation in Christ, my family and fatherhood, my greatest honor and joy is to walk alongside people in increasing knowledge of and intimacy with God. In conjunction with my ongoing pastoral work, I am currently enrolled in the Selah spiritual direction certificate program through Leadership Transformations, Inc. and I am so very blessed to have the opportunity to serve as a Spiritual Director in partnership with Shoreline Counseling Group.
