WHAT IS SPIRITUAL DIRECTION?
An ancient tradition where the "director" commits to helping you find God in your life and to walk alongside you as you seek. It can be helpful for short-term or long-term companionship along your journey. Spiritual direction is different from therapy and pastoral care because it focuses on the process of growing spiritually and on your relationship with God (however you name the Divine) and with yourself, not on problem-solving or crisis management.
“My job [as spiritual director] is simply to try and help you find out what God wants you to be, and what will help and support your particular type of soul in [God’s] service.
Evelyn Underhill, Letters, p. 189
Typically we will meet for 60-90 minutes every four to six weeks, depending on your needs.
WHO IS SPIRITUAL DIRECTION FOR?
...You have always been an active member of your faith community, but somehow you feel there might be more to knowing God.
...You grew up in a faith tradition but it has not been your "home" for a while and you are yearning for nurture for your spiritual life.
...You are "spiritual but not religious," and you would like someone to help you answer your questions
...You are called by God into a ministry of helping vocation. You would like to nurture the passion and energy of your calling.
...You are just beginning to know God and you would like to ask questions without feeling shy.
...You yearn for something more but you don't know where to ask questions.
...You sense that God may be calling you in a particular direction but you aren't sure.
...You are curious!
HOW DO I BEGIN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION?
If you sense that I may be someone with whom you would like to start, call me (804) 402-0422 or email me at newtrust@rocketmail.com. We will make an appointment to meet at Ginter Park Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, where I have my office. We'll start by talking about where you are in relationship to God or your yearning for something More, and move together from there. As a spiritual director, I am called to listen, pray, be present to you, question, sometimes cry and rejoice along the way with you, but always to direct your attention back toward God.
WHAT IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS MINISTRY?
· Spiritual direction for individuals or small groups
· Short-term assistance with decision making (discernment)
· Retreat leadership tailored to your group’s needs
· Spiritual formation sessions for faith groups
· Leadership for educational series or prayer groups lasting 4-8 weeks in your location
· Prayer support in times of special need
I have led retreats for parish nurses, deacons, church-based spirituality groups, and others. I have taught short courses on Contemplative Prayer, Praying for Justice and Peace, and other topics. I will work with your group to design a customized retreat or course that will seek to meet the spiritual needs of your faith community.
WHO IS NANCY WALDO, SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR?
I am committed to providing you with safe space, respect, and attention as you seek to develop your relationship with the Divine. I am open to meeting with people from all or no traditions and all sexual orientations.
I am a graduate of the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation’s Spiritual Guidance Program. (www.shalem.org.) I meet regularly with a spiritual director and with a Spiritual Directors’ Peer Group at Richmond Hill. I am a member of Spiritual Directors International, www.sdiworld.org.
I graduated from the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond in 2000.
I have explored many different spiritual traditions including Protestantism, Catholicism, Unity, Judaism, Siddha Yoga, Islam/Sufism, and Interspirituality.
Blog: Centering in God at http://www.centeringingod.blogspot.com/
My passion is to assist you in becoming the person you are being created to be, to help you find the greatest freedom to live your life authentically with joy and purpose.
My resume is under Other Resources for additional information.
HOW DOES THIS MINISTRY RELATE TO GINTER PARK BAPTIST CHURCH?
This ministry receives the support of the pastor and the deacons of Ginter Park Baptist Church. I may seek counsel from Pastoral Staff whenever that may be necessary for the good of the directee (one seeking direction). It is part of my covenant with the church that I will meet regularly with my own spiritual director and with other spiritual directors for growth and accountability.
Strict confidentiality is maintained, with only the director and the pastor knowing the names of those meeting with the director. No records are kept other than name and dates of appointments, and of any donations (for tax purposes).
Donations to support the ministry are completely voluntary, and lack of money should never be a barrier to participating in this ministry.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Nancy E. Waldo
Spiritual Director and Retreat Leader
(804) 402-0422 (cell)
newtrust@rocketmail.com
