AACC World Conference Sept 27 2017 Spiritual Direction

AACC World Conference Sept 27, 2017 Spiritual Direction & Soul Care: Embracing God’s Presence in Your Practice JOHN C. THOMAS, PH. D. PROFESSOR LIBERTY UNIVERSITY TO DOWNLOAD SLIDES: http: //works. bepress. com/john_thomas/

Objectives Explore the characteristics of an individual who participates in a healthy spiritual journey and consider attributes of authentic transformation Learn how to allow a spiritual-emotional transformation in self and deepen counseling through the presence of God Explore and experience practices for self and clients that cultivate living a moment-by-moment existence with the presence of God

“The supreme gift that anyone can give another is to help that person live more aware of the presence of God. Sacred companions help us remember this is our Father’s world. They help us hear His voice, be aware of His presence and see His footprints as we walk through life. They accompany us on a journey that is made sacred not by their presence but by the presence of God. In doing so, they make the journey sacred. ” (David Benner, 2002, pp. 17 -18)

Psychology General Revelation WORLD Holy Spirit Personal Revelation Natural Supernatural Demonic Personal Revelation Theology Special Revelation

A key component of spiritual direction is helping others tap into what can and will nourish their souls. It is guiding another to learn how to be present to the One who is always present—to the One already there. “Behold God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul. ” Psalm 54: 4 NASB

Spiritual Direction Defined An interpersonal relationship in which we learn how to grow, live, & love in the spiritual life A process through which one person helps another person understand what God is doing & saying One guides another in spiritual things through the spiritual world by spiritual means. Richard Foster

Spiritual Direction: Meaningful Phrases “Annihilated” (Tersea of Avila) “Self-forgetful place” (C S Lewis) “Illuminative way” (Groeschel) “Sacred romance” (Curtis & Elderidge)

Spiritual Direction is Characterized by Discernment of a Soul No Domination or Control Gary Moon (2012)

The Soul nephesh (Hebrew) and psych (Greek) Soul is the human center; so deep it operates far beyond conscious awareness It is always in the “on position” It runs one’s life (“…not external circumstances, or your thoughts, or your intentions, or even your feelings, but your soul. The soul is that aspect of your whole being that correlates, integrates, and enlivens everything going on in the various dimensions of the self…. ” – Willard, 2012, p. 199)

MIND BODY SOUL SPIRIT SOCIAL Dallas Willard

Soul Care Derived from Latin cura animarum Translated “care of souls” Captures idea of care and cure Willard (2012) “The essence of soul care is about strengthening our personal presence in the presence of Christ – immersion in the Trinitarian Presence. (p. 250)

We think in terms of abnormality rather than normality. By what do people “norm” themselves?

Psychological Health: General Efficient and accurate perception of reality Self-knowledge Accurate sense of “self” and self-acceptance Voluntary control of behavior Ability to form stable and affection relationships Productivity Competence in the environment Autonomy Sense of purpose and meaning

A Biblical Worldview Adds… An understanding and acceptance that we are created persons ◦ Dependent on God ◦ Free will We are fallen ◦ No longer seek to please God, but ourselves ◦ No longer act in our best interests but are self-indulgent ◦ No longer live without shame and fear, we self-protect

Spiritual-Psychological Health A healthy God concept (Ps. 25: 14; 111: 10) Desire to grow and transform Living in close alignment with God Submitting to the will of God on a moment by moment basis A transformed friendship with the Trinity (John 17: 3) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ” (John 15: 15; NIV) Based on Gary Moon (2012)

Characteristics of Transformation Banishment of aloneness (Willard) Deeply engaged as a co-laborer in kingdom affairs Mortifying the flesh/purgation of false self Deepened communion with God Jesus living His life through me Becoming meaningfully Christ-like (Willard – “Renovation of human Heart”) Deepening experience of love, joy, peace of God Profound surrendering to His will Radically loving, gracing, blessing, and forgiving

