My Church Hired a “Spiritual Director.” What Does This Mean?

[@Wanda4849]

We, as Christians, already have a "spiritual director". He is the Holy Spirit! No need for human interference! Contemplative prayer...guide is Jesus' Prayer. No need for human interference!

[@AZRefugeeMinistry]

It was really interesting about mindfulness, which is so promoted today by therapists. Also, thank you, Alisa, for sharing about contemplative prayer and spiritual directors. Very interesting and helpful.

[@natashamiller4860]

Exactly. Therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, other physicians, social workers, teachers, etc. It is now a mainstream secular practice, ideology being pushed throughout society.

[@kimspicer9038]

Hi Alisa! This is so helpful, thank you! I grew up ay Guildford Baptist Church in the uK and our Pastor was David Pawson. He always said he would love to have taught every book of the Bible during his life-time and he was faithful to Scripture. He would stand at the church door after every service and shake the hands of everyone who went through the door, even ours; little children. He would bend down a bit and look us straight in the eyes. He was a true Pastor. Anyway, what I set out to say was that he used to say that salvation is a 3-step process. We ARE saved, we are BEING saved, and we WILL BE saved. I've always remembered that. The other thing is about the buddhist practice of 'mindfulness'. Yes, it's certainly soaked its way into even the secular world, hasn't it? I hate it. And I continue to use the word, 'careful' instead. In the UK we have lots of Garden Centres and they're fun to get lunch in and to generally prowl around (they sell much more than plants). But a recent trend is those colouring books for adults and of course this is fine - UNLESS they have 'mindfulness' on the front cover, and sadly so many of them do.

[@JodieOsborn-lr6yl]

I was a spiritual director at the Vineyard church and have left it all for studying the Bible at Calvary Chapel. What I had seen in the spirit while contemplating was too disturbing to continue.

[@TVHouseHistorian]

Praise Jesus! Two people from a Foursquare church I previously attended have gone on to become Spiritual Directors, and while I did not know initially what an SD was, just the title alone sent red flags up immediately. I've left the Foursquare church because of this and other heresies in favor of a Calvary Chapel church. I knew nothing of Calvary Chapel or Chuck Smith prior to attending. Thankfully, I didn't know it was a charismatic denomination or I would have passed. I want nothing to do with Pentecostal churches anymore, and I'm still reticent about Calvary Chapel *because* of its association with the charismatic (not to be confused with Pentecostal) movement. What I mean to say is that it encourages me when I see someone who follows Alisa Childers confirm the solidity of Calvary Chapel. It was the verse-by-verse format that grabbed me. Understanding the Bible and having a Pastor (a *male* Pastor) show me how to rightly divide the word of truth has been a faith game-changer.

[@jorohatch1]

It would be helpful for you to share what you saw, demonic things?

[@deboraharnold8587]

That’s really interesting! Unfortunately there are even people in Calvary Chapels (my husband is a CC pastor) who are introducing the idea of Spiritual Direction.

[@michelledebruyn3757]

"Chewing the cud" (as in sheep) is how Chuck Missler described meditating on the Word of God in his teaching of Psalms.I found that extremely helpful.

[@dabbler1166]

What does it mean? It means 2 things: 1. Your Pastor and the board of Elders has sold out the Congregation. 2. It means YOU should find a New church.

[@MattKingsley-zy7dn]

'Contemplative prayer and meditation' have its origin in the teaching of the first Jesuit General, Ignatius of Loyola. The Catholic Church's first Jesuit General to the counter reformation. With his teachings on 'Spiritual exercises'. This theology and teaching began in 1548 AD. Just use your search engine for the foundation and history. It was then propagated again in the 1980's by Richard Foster with 'Spiritual Disciplines." Both of them are 'Spiritual Mysticism' teachings wrapped in a pretty bow. Very deceptive, pretty bow that leads to destruction. Be vary aware for even Satan can be transformed into an angel of light.

[@bettinayoungs5876]

Very sound. Thank you.

