BY: BRITTANY STORK

When I started my first spiritual formation course this past fall, group spiritual direction was a new concept for me. After reading some background information, I had a few reservations about how life-giving the experience might be. Personalities do not always jive well together, and sometimes, even one voice can pull a group away from its purpose. What were the chances that a group of strangers meeting over Zoom would be able to connect meaningfully? 

I also wondered about the more structured nature of group spiritual direction. Might our conversations feel contrived within such a rigid schedule? I appreciate the flexibility within the individual spiritual direction to stay silent or to focus on a particular detail for more or less time, as needed. Would there be enough space for exploration and deep listening within the group's spiritual direction?

After participating in group spiritual direction several times, I am deeply encouraged by what I have experienced so far!  I see value in the structure of our meetings, especially at the beginning of this spiritual formation journey. The specific order and timing of elements facilitate our focus and ensure we do not skimp on any aspect of our time together, particularly prayerful silence.  The structure also prevents us from moving off track. It keeps me disciplined regarding how many words I use when sharing and makes me more discerning about what truly needs to be shared.  I am motivated to listen more closely to others, as I trust they are attending to a similar discernment process.

The members in my group are diverse: We belong to different denominations, age groups, and genders. Some of us lean toward extroversion, and others toward introversion. We have distinct professions, are geographically scattered, and genuinely are just getting to know one another! And yet, we share everyday experiences of sensing God drawing us in as individuals through the spiritual disciplines. We all desire to be formed into the likeness of Christ for the sake of others. We are motivated and ready to listen deeply, trusting in God's presence. Our shared purpose makes gathering with this group a unique and precious gift.  

It has been interesting to notice how often the listeners' explorative questions and wonderings were similar in nature. During one of our meetings, many of us heard the word "invitation," for example. Our ways of receiving and expressing this word were different, but the theme was clearly similar. This type of repetition often caused me to feel curious. The Spirit was inviting us to pay closer attention. I sensed God leading me to deeper trust in His interactive presence.

I find healing in this process of gathering together to listen well (to both the focus person and to the Holy Spirit). I felt such care from the group when I was the focus person, and I also appreciate the opportunity to offer that to others. I am grateful to be able to remain with the same group, at least over the next term. I wonder how different threads of our spiritual conversations will interweave and develop over time.

Brittany Stork is a mother to three wonderful kids and an elementary school teacher in Southwestern Ontario. She is currently in her first year of the Emmaus Spiritual Formation program. She seeks to listen deeply and be formed into the likeness of Christ right in the midst of the busyness, dipping in and out of silent spaces as they arise, however briefly. Britt is especially interested in integrating spiritual formation within family and secular life.