A Model of Transformative Living

PROCESS CONCERN Affiliation (Presence) Disconnection SOUL TASK RESULT N/A

What is not Meant by the Presence of God Wearing label “Christian” is not synonymous with experiencing an intimate moment-by-moment relationship with God As a private possession for an individual or group Browning (1912) said, speaking of the presence of God: “The hateful smirk of boundless self---conceit which seems to take possession of the world and make God a tame confederate, purveyor of their [men’s] appetites. ” (p. 160)

What is not Meant by the Presence of God It isn’t finding a means of manipulating God ◦ As a means of self-promotion ◦ As the God of health (change & recovery) ◦ As a God concerned with healthy delivery ◦ As a means of practice building Spiritual Behavioral Manifestation Moon (2002) “If ‘holiness’ for John Wesley meant being consumed by—and transformed into—the love of God, how did that term ever come to connote staying away from beer and chew and dates who do. ” ◦ Nothing more than “sin management” (Willard)

The Meaning of the Presence of God The reality of the presence of God is at the center of Biblical faith It captures the idea of the word Shekinah A problem is that such a reality is elusive God’s presence is eternal, living beyond the threats of judgment, meaninglessness, soul death, aging, & physical death He is Affiliated with us; seeking connection

The Meaning of the Presence of God The presence of God is rooted in humans being image bearers Our worth and value is derived from God’s image in every person. Psalm 139 says it involves all-pervasive and all-knowing of human ways

“…the Presence of God as its lasting and abiding center. My hope is that this reality can be…a ‘cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night’ in the wildernesses of the human spirit in which we journey with our counselees. ” -- Oates (1986, p. 32)

The Meaning of the Presence of God Wesley said that we are “strangely warmed” by God’s unexpected visitation (cited in Collins, 1997) Speaking about the presence of God, Oates (1986) said: “…counselor’s evenly hovering attentiveness to the strange and stranger, with a capacity for awesome reverence for the unknown, is his or her invitation to and invocation of the Presence of God” (p. 4)

The Meaning of the Presence of God The Presence of God is apparent in the results of our idolatry; He has made us for Himself (Acts 17: 26 -28) God often uses the darkness of the soul to awaken awareness of His absence Paul Tournier (1969) described the rhythm of spiritual growth as quitting one place and seeking a new place

God’s Presence can come as a stranger ◦ Story of 3 strangers visiting Genesis 18: 1 -16 stating that Sarah will have a son God’s Presence can come in a strange way. ◦ Story of Jacob’s dreams (Genesis 28: 15 -16) We not only break God’s commandments but we break ourselves on those commandments

“Christian doctrine teaches that we are spiritually incompetent and causes us to confront our utter helplessness and dependence on our gracious God. ” -- Mc. Minn (1996, p. 11 -12)

PROCESS CONCERN Affiliation (Presence) Disconnection Awareness Apathy SOUL TASK RESULT N/A Awaken to God’s Presence Disoriented

“My starting point [ for prayer as part of spiritual guidance] is that we’re already there. We cannot attain the presence of God. We’re already totally in the presence of God. What is absent is awareness [emphasis mine]. ” (Richard Rohor, 1999, p. 28)

Awareness of God Being unaware of the Presence of God does not mean God is or is not moving as Creator and Healer Apathy is an enemy of the soul’s movement toward God When we awaken to God’s presence we are disoriented

Awareness of God “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? ” -- Mark 8: 36 (NLT) Verse not about salvation Focus is on our soul Where the soul is disconnected and disintegrated from God, having the whole world couldn’t satisfy It means that one has lost his/her center that organizes & guides one’s soul Ortberg (2014)

PROCESS CONCERN SOUL TASK RESULT Affiliation (Presence) Disconnection N/A Awareness Apathy Awaken to God’s Presence Disoriented Assessment Accuracy Analysis of our Soul Disconcerted

Search, Assess, and Analyze the Soul The basis for searching for God is wired into us Ps. 139: 23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. ” (NLT) When we see the rawness of our hearts we are disconcerted

PROCESS CONCERN SOUL TASK RESULT Affiliation (Presence) Disconnection N/A Awareness Apathy Awaken to God’s Presence Disoriented Assessment Accuracy Analysis of our Soul Disconcerted Acknowledgment Admittance Accept Soul’s Condition Desire