[@alicejump2290]

Thankful for this clarity, I encountered “mindfulness” while struggling with depression and found it helpful, not to direct me away from God, but to be aware of His presence in the now! Deeply studying the “Lords prayer” is an ongoing spiritual journey! I earnestly seek the Holy Spirits guidance in praying and make it a practice to pray immediately if asked to pray for someone or some situation, maybe mistakenly call this “mindfulness” meaning doing it in the now! I totally reject the concepts of eastern religions and will watch using words such as this and will seek even more clarity on these practices!

[@Brittney.m]

20:00- if it’s Hailey Ruth Barton run away!

[@kittenwiskerz299]

So timely! My (ex)church just voted in a new elder, a woman who is finishing her time at Soul Formation School of Spiritual Direction, and she is "looking forward to being a Spiritual Director". My research led me to find out that this school teaches Ignatian Exercises, which are Jesuit or Catholic? I'm pretty sure that contemplative prayer is involved. My church is part of the Christian and Missionary Alliance but these new practices are raising red flags for me. I've been watching Calvary Chapel services online instead (I have a handful of favourite pastors!)

[@Tompsf1]

Yes, yes. Thank you so much.

[@johnsmit5999]

Something else I've heard about unbiblical meditation is that it can lead to demonic possession.

[@curtishar.8908]

Thank you, for brining it up. I never heard of a Spiritual Director but, one of the channels I begin following she claims to be one and will every do often talk about it, she says some good things, but there were a few things that didn’t sit right with me.

[@alomax92]

Spiritual director...(turning pages of my Bible)...I don't see that "job title" or "spiritual gift" in here...

[@DentGal83]

I’m sorry, but the term Spiritual Director is a definite red flag and no. It’s a title used by teachers of the Spiritual Formation movement (like Dallas, Willard, Richard Foster, Brennan Manning,etc). It is not progressive so much as it is used by progressives. It is also used by otherwise orthodox churches, and often leads them into other error overtime. I’ve lived through this and it is devastating. A deep dive into spiritual formation teachings will show you that it is infiltrated almost all seminaries & is being taught everywhere. Please be extremely cautious as it’s subtle & insidious.

[@anthonybarber3872]

I'm glad you mentioned Roger Woolsey...I had a feeling he was a false teacher...you go girl!.

[@kansascityonline]

concerning "Contemplative Prayer"... it is modern Babylonian chanting.. Do away with it and consider it no more. Toss the phrase out and leave it to the lost.. The longest prayer in the bible is from Jesus and is the entire chapter of John 17... If you read it out loud, clearly and slowly it takes about 3 mins.!!.. Sometimes I feel that if God would, He would look down from heaven and tell those who pray in this form of chanting non-stop to shut up already and get to the point..!!... God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

[@samdanner6806]

Chuck has taught you very well Alisha.

[@wexwuthor1776]

The bible has plenty to say about the inward spiritual journey. -The kingdom is within you. -It is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; -We are one in the body of Christ. -The Father and I are one. Remain in me, and I will remain in He who sent me.

[@kaydeewilson1444]

Can you address Dutch Sheets and Hayes off track teaching?

[@kaydeewilson1444]

Is ditch sheets progressive or just prosperity gospel?

[@nann-xu9ik]

Where do I ask Alisa a question. I have a question about Sheila Wray Gregoir. I smell progressive Christian with her

[@alomax92]

She's egalitarian and uses worldly methods rather than the Scripture. Mark and avoid.

[@nicolelh1662]

She has some very important and valid things to say about the way evangelical churches have talked, especially to women, about sex, right and wrong, speaking up and relationships, and have covered for/enabled abuse. I have her book "The great sex rescue" and I highly recommend it. Also "She deserves better' which I recommend with a couple of caveats. But yes, she is trending contemplative so I won't read her any further or recommend her website to others. she promotes yoga and the enneagram. I still highly recommend her book but I wish she'd stick to just that topic (sex and how we treat women) and stop branching out into this other nonsense!

