LTRP Note: This article from a secular newspaper once again proves that spiritual formation (i.e., contemplative spirituality) has entered the evangelical church in a significant manner. Please see our links below this article for more information on spiritual directors. Remember, the roots and nature of contemplative spirituality is occultic and panentheistic. We believe Richard Foster and Rick Warren have both played vital roles in bringing this paradigm shift into the church. And yet, most Christian leaders and pastors today will not acknowlege this and continue to promote the teachings of both men. Thus, the results as reported on in the article below.

By Ann Rodgers, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Ashes, which many Christians will receive on their foreheads today to mark the beginning of Lent, are intended to encourage repentance and renewal.

Those who want guidance in that process can turn to spiritual directors. Most clergy aren’t spiritual directors and not all spiritual directors are clergy. They have special training in guiding others into a deeper life of prayer and in seeking God’s will.

“Ash Wednesday is a time of renewing and turning away from that which is distracting us from God, and recommitting to being in a relationship with God. That is what spiritual direction is designed to support,” said Liz Ellmann, executive director of Spiritual Directors International, based in Bellevue, Wash.

Her organization includes 6,400 spiritual directors from many faiths, though most are Christian and more than a third are Catholic. Its website, www.sdiworld.org, includes a regional directory. Read more: http://www.postgazette.com/pg/10048/1036363-455.stm#ixzz0fomfqHJ1

More on Spiritual Directors:

MOVE OVER PASTORS – “Spiritual Director”: A New Gift from an Ancient Tree

The Avalanche of Spiritual Formation

Saddleback Church IS a Contemplative Church

Richard Foster’s Legacy Endures – Christian Leaders Help to Make it So