Acknowledge What you Find Caution against looking into the mirror of our soul and forgetting (James 1: 23 -25) When see or sense something unsettling, not taking action will reinforce and exacerbate the issues We examine self in relation to the Word with ears sensitive to the Holy Spirit Result is an arising of desire for more

PROCESS CONCERN SOUL TASK RESULT Affiliation (Presence) Disconnection N/A Awareness Apathy Awaken to God’s Presence Disoriented Assessment Accuracy Analysis of our Soul Disconcerted Acknowledgment Admittance Accept Soul’s Condition Desire Aspiration Aliven Abandonment Delivered

Aspiring to Live in God’s Presence Must actively and passionately pursue Him If we seek after God, He seeks us out and draws us close (Js 4: 8; 2 Chr 15: 2; Gen 32: 24, 25; Ps 51: 17 He do so through the cross Necessity be a dying to ourselves and our own agendas; abandon our will We will experience freedom ◦ Freedom from vs. Freedom for

PROCESS CONCERN SOUL TASK RESULT Affiliation (Presence) Disconnection N/A Awareness Apathy Awaken to God’s Presence Disoriented Assessment Accuracy Analysis of our Soul Disconcerted Acknowledgment Admittance Accept Soul’s Condition Desire Aspiration Aliven Abandonment Delivered Abide Attitude Attending to Soul Depth

Abiding in God’s Presence Abide means to act in accordance with a rule, decision, or recommendation ◦ Obey, observe, follow, accept, heed John 15 – abide in the vine; picture of what it looks like Confidence is in God, nothing else We realize the need to attend to our soul; keeper It means we are authentic

PROCESS CONCERN SOUL TASK RESULT Affiliation (Presence) Disconnection N/A Awareness Apathy Awaken to God’s Presence Disoriented Assessment Accuracy Analysis of our Soul Disconcerted Acknowledgment Admittance Accept Soul’s Condition Desire Aspiration Alive Abandonment Delivered Abide Attitude Attending to Soul Depth Accomplishment Allowance Attending to Soul Demonstrate

Accomplishments via God’s Presence Must continue to attend to the soul; but also allow Him to do His thing We bear fruit Extraordinary possibility of being like Moses who veiled God’s glory

Opposite to Practicing God Presence PROCESS SOUL STATE GOAL RESULT Affiliation Dead Soul-Transformation Disabled Awareness Denial (Resist) Self-Determined Disconnected Assessment Delusional Self-Satisfaction Disorientation Acknowledgment Deceived (Refuse) Self-Acceptance Doubt Aspiration Desperate Self-Esteem Dependencies (Slaveries) Abide Detached Self-Sufficiency Demanding (Narcissism) Accomplishment Destruction Self-Fulfillment Disillusioned & Despair

Resistances to Transformation Hard heart Illusion of self-sufficiency Forgetting who we are ◦ Moon (2002) our “false self” that sits behind the control panel of a person’s life— preferring the management of religion to the mystery of spirituality ◦ The false self is a refusal to surrender to God’s will (Merton, 1961) It forces us to admit our vulnerability and powerlessness (face our shame) It costs

The Presence of God in Therapeutic Practice

Embracing Soul Care Humans created as image-bearers; exist as profoundly corrupted and distorted Our existence is a collection of conscious experiences ◦ We are more then reinforcement ◦ More then body or neurons Consider the museum of your memories

The Soul & Clients The soul experiences and is the container of pain The soul has a voice, but we attempt to silence and mask it The soul gives voice to pain (symptoms & signs) Yet, the soul is desiring relief as much as satisfaction Symptoms are often the voice of the soul. The disruptions we experience from the thirst we try to satisfy with illegitimate things- anything we do or use to make our lives work apart from God.

