Resources

Recommended Reading

Below are some books to help you learn more about how spiritual formation, spiritual direction, and soul care practices can support your journey with Christ.

  • Barton, Ruth Haley. Introduction to Silence and Solitude. Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2010.
  • Comer, John Mark. Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. Colorado Springs: Waterbrook, 2019.
  • Demerest, Bruce. Seasons of the Soul: Stages of Spiritual Development.  Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2009.
  • Demerest, Bruce. Satisfy Your Soul: Restoring the Heart of Christian Spirituality. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1999.
  • Fadling, Alan.  The Unhurried LIfe: Following Jesus’ Rhythms of Work. Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2014.
  • Foster, Richard. Prayer. San Francisco: Harper Collins Publishers, 1992.
  • Manning, Brennan. The Ragamuffin Gospel. Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books, 2005.
  • McHugh, Adam S. The Listening LIfe: Embracing Attentiveness in a World of Distraction.  Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2015.
  • McPherson, C.W. Keeping Silence.  Harrisburg: Morehouse Publishing, 2002.
  • Mulholland, Robert M. Jr. Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation. Downers Grove: Inter Varsity Press, 1993.
  • Nouwen, Henry. The Life of the Beloved. New York: Crossroad Publishing Co., 2002.
  • Scazzero, Pete. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. Nashville: Integrity Publishers, 2006.
  • Warren, Tish Harrison. Liturgy of the Ordinary. Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2018.
  • Willard, Dallas. Renovation of the Heart. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2002.

 

For Therapists/Counselors

How can spiritual direction help support Christian counselors and psychologists?

  • Spiritual direction can be a first step for those who may not be able to afford therapy, and/or who may not yet see the value of Christian counseling.
  • Topics that arise in spiritual direction may reveal opportunities for referrals to Christian counseling/therapy.  Spiritual directors are trained to recognize and make referrals to psychologists and therapists when topics arise that may warrant therapeutic intervention for the good of the directee. Additionally, as mandated reporters, Spiritual directors will also contact appropriate authorities as necessary to keep the directee and others safe.
  • It is common for individuals to dual track – meeting with a spiritual director while meeting with a Christian counselor on a more frequent basis. This allows clients to use spiritual direction to focus more explicitly on their relationship with God, and allows the licensed therapist to focus on other diagnostic/relational issues.

If you are a licensed Christian counselor or therapist, and you are interested in forming a dual referral process between your practice and South Bay Soul Care, contact Susan Johnson at southbaysoulcare@gmail.com.

 

 

How can spiritual direction support the spiritual growth of your congregants?

We provide space for people to consider the truths they are learning in weekly sermons and discipleship programs. Our goal is to help people to grow in their awareness and understanding of God, to make local churches stronger and healthier.

Spiritual Direction is for:

  • people who may be tempted to “go through the motions” or who are growing discouraged with their own efforts to live up to the ideal Christian life.
  • people who need a listening ear to process church disappointments, so that these don’t leak back into their congregations.
  • women who need more time than may be appropriate for male pastors to offer (especially for churches who do not have a women’s minister on staff).
  • staff and/or church leaders (deacons, elders, lay leaders, etc.) who desire to lean into God’s source of love and lean not on their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

When we as believers have been heard, attended to and cared for – when we open ourselves in surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit and are filled with His love – the fruit of the Holy Spirit will overflow from us like rivers of living water (John 7:37-39).  Loved people in turn love others, which will lead to healthier churches. Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

Contact Susan Johnson at southbaysoulcare@gmail.com for more information.