Questions to Ask a Prospective Spiritual Director - Spiritual Directors International

Spiritual Directors International recommends you interview at least two prospective spiritual directors, if possible. Ideally, if you live in an area that has many available spiritual directors, it is best to interview at least three spiritual directors, using questions such as these:

1.     What enrichment, spiritual formation, and theological education do you have in spiritual direction?

2.     What is your personal experience tending your own prayer, meditation and contemplative life?

3.     What is your experience as a spiritual director? How many years? In what environments? What are you most interested in spiritually?

4.     How do you continue your education and supervision for your spiritual direction ministry?

5.     What ethical guidelines do you abide by, such as those published by Spiritual Directors International? Have you ever been accused or convicted of misconduct?

6.     What type of engagement agreement will we establish to clarify roles and responsibilities in our spiritual direction relationship, such as samples provided to members of Spiritual Directors International?

Click here to view a sample engagement agreement.

Click here to purchase a US$1.50 booklet called Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in Spiritual Direction (discounted for members), published by Spiritual Directors International. Other ethical guidelines are available.