About ACSD

Why an Association? 
In a nutshell, ACSD exists to promote and maintain professional standards for those who are practising as spiritual directors. In turn it is hoped that people who are in direction or, who are seeking spiritual direction will do so with confidence because they are journeying with qualified and supervised directors. 

About the Aotearoa-New Zealand Association 
The Association of Christian Spiritual Directors in Aotearoa New Zealand was formally established in September 1991, its aims being:  
  • To encourage and actively promote spiritual direction 
  • To promote the ongoing formation of spiritual directors 
  • To encourage supervision of spiritual directors 

On 1 March, 2007 the professional nature of the association was recognised in the formation of the Association of Christian Spiritual Directors Incorporated. The Association's Constitution and its Membership Covenant with Code of Ethics and Complaints Procedure are core documents for members.

The Association is a national ecumenical body, with approx. 170 members at present, belonging to the Anglican, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian and Salvation Army and other denominations.

The Executive
An Executive body of six elected members and a Secretary/Treasurer meets two or three times a year. The accounts of the Association are audited.

Bi-ennial National Training Event
The Association provides a National Training Event in alternate years for the purpose of on-going formation of members, and for the holding of a Bi-ennial General Meeting at which members are elected to the Executive Committee. Minutes of meetings are kept.

Supervision 

It is a requirement for membership of the Association of Christian Spiritual Directors Inc. that all members have regular supervision for their spiritual direction practice.

The primary purpose of supervision is to enable the director to grow both personally and professionally in order to best meet the needs of the directee, through awareness of such issues as inter-personal relationships, boundaries, safety etc. 

Supervision is a confidential, structured and contracted relationship which enables the director to reflect critically on her/his work with a competent colleague, preferably one who has formal training in supervision. There is a strong commitment to learning, reflection and challenge.