Presence of God & Counseling Psychotherapy looks to the person to manage his/her life better by an act of the will Christian psychotherapy looks to the Presence of God to better manage the client’s life Presence of God doesn’t keep a therapeutic schedule ◦ God surprises both client and counselor with joy, understanding

Psychology dependent on Greek interpretations of life in which “knowing” and “seeing” are primary concerns to effect change Some schools on reinforcements Biblical goal is on “listening, ” “reconciling, ” “following, ” “forgiving, ” “trusting, ” and “transforming”

Christian counseling is like prayer ◦ Ask God to give us eyes to see and ears to hear ◦ “The presence of God creates prayer; the absence of God necessitates prayer. ” (Underwood, 1985) Christ said the His Presence would be in the Holy Spirit who would make intercession when we pray

“Doing [Christian counseling] is much about growing as a person. On our transformational model, the fully human person is one who is conformed to Christ’s image of loving God and neighbor by means of union and being filled with the Holy Spirit. This person will have a true understanding of what it means to be whole, the paths and detours needed to be traveled, what the process will feel like, and the various means of grace that will assist one along the way. ” (Coe & Hall, 2010)

Presence of God & Soul Care It is too easy to desire to reduce anxiety/discomfort when God’s intention is to use that anxiety to draw our client to Himself Presence of God doesn’t keep a therapeutic schedule ◦ God surprises both client and counselor with joy, understanding

“Unlike competence in psychology and theology, understanding spirituality does not lend itself to credentials…Spiritual training is experiential and often private. It is rarely found in the classroom or represented by graduate degrees. ” -- Mc. Minn (1996, p. 11)

Characteristics of Transformed Counselor The Personal Maturity (Emotional Health) Committed to a journey of transformation Spiritual Maturity ◦ ◦ ◦ Redeemed (Indwelling/Filling of Holy Spirit) Becoming new person Maintain spiritual filling Spiritual formation Loving God Loving others Becomes a more radical stranger in this world The Professional Trained ◦ ◦ ◦ Psychology/counseling/ Love clients (more than do no harm) Ability to attend, observe, & empathically listen Ability to evaluate, conceptualize, & treat Theoretical orientation Biblical knowledge, understanding, & insight Hospitable Discernment Regard clients has unmeasurably worthy

Soul Care and The Counselor We are bearers of the incarnate Christ Soul is full to pour and flow into the client We are aware of our self and training limitations We are aware of our Christ-infused strengths We are connected to the Healer

Soul Care and The Counselor The more we counsel the more we will see ourselves in the mirrors of our clients’ stories Client resistances call out our resistances Being in the Presence of God generates changes in us that make our beings a “presence” in our own right

As clients are seen as “nonceasing spiritual beings who will likely benefit greatly from aligning himself with the Creator of the universe is an ongoing and transforming friendship. ” -- Moon (2012, p. 142)

Soul Care and The Wounded Healer “The beginning and end of all Christian leadership is to give your life for others. ” Henri Nouwen A heart connection with other people “Our hope for you is firm, as we know you share in our suffering and you share in our comfort. ” 2 Cor. 1: 7 Incarnation of Christ’s woundedness: “Sharing in the suffering of Christ. ” Solidarity: Making our wounds available as a source of healing to others. Isaiah 53: 5

The Presence of God & Suffering The soul is the deepest expression of humanity, it is thus the place of greatest pain Jeremiah: “They have healed the wound of my people lightly saying ‘Peace, peace’ when there is no peace” (6: 14) Suffering is an arena of His Presence where we can see Him with full vision (cf. Mt. 25: 13 -16)

“Fortunately analysis is not the only way to resolve inner conflicts. Life itself still remains a very effective therapist. The therapy effected by life itself is not, however, within one's control. Neither hardships nor friendships nor religious experience can be arranged to meet the needs of the particular individual. Life as a therapist is ruthless; circumstances that are helpful to one neurotic may entirely crush another. . . it is the only therapist who does not ask whether the patient can take the treatment!” Karen Horney (1945) Gary Moon (2002)

Over-against and Alongside God Prospon – we bow “face-down” before Him ◦ We cannot stand in His Presence (cf Ex. 33: 17 -20; Ez. 1: 28 -2: 2) ◦ He can rock our worlds ◦ Involves awe and fear of God Parakleos – the helper who is alongside of us (cf Jn 14: 23). ◦ We labor together (cf. 2 Cor. 5: 16 -6: 10)

