What is

Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual direction is a ministry of intentional holy listening, providing space for reflection with another to hear/see the work of God in your midst. Spiritual direction is an intentional relationship and process of discernment. The intent of spiritual direction is to deepen our connection with the Sacred Mystery, to develop a heightened awareness of God’s presence and to grow in faith.

An image of spiritual direction is three chairs with the directee, spiritual director and God sitting together in conversation.

A Spiritual Director is a companion who listens to you in the presence of God. That companion offers holy listening with you along the way for you to see/hear how God is touching your life/inviting you. A spiritual director hears you. A spiritual director allows space for stillness and silence to help people become aware of what is deep within them.

A companion/spiritual director is not a coach or counselor. The focus is primarily on the presence of the Holy, seeking to hear the Word, gain clarity about next steps on our faith journey, responding to ways the love of Jesus Christ is alive and real among us.

Spiritual direction occurs on a regular basis (often monthly). A typical session lasts an hour. Persons may seek a spiritual director for ongoing spiritual care/formation or during specific seasons of their life. Examples include a season of discernment, spiritual growth (deepening of prayer and/or spiritual practices), clarity on a spiritual matter or grief.

Spiritual Directors are different from both mentors and coaches. All three can be valuable to you, but Spiritual Directors do not exist to offer advice or guidance. Unlike a mentor or coach, a Spiritual Director is a companion who listens. Spiritual Directors offer deep listening as you seek to see/hear how God is touching your life and inviting you into a deeper spiritual relationship. Spiritual directors typically allow space for stillness and silence/contemplation to help people become aware of what is deep within them.

Meet Our Spiritual Directors

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Michelle Wicks

Michelle Wicks is the Program Manager of The Center of the Ozarks, and is a Licensed Local Pastor. She received her training in Spiritual Direction from Soul Formation. Michelle oversees the programming, events, and all connections made through The Center.

Michelle has a love and passion for others. Michelle is a licensed Spiritual Director, who has over a decade of pastoral experience and a lifetime of pursuing God. Michelle’s ministry is founded on the primary belief that in the beginning of all things, God created humans and called them Very Good. All people are created in the image of God. We can find the Very Good in ourselves and others.

Michelle is excited to teach others about Spiritual Practices, methods of mindfulness, and other ways to connect with the Divine in their normal, everyday lives. Whether deconstructing or reconstructing your faith or curiously about God, Michelle longs to partner with you. 

Want to meet Michelle? Schedule an appointment at thecenter@kwumc.com or via phone at (206) 280-4660.

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Rev. Dr. Tadd Kruithoff

Rev. Dr. Tadd Kruithoff is a pastor, spiritual director, and retreat guide who helps people recognize and respond to God’s presence in everyday life. He serves as lead pastor of King’s Way United Methodist Church in Springfield and is the founder of Via Devotio, a ministry of spiritual formation, discernment, and renewal.

Drawing on the Desert Fathers, Ignatian spirituality, and the Christian contemplative tradition, Tadd offers attentive listening and prayerful space to explore questions, discern God’s invitation, and take the next faithful step. He especially enjoys accompanying pastors and ministry leaders, people navigating transitions, and those longing for a deeper life of prayer.

Tadd holds a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary and a master’s degree from Knox Theological Seminary. He is also a graduate of the Renovaré Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation. He offers individual spiritual direction, guided discernment, and retreats.

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