About NextStep

This weeklong NextStep SSD, open only to 30 SSD grads, where we focus on translating the teaching of SSD into conversations that matter, through modeling, critique of videoed conversations, and supervision.  This will be a more experiential than didactic time, a week of intensive and personal interaction in community.

What is the ‘next step’ after SSD?

The NEXTSTEP Mission:  To more clearly understand, by watching, critiquing, and participating in spiritually directing conversations, how the CATEGORIES OF UNDERSTANDING presented at the SSD can actually inform our thoughts, guide our words, and stir holy passion as we interact with others who long to know God better.

Graduates of the SSD typically leave the week with a richer understanding of how the Spirit of God moves Jesus-followers toward Jesus-likeness.  Feedback from graduates indicates that, for many, SSD encouraged both a paradigm shift or clarification in understanding spiritual direction and significant personal movement in becoming spiritually formed.

BUT: Many have expressed a desire to learn how to better “do” spiritual direction – (1) by actually doing it with supervision and (2) by extended opportunity to observe Larry provide live spiritual direction and to interactively discuss a video playback of the conversations.

SO: our NewWay Ministries team has devised the following:

The NextStep Format

• Same 7 day schedule as the SSD.
• Four live sessions with Larry spiritually directing a selected participant in front of class followed by discussion as class watches the video of each session.
• Four class sessions watching/critiquing four different sets of selected participants. Eight students will participate as either spiritual directee or director. By applying for NEXTSTEP, you indicate your willingness to participate if approached. No volunteers please!
• Larry will introduce the week with a review of the SSD. Four mornings (after a time of worship) he will present the FOUR KEY ELEMENTS.
• Four triad meetings focusing on FOUR KEY ELEMENTS that transform caring conversations into meaningful spiritual direction.
• One group meeting (two triads) to process what students are learning and experiencing.

NOTE: There will of course be significant time for teaching but the focus of the week will be more interactive and participatory.

Next:
Applying to attend the NextStep School Of Spiritual Direction

For additional information or questions, contact us