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Christian Spiritual Directors of Northern Nevada (CSDNN) 

We are Christian spiritual directors who affirm a commonly held understanding of the assumptions, purpose and process of "spiritual direction."

For names and backgrounds of our Spiritual Directors and Supervisor click here.

For theological perspectives click here.

Our Mission
 To provide a venue for spiritual directors to participate in peer supervision
 To provide information and referrals regarding spiritual direction and directors to churches and individuals seeking spiritual direction or supervision 
To develop and promote regional programs and/or retreats to further spiritual growth
 To provide an opportunity for collegiality among regional spiritual directors

Our Purpose

The purpose of spiritual direction is to provide a “sacred space” for individuals to seek a deeper relationship with God and to discern how to best live out their faith. In this space, in which God’s presence is acknowledged, they are assisted by a companion’s “holy listening” to discern God’s movement in their lives.

Our Process

Spiritual direction in the broadest sense occurs when one person accompanies another in attending to God’s presence in his or her life and prayers.

In the more formal spiritual direction relationship in which members of the CSDNN engage, the spiritual director (or companion) establishes an intentional covenant regarding confidentiality and other issues with the directee. They agree to meet at regular intervals within a context of prayer. During the sessions, directees describe prayer or life experiences that are on their heart, as the director listens. The director’s function is to assist directees, primarily through questions, observations and mutual reflective silence and prayer, to see and name their own experience of God; explore and discover their foundational calling; and discern how the Spirit is leading them in their choices, thoughts, and actions.

The director’s core intention is neither to provide therapy nor to solve problems, but rather to focus on the directee’s experience of God within any given situation. Margaret Guenther’s analogy comparing spiritual direction to midwifery is apt. A person is capable of discovering for him/herself the spirit that lies within, but benefits from having someone present to “catch” the nuances, movements, signs, feelings, distractions, etc. accompanying the birth of what is and always has been deep within. The dialogue with the risen Jesus on the walk to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-27) also exemplifies the process of spiritual direction, as Jesus contextualized the experiences related by the men to a deeper level of insight into Scripture and their own lives through his questions and responses. 

Our Members

Membership is limited to:
 Vocational religious who practice spiritual direction
Clergy who practice spiritual direction
 Laity who have specific training in a mentored, certificate or academic program in spiritual direction, including supervised practice
Current students in a spiritual direction program
Contact Information

CSDNN is co-led by Nancy Pfaff, M.A., and Jane Rohrer, Ph.D. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Telephone
775-746-2056, Nancy Pfaff, M.A.
775-677-0863, Jane Rohrer, Ph.D.
Postal address
CSDNN, P. O. Box 5868, Reno NV 89513
Electronic mail
General Information: janerohrer2003@yahoo.com
Webmaster: Nancy Pfaff


Send mail to Nancy with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: February 16, 2007