[@kansascityonline]

Peter said ..."be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:..." So, what is the gospel? Simple answer... no need to drag it out.. Just give it out as plainly as Paul did.. This is literally the Gospel (the Good News - which implies there is bad news but that is another video..!).. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, 🔥how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:🔥

[@nickstuart200]

Sounds like a relatively large church. Instead of going to the pastor, who might not have any more than a vague idea of what's going on in the Women's Ministry anyway (in many churches women's ministry is a women's fiefdom, no boys allowed). Instead go to the director of the women's ministry (with another person if there is someone who shares your concern) to discuss the matter. Then if there's still a problem escalate to whoever is over that person in the church's hierarchy. If it's a megachurch there might be four or five levels of hierarchy between the women's ministry director and the senior pastor.

[@davidjarvie9546]

The gospel is the truth of God and Jesus and the Holy spirit.

[@waldensmith4796]

The lesson must be bible based on the Gospel which has the power to transform lives through the Cross. There is Salvation in no other name but through Jesus Christ. If the Cross and Jesus Christ Salvation etc is watered down in a Gospel presentation then we miss the Cross and its purpose.

[@janetralph4439]

Do you have faith that the Holy Spirit does what Jesus says He'll do: lead his followers into truth?

[@clm3436]

???: What do you think about Practicing The Way with John Mark Comer??

[@alomax92]

He is awful. See what Tim Challies and Marcia Montenegro have to say about the book.

[@clm3436]

​@alomax92 can you send me a link? Thx

[@alomax92]

@@clm3436 my comments with links keep getting deleted...in fact, most of my comments critical of Comer keep getting deleted. Just google those names with Comer and you will find them

[@alomax92]

@@clm3436 my comments keep getting deleted, by the admins? Don't know why...just google those names

[@caedcall11]

This is an important question. The book and author have spread quickly.

[@makeitcount179]

Man can be Reconciled to God : ( God initiates) : God cannot be Reconciled to Man ( a human initiative). Important distinction. "For GOD so Loved the World..." jn3:16 "For God demonstrated His Love toward us, in that WHILE we were yet sinners..." Romans 5:8 Salvation of sinners is a God sourced initiative. "Not of the blood, nor the will of the flesh, NOR of the will of man, BUT OF GOD." jn 1:13

[@freerangethinker5151]

I think you are sweeping in mindfulness with too broad of a brush. Just like the word “meditate” can mean one thing to someone in an Eastern religion and another to a Christian, mindfulness can imply different things. Certainly I’ve seen it used in a New Age practice type of way, but can also be utilized to reconnect to your physical body and the present moment through being aware of what’s happening in your five senses. Nothing mystical about it. This is helpful for example for people with trauma who can be very disconnected from their body.

[@thankfulmama1001]

It is erroneous to think we have to do something to reconnect with our bodies. That is a new age understanding which is false. About mindfulness, even secular researchers have discovered that it can cause great distress to people as it often puts people in an altered state of consciousness. It isn’t helpful at all.

[@jublli2690]

You mentioned there is nothing in scripture saying to do these things..is there any thing saying not to?

[@nicolelh1662]

Yes - have nothing to do with other religions (broadly). These practices are from jewish mysticism/kabbalah, the New Age, Buddhism, the occult and catholicism in its worst form. That's enough. Most of these teachings are being promoted by Richard Rohr, who is a full-blown heretic and he and others who teach things like this admit that they got them from Buddhism aka from idolatry aka from things God says are abject wickedness! nothing good can ever possibly come from Buddhism.

[@waldensmith4796]

TM is not Biblical . The Psalmist David says in Gods word does he meditate day and night. PS 1.

[@lovetruth9720]

Contemplative prayer is the bridge between prayer and meditation and Contemplative prayer can be meditation itself depending on the notice of the "spiritual leader" Also rhythmic breathing is used to help one enter into a state of a meditative trance.

[@alomax92]

And all of it is unbiblical new age mystical garbage. You may be getting in touch with something spiritual but it isn't the Holy Spirit.

[@wexwuthor1776]

Be still and know that I am God. PSALMS 46:10. Sounds fairly mindful to me. Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. A time of rest from thinking is required like rest for the body. Stilling the mind is paramount. How can you hear God if you are talking, verbally or mentally?