Over-against and Alongside God Over-against and alongside represent counselor-client relationship We borrow the authenticity of our stance in relationship to our clients from both their and our prior existences as selves, either face-to-face with or alongside of the Living God

“Optimally, we move with the counselees through their and our intrapsychic ghettos, through their and our complaints about spouse, father, mother, and siblings, and into the unlimited vistas of their and our experience with God. Less ideally, counselees expect us magically to change all that displeases them, with no participation on their part” Oates (1986, p. 86) Gary Moon (2012)

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. We spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and [your soul] will delight in the richest of fare. ” Isaiah 55: 1 -2 Gary Moon (2002)

References • Brenner, D. (2002). Scared Companions: The gift of spiritual friendship & direction. Downers Grove, IL: Inter. Varisty Press. • Browning, R. ; (1912). The works of Robert Browning (vol 2). London, UK: Henry Frowde. • Clinebell, H. (1979). Growth counseling. Nashville, TN: Abington Press. • Coe, J. , & Hall, T. (2010). Psychology in the Spirit: Contours of a transformational psychology. Downers Grove, IL: Inter. Varsity. • Collins, K. J. (1997). The Scripture way of salvation: The heart of John Wesley’s Theology. • Crabb, L. (2001). Shattered dreams: God's unexpected Pathway to joy. Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook Press • Foster, R. (1998). Celebration of discipline: The path to spiritual growth. San Francisco, CA: Harper. • Foster, R. (2010). Like with God: Reading the Bible for spiritual transformation. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. • Gazda, G. M. (1982). Basic approaches to group psychotherapy and group counseling (3 rd ed. ). Springfield, IL: Thomas • Horney, K. (1945). Our inner conflicts. New York, NY: Norton • Mc. Minn, M. (1996). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Forest, VA: AACC. • Mc. Minn, M. , & Mc. Ray, B. (1997). Spiritual disciplines and the practice of integration: Possibilities and challenges for Christian psychologists. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 25, 102 -110.

References • Merton, T. (1960). Spiritual direction and mediation. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press. • Merton, T. (1961). New seeds of contemplation. New York, NY: New Directions • Moon, G. , Bailey, J. , Kwasny, J. , & Willis, D. (1991). Training in the use of Christian disciplines as counseling techniques within explicitly Christian graduate training programs. Journal of Psychology & Christianity, 10(2), 154 -165. • Moon, G. (2002). Spiritual direction: Meaning, purpose, and implications for mental health professionals. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 30(4), 264 -275. • Moon, G. (2004). Falling for God: Saying yes to His extravagant proposal. Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook. • Oates, W. (1986). The presence of God in pastoral counseling. Waco, TX: Word. • Rohor, R. (1999). Everyone belongs. New Yok, NY: Crossroad. • Tan, S. Y. (1996). Practicing the presence of God: The work of Richard Foster and its application to psychotherapeutic practice. Journal of Psychology & Theology, is, 17 -18. • Tournier, P. (1968). A place for you. New York, NY: Harper & Row. • Underwood, R. (1985). The presence of God in pastoral care ministry. Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Bulletin. Faculty Edition, 101(4), 7

References • Willard, D. (1998). The spirit of the disciplines: Understanding how God changes lives. New York, NY: Harper. • Willard, D. (1999). Hearing God: Developing a conversational relationship with God. San Francisco, CA: Harper. • Willard, D. (2012). Hearing God: Developing a conversational relationship with God. Downers Grove, IL: Inter. Varsity. • Willard, D. (2012). Renovation of the heart: Putting on the character of Christ (2 nd ed). Colorado Springs, CO: Nav. Press. • Willard, D. (2014). Living in Christ’s presence: Final words on heaven and the kingdom of God. Downers Grove, IL: Inter. Varsity.

Presenter John C. Thomas, Ph. D. is a Professor in the Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia and maintains a private practice. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Christian Sex Therapist, and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. Dr. Thomas is the co-author of a Enduring you season of suffering (Liberty Press), What’s good about feeling bad: Finding purpose and a path through suffering (Tyndale), and Therapeutic Expeditions: Equipping the Christian Counselor for the Journey (B&H Academics) along with a set of accompanying videos.