Group Spiritual Direction: Community for Discernment

by Rose Mary Dougherty

Practical guidance for offering and participating in spiritual direction in a group setting. †

Genres: Spirituality

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[Glen Grunau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given as required reading in advance of a group spiritual direction workshop I am attending next month. As I read, I became aware of a slow burn growing inside of me. And when the author described later in the book the structure and guidelines for a "faith sharing group" I recognized this to be my life dream for community.

Over my lifetime, I have experienced such vulnerable, intimate self-disclosure in a group setting in varying measure. Only to the degree that any of the multiple small groups I have experienced or led in my churches over my life-time have measured up to some of the criteria offered in this book, have they satisfied this longing. Even the "Bible study" group materials I have selected as a leader were often chosen on the basis of how well I anticipated that they would facilitate this in-depth self-disclosure.

In the last 10 years, my growth and belonging in a Christian contemplative community, which included my training in spiritual direction, has only deepened this longing. It has also expanded my understanding of how attentive listening for the ever present voice of the Spirit is the true gift of a 'faith sharing" group.

But sadly this longing is unmet at this stage of my life. I am not in such a group nor I am aware that any exist in a community of churches that continue to emphasize Bible study and the acquisition of knowledge for their small groups. But perhaps the experience of reading this book, and the workshop I am about to experience, will translate into a prayer that my longing to belong to a contemplative faith sharing group will be satisfied in these years ahead, especially as my retirement approaches and time and energy cease to become barriers to seeking out this experience.

[Albert Hong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid practical thoughts about group spiritual direction. Helpful to have some practical formats and step-by-step guidelines for how to do it. Will definitely use it as a reference.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great overview of the purpose and practice of group spiritual direction. i also enjoyed the suggestion toward creating ministerial groups that are guided by these practices, moving from frustration to discovery. Doughtery does a great job of helping the developer and facilitators understand their role in helping the group to stick with the direction agenda and not get sidetracked by rabbit trails and unhealthy preoccupations.

[Erin Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good handbook for anyone wanting to begin group spiritual direction. Detailed accounts of the authors experience and situational examples are given. Suggestions for best practice are also given and as they are based in lived experience, they most likely will be of great benefit to anyone who is getting started.

The book was a little hard for me to get through. Not a page turner, but very helpful and practical.

[Caitlin Grammel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not any reason not to give 5 stars. This is really just a description of a way you can do group spiritual direction that I read for class.

[Sarah Pascual · Rating 3 out of 5]

Practical and helpful, but not super engaging. Definitely only for people who lead Spiritual Direction groups.

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good and super practical. Also a short read, which is always appreciated

[John Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical and insightful tips on how to lead group spiritual direction and what it is. Definitely will use as a resource going forward

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the classic text on group spiritual direction and it does not disappoint - written for both those leading group spiritual direction and those curious about what it is exactly

[Darceylaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful. I have been running a spiritual direction group for the past year using this model, and it has been really lovely.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of spirtual direction, both in a group and one-on-one setting. Provides helpful insight on group dynamics and spiritual formation practices.