[@kathyd456]

I'd like to address how that verse does not have anything to do with mindfulness. That entire Psalm is about the might of God, He is a fortress, He has brought desolations to the earth. The entire of verse 10 verse says, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" He is not saying clear your thoughts, He is declaring that you need to pay attention. As a parent saying, "Stop. Listen. Focus. This is who I am." Anyone reading here, please feel welcome to check the whole Psalm and let me where the context is warm and fuzzy platitudes. Thanks for the time.

[@DentGal83]

@@kathyd456wish I could ‘thumbs up’ your response a hundred times. 🎉

[@wexwuthor1776]

@@kathyd456 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. How can you hear God's thoughts if your have a bunch of mental chatter? As for Psalm 46, the whole thing is about us being safe despite all the turmoil of the world. The only command is to be still and know. It doesn't say study and know. Stillness is a beautiful thing.

[@kathyd456]

@@wexwuthor1776 Interesting point, Wex. Well, as voices in our heads can be extremely misleading, better to trust His Word. And His thoughts and the why He chooses to do what He does is certainly grander than I can fathom, but there is plenty in the Word that shows me who He is, explains His plan for humanity, guides us to be wise, and gives plans on how to lead the Church and treat each others. Clearing your mind blank is new age, new thought, transcendental, and other various practices that God forbids. Mental clutter happens to us all, I have it when I am stressed, and choose to sing a praise song or listen to a audio Bible, or slow down and breathe, but not actively shutting down my mind. Choosing to empty one's mind can lead to the enemies sneaking things in there that sound godly, but are not. I believe humans underestimate the enemy and how they mislead us. They have messing with God's human creation since the beginning. Thanks again for your time.

[@nicolelh1662]

@@wexwuthor1776 Did you actually read Kathy's reply? that doesn't mean be still and silent. It means sit back and watch God work on your behalf in that particular situation addressed in the psalm. As for how can you hear God's thoughts if you have chatter - there is a huge difference between taking away big distractions and focussing on praying and reading the Bible, and actually "emptying the mind" and doing mindfulness and meditation. Fact is very often the Lord speaks most clearly when we are in conversations with other believers or reading the Bible and singing worship songs - NOT when we sit trying to think of nothing!

[@alexandremuise8889]

Contemplative prayer; it's as progressive as the catholic church under John Paul 2 and Benedict XVI. Did that constantly before I left Rome, so I get why Baptists like Alyssa is cautious of anything too catholicky... But yeah, if the phrase is Transcendental Meditation; even Catholicism says HELL NO.

[@terrypaul7706]

It’s all about contemplation and meditating! That’s what the scripture IS! It’s about self! About I AM!

[@carolynlingor]

So basically you're worshipping yourself since you have co-opted God's name, I Am, for your own. Antithetical to what the scripture teaches.

[@terrypaul7706]

@ 😂 I AM that I AM! What do you say when referring to self??? You can’t escape I AM! It is ONE I AM.. ONE awareness experiencing itself INFINITELY!!! Omnipresent! You don’t know God 😂 so you create a false god in the sky even though it tells you that ITS WITHIN! 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@terrypaul7706]

@ @ 😂 I AM that I AM! What do you say when refers g to self??? You can’t escape I AM! It is ONE I AM.. ONE awareness experiencing itself INFINITELY!!! Omnipresent! You don’t know God 😂 so you create a false god in the sky even though it tells you that ITS WITHIN! 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@terrypaul7706]

@@carolynlingor you are not a believer! You believe in fables , that’s what “ Paul” is explaining … know YOU not YOUR own selves how that Jesus Christ IS in YOU?! Or you are reprobate 😂 you get it reprobate? 💪🏻

[@kansascityonline]

@@terrypaul7706 not so!.. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? (your answer) but we have the mind of Christ (my answer). you state: " experiencing itself INFINITELY".. I remind you that infinite requires "time" and God created time and therefore is outside of time, hence, I AM that I AM.. But you terrypaul are a created being.. as am I... as we all are.. Therefore, you are not I AM - according to your stated logic to which I have pointed out to you.