Spiritual Companioning: A Guide to Protestant Theology and Practice

by Angela H. Reed, Richard R. Osmer, Marcus G. Smucker

Among the smiling faces in church on Sunday mornings are those who long for deeper, more genuine relationships within their local congregations—active, intentional relationships that nurture the soul and encourage personal encounters with God. Drawing on decades of experience in spiritual direction, congregational ministry, and seminary teaching, this book offers a clear and rich introduction to the theology and practice of spiritual companioning in the Protestant tradition. The authors explore the topic in a biblically based and historically informed manner and give practical help for cultivating spiritual relationships in congregations and beyond, using stories throughout to illustrate key ideas. Discussion questions are included.

Genres: Spirituality, Discipleship

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2015

About the author

Angela H. Reed (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is assistant professor of practical theology and director of spiritual formation at Truett Theological Seminary, in Waco, Texas.

Reviews

[Lance Bolay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spiritual Companioning seeks to integrate the art and skills of spiritual direction into the local church, small groups, home, and everyday life. The authors draw from various Christian traditions, but specifically approach the subject from a Protestant perspective, making this a very helpful resource for Protestant church leaders. While interest in spiritual direction is growing, very few books attempt to integrate the principles of this ministry into everyday life. The authors offer clear guidance and practical exercises for deepening awareness of God's presence through one-with-one and group companioning. This is a valuable resource for church leaders and for trained spiritual directors who hope to make the gift of this ancient spiritual practice more accessible to the larger faith community.

[Dennis Podryadchikov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drawing from both Protestant and Catholic traditions, Reed at el introduce the topic of spiritual companioning. Their work is both detailed and filled with practical examples. Easy-to-read and quite informative, this book is an excellent guide to the topic of spiritual companioning. Whether one would like to become a spiritual director or begin a ministry of spiritual companioning at a church, this book will serve as a worthy starting point as it is based on actual documents developed for different churches.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Spiritual Companioning: A Guide to Protestant Theology and Practice by Angela H. Reed, Richard R. Osmer, and Marcus G. Smucker the authors seek to address the disconnectedness and isolation many feel in regards to their spiritual lives in the local church.

The book is composed of seven chapters. The first chapter addresses how spiritual companionship serves as the answer to the problem of isolation many feel within the walls of church. The authors state that this social isolation can often lead to a sense of spiritual isolation in that the individual in being separated from others can feel separated from God. Chapters two through five address different spheres within which spiritual companioning may occur those being: the congregation, in a spiritual director/directee relationships, small groups, and every day relationships. Chapter six involves finding our place in God's story and sharing that with others. Chapter seven addresses the challenges of spiritual companioning for those who serve in ministry.

This book addresses a key problem within the church today, and despite areas of disagreement this book is commendable. The general concepts found throughout the book and strategies for implementing and developing spiritual companioning are sound. We are so focused on trying to be connected with everyone through electronic media that we fail to cultivate face to face relationships with those around us. Reading this book has helped me to place my finger on that problem that I hadn't given a lot of thought to. Chapters four and seven will probably prove to be the most helpful for those engaged in ministry.

The idea behind this book is sound, it is an issue that needs to be addressed. However it seems that this book fails to live up to its title in some key areas. First and foremost a great deal of what is put forward in this book is developed from Catholicism and mysticism. Frequent reference is made to Catholic monastic practices such as the Benedictine Way. In addressing the Protestant tradition of spirituality slight attention is given to the Puritans which is a disservice to readers.

The book has its good and its bad the reader just has to be aware of the backgrounds of the authors so as not to be surprised at where they disagree with the author. I'm surprised with how much I found to be helpful in this book when taking into account their various denominational backgrounds.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Academic through the Baker Academic Bloggers program for review purposes. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....

[Michael Harshman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review at: http://thechristianreviewer.blogspot....

"Spiritual Companioning" is a pretty engaging book to read. The focus of the book is on the idea of spiritual companioning to combat the lessening of genuine relationships rather than going to church to be entertained or to feel like you have "just done a good thing" by going. The concept of spiritual companioning is not anything new. In fact is it a very old approach that has been used for hundreds of years. The authors carefully present the case of spiritual companioning throughout the book starting with the need for it, to what it is and then wrapping up with possible ways to implement it. I did appreciate the many examples of scenarios and situations that the authors provided. They really did help quite a bit in painting the picture throughout the book on how to develop these relationship. There were a few points when reading the book that I felt they authors started to venture a tad into the psychology realm a little bit, but they did pull it back in with a Biblical perspective. Overall, there are some very good examples where church or group leaders would be able to pull into their ministries.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for this review from Baker Academic and all opinions are my own.

[Terry Barash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spiritual companion what is it and why is it important ?

This is a great book for those that are not familiar with spiritual companioning. It provides great insights as to what it is and why it is important. It also provides practical steps to take Related to personal companion as well as group or congregational companioning.

The list of additional books and resources at the end of each chapter Is also very valuable.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piqued my desire for spiritual life conversations. For discernment with others and encouraging one another to dwell with God.

Many good ideas for practice in the book. Examen and lectio sections are a favorite. Plus steps for starting various kinds of spiritual companionship relationships.