The Association of Christian Spiritual Directors Aotearoa-New Zealand

What's New?

2011 Training Event & Conference with
Dr Alexander Shaia

Auckland, 22-25 July

Reflection Page

Content:
Introductory Session Audio
Images
Links

Please note that Alistair McBride is the acting ACSD Secretary following Shirley's death.

Alistair's contact info:
5 Camden Place, Hamilton
Ph: 07-8493664
Mob:021-1385542

Papers are available from the 2010 National Symposium of the Australian Ecumenical Council for Spiritual Direction, "Exploring contemporary spirituality and its impact on the practice of spiritual direction". The papers can be download as one PDF file here.

2009 ACSD Conference
Talks Notes & Audios

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find a spiritual director?: Current ACSD-accredited NZ Spiritual Directors are listed in regional pdf files accessible from the 'Find a Director' page. Alternatively, you may Contact the Secretary if you would like to chat with a trained NZ Christian Spiritual Director who is not on one of the regional lists. They are located throughout Aotearoa-NZ.
What happens during a typical spiritual direction session?: Naturally this will vary depending on the people involved. The norm is for a session of about one hour during which the director actively listens and responds to the directee's conversation. The focus of each session will be the directee's relationship with God.
Doesn't the term Spiritual Director sound old fashion and a bit scary?: You are right. Many of our members prefer to be known in their role by other titles like: spiritual or Christian companion, spiritual friend or spiritual mentor. However others, both directors and directees, remain comfortable with the traditional terminology.
Do I have to be an active and worshipping Christian to benefit from spiritual direction?: No. Many directors will be comfortable working with directees who have not made an active commitment to Christ or the Church. Such directors accept that we are all on a journey spiritually and they will seek to meet people wherever they are along the way.
Who can be a spiritual director?: Anyone can call themselves a spiritual director. However, the Association in Aotearoa-New Zealand requires members to meet minimum training and practising standards. Check our Membership Covenant to learn more about these standards.

Return to Top

What is Christian Spiritual Direction?

Christian spiritual direction is a pastoral ministry in which one Christian person helps another to:
• pay attention to God’s personal communication to him/her
• respond to and grow in intimacy with God
• live out the consequences of this relationship

Christian spiritual direction is based on God’s covenantal relationship with men and women in Jesus Christ. Covenant speaks of mutual respect, trust and faithfulness and has a sacred character.

Therefore Christian spiritual direction requires a commitment to minister to a person with a Christ-like love and respect for his or her dignity, value and destiny.... more

Contact Form

Regional News

The work of ACSD ANZ happens in the regions. The link below will take you to current news and events from the regions. If you are responsible for regional ACSD events please send a message to the Secretary via the form below with your information for possible inclusion on this website.

REGIONAL NEWS & EVENTS