Spiritual Direction Groups

Growing spiritually in the context of community

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Photo by Robin Canfield on Unsplash

What are Spiritual Direction Groups?

Spiritual Direction Groups are spaces where individuals speak honestly about their spiritual lives, moments of encountering God, and the state of their prayer life. The goal isn’t to fix or advise, but to truly listen—a skill often lost in our fast-paced, response-driven world. As participants speak, others are invited to pause, reflect, and listen deeply, discerning God’s presence and voice rather than rushing to respond.

What to Expect

While each group has its own focus and format, most spiritual direction groups include:

  • Opening silence or centering practice to help participants arrive fully
  • Agreements about confidentiality and how the group will function
  • Time for each person to share from their spiritual journey
  • Thoughtful listening and response from other group members
  • Guidance from me as the facilitator to maintain sacred space
  • Closing reflections and prayer/meditation

Groups typically meet monthly for 2-2.5 hours. Most groups involve a commitment of 9 months to allow trust and depth to develop among participants.

Who Would Benefit

Spiritual direction groups are especially valuable for those who:

  • Appreciate learning from others' spiritual experiences and perspectives
  • Thrive in community settings and draw energy from group interaction
  • Want to develop skills in deep listening and spiritual discernment
  • Seek accountability and regular rhythm in their spiritual practice

Upcoming Groups

Rules for Discernment Group
In this group we will focus on paying attention to the inner workings of your heart. We will seek to understand the spiritual movements within you and make sense of them in a spiritual context. Once you grasp their significance, you can take appropriate action. In our spiritual journey, we encounter both consolation (warmth, closeness to God) and desolation (heaviness, distance from God). Saint Ignatius provides practical guidelines for discernment during these moments. Reflection exercises will help you apply these concepts to your daily life. This group format includes teaching, quiet reflection time, and group sharing.
Full
September 10, 2024(9 months ago)
In-person (Bellevue) • 6 participants maximum
Commitment: 9-month commitment (9 sessions)
Availability: 0 spaces remaining
$80 per monthly session
A Dovehouse Ministries offering
Name of Grace Group
Uncover Your Deepest Calling: An Ignatian Discernment Group

Are you feeling a stirring in your soul, a desire to understand your unique place and purpose in God's loving plan?

We all have a distinct way of being in the world, a fundamental identity that shapes our choices and actions. God, in His boundless love, created you with intention and a specific purpose in mind.

This group offers a sacred space and a structured approach to help you explore this profound question. Through guided reflection, contemplative prayer, and a carefully curated collection of Ignatian-inspired exercises and meditations, you will be invited to:

  • Deepen your awareness of God's presence in your life and your inherent worth.
  • Explore your deepest desires and longings as potential pathways to your calling.
  • Discern the unique gifts and talents God has entrusted to you.
  • Gain clarity on your fundamental identity and how it informs your purpose.
  • Connect with a supportive community of fellow seekers on a similar journey.

This group draws upon the rich tradition of Ignatian spirituality to provide a framework for personal discovery and a deeper understanding of your God-given identity and purpose.

Prerequisites: This group, "The Name of Grace," is designed for individuals who have previously engaged with the foundational principles of Ignatian spirituality through completion of the full Ignatian Spiritual Exercises or the 19th Annotation of the Exercises. This prior experience will provide a shared language and foundational understanding for the group's explorations.

Ready to delve deeper into the unique purpose for which you were created? Join us for "The Name of Grace."

Full
September 3, 2024(9 months ago)
In-person (Bellevue) • 6 participants maximum
Commitment: 9-month commitment (9 sessions)
Availability: 0 spaces remaining
$80 per monthly session
A Dovehouse Ministries offering
Praying with Art
This group will provide generous space for silence and prayer as we listen for the Holy Spirit using mediation on an image and passage of scripture. Visio Divina is a form of divine seeing in which we prayerfully invite God to speak to our heart as we look at an image. As you gaze at an image, you will be offered some questions for silent reflection. There will be opportunities to share with one another during group time and to listen for God together. Participants agree to attend the monthly scheduled meetings and to pray for other group participants during the month.
Waitlist
September 1, 2025(in 3 months)
In-person (Bellevue) • 6 participants maximum
Commitment: 9-month commitment (9 sessions)
$80 per monthly session
A Dovehouse Ministries offering
Praying with Poetry
Participants will read poetry contemplatively and explore how the words and images that we encounter in poems can help us respond more deeply to God’s presence in our lives. There will be individual silent time for prayer and reflection along with group time of sharing. This group is for anyone desiring to deepen their relationship with God.
Waitlist
September 1, 2025(in 3 months)
In-person (Bellevue) • 6 participants maximum
Commitment: 9-month commitment (9 sessions)
$80 per monthly session
A Dovehouse Ministries offering
Dovehouse Sampler Group

Are you looking for a way to deepen your spiritual life and explore new avenues of prayer? Join our "Sampler" group, where you'll have the opportunity to try out various prayer methods in a supportive and intimate setting.

This group is perfect for those curious about spiritual direction or simply wanting to refresh their prayer practices. Over seven months, we'll meet once a month to experience different approaches to connecting with God. You'll get to explore methods such as:

  • Entering the Gospel Scenes: Imagine yourself within the stories of the Bible, encountering Jesus and the disciples in a new way.
  • Praying with Poetry: Discover how the evocative language of poetry can open your heart and mind to spiritual insights.
  • Praying with Art: Engage with visual art as a pathway to contemplation and a deeper connection with God.
  • Praying with Picture Books: Experience the simplicity and profound wisdom found in children's literature as a unique form of prayer.

This group is limited to six participants to ensure a personal and engaging experience for everyone. If you're ready to embark on a journey of spiritual discovery, I invite you to join us!

Waitlist
September 24, 2025(in 4 months)
In-person (Bellevue) • 6 participants maximum
Commitment: 7-month commitment (7 sessions)
Availability: 6 spaces remaining
$80 per monthly session
A Dovehouse Ministries offering
Group Guidelines
What to know before joining

Confidentiality

What's shared in the group stays in the group

Commitment

Regular attendance is important for group cohesion

Listening

Deep listening without fixing or advising is our practice

Respect

Honoring each person's unique spiritual journey and expression

Custom Groups
For existing communities

I also facilitate spiritual direction groups for existing communities such as churches, spiritual organizations, or professional groups. These can be customized to your community's specific needs and context.