Spiritual Direction with Chris Easley
An unhurried space to pay attention to God’s voice, process life's transitions, and cultivate a deeper interior life.
What is Spiritual Direction?
If you've ever gone rock climbing, you know the importance of the belayer: the person who stays on the ground and holds the safety rope attached the climber's harness. When the climber gets stuck, the belayer often sees footholds that they can't. The climber has to choose where to go and what next move to make, but the belayer can help because they're not so close to the wall; they see things from a different angle.
When I first started seeing a spiritual director, I was surprised at how helpful it could be to meet with someone once a month just to share my soul and my story in the presence of God. Now that I get to play the director role, I think of myself as a belayer: There to help you find the next foothold in your adventure with God.
A Space for Your Whole Story
Prayer & Interior Life
Cultivating fresh ways of praying and resting in God's presence.
Transitions & Discernment
Navigating major life shifts, decisions, or seasons of waiting.
Doubts & Questions
Bringing grief, spiritual dry spells, or honest questions without fear of judgment.
Everyday Awareness
Learning to recognize God's presence in relationships, rest, family, and work.
Meet Chris Easley, Certified Spiritual Director
I started receiving direction in my twenties during a season of crisis, and it became one of the most formative spaces in my spiritual life. After several years, I realized spiritual direction might be a space where I could serve others, and I completed the Tending the Holy training program through Christos Center for Spiritual Formation in 2026.
I pray that direction provides a space where directees can attend to the movement of the Holy Spirit in their lives. One way of imagining our walk with Jesus is as contemplative mission. We contemplate God’s love and life, entering into it by grace through faith in Jesus. Then we go out to do the work of mission that God has given us to do. Direction is a resting place on the journey to take stock of what has happened and consider where God may be leading you next.
What People Are Saying
J, Directee (2025-2026)
“Chris helped me to navigate some difficult questions with courage and patience. With his support, I was able to approach uncertainty in my faith with humility, honesty, and hope.”
How it Works
Spiritual direction is an inviting, unhurried space designed to fit into your normal life rhythm, regardless of your financial situation.
Sessions are an hour long, in person, once a month. I prefer to meet with directees in Aurora, where I have a prepared space, but can also travel if needed. I currently only meet with men, but I’m happy to make referrals to several trusted local directors who see women. Similarly, I’m happy to make referrals to directors who see directees via Zoom.
Spiritual direction should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. I offer spiritual direction on a pay-what-you-can model. You can make a contribution that feels comfortable and sustainable for you.
Begin the Conversation
FAQ
What is a spiritual director?
A spiritual director is someone both trained and called to help others discern the presence and movement of God in their life. In some ways, the term “director” is a misnomer, because it is not a prescriptive role; I’m not there to tell you what to do. The Holy Spirit is the true Director. I simply come alongside you to help you notice what the Spirit is doing. Mostly, I listen.
What happens during a spiritual direction session?
Usually after catching up for a few minutes, we’ll light a candle and take a few moments of silence. I’ll read some Scripture and then leave it up to you to start the conversation with whatever is on your heart and mind. We take it from there, welcoming the presence of God into all you share, and close in prayer.
Can I do spiritual direction online via Zoom?
Currently, I only see directees in person. However, I’m happy to make referrals to directors who see directees via Zoom.
Do you see both men and women as directees?
Currently, I only meet with men, but I’m happy to make referrals to several trusted local directors who see women.
How much does spiritual direction cost?
I offer spiritual direction on a pay-what-you-can model. You can make a contribution that feels comfortable and sustainable for you. Like other aspects of the work I do with Mission Central, outside supporters make it possible for me to serve all kinds of people.
How is spiritual direction different from therapy or life coaching?
A licensed therapist is a healthcare provider who is trained to help you face mental health challenges such as addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, suicidality, specific mental disorders, and more. The focus is on helping you face this specific challenge and pursue holistic emotional health, drawing on the resources of psychology. Similarly, life coaching is often focused on helping you pursue specific goals or face specific career challenges.
In contrast, spiritual direction is focused on your experience of life with God. For example, suppose you are anxious about a new boss at work. A therapist might help you ask, “How can I respond to my feelings of anxiety in a healthy way when they surface?” A coach might help you ask, “How can I effectively ‘manage up’ with my new boss to get to a good working relationship?” A director will help you ask, “Where is God for me and with me in this new experience? How can I be attentive to God’s presence as I work with this new boss?”
There are points of overlap among therapy, coaching, and direction, but also important boundaries. If you are facing a challenge that may be better helped by a therapist or coach, I can refer you to trusted local practitioners in those disciplines.
This matrix from spiritual advisor Mark Washington provides a helpful summary of the distinctions among counselors, coaches, directors, chaplains, mentors, and peers.
Is spiritual direction the same as pastoral counseling?
No, spiritual direction is distinct from pastoral counseling. Spiritual direction is meant to complement, not replace, the role of a pastor who knows you through your local church. Pastoral counseling is focused on spiritual support during moments of challenge, drawing on the resources of embodied community and the ministry of Word and Sacrament. Spiritual direction focuses more specifically on your experience of life with God, helping you find your way forward with God in your current season.
How do I know if spiritual direction is right for me?
If you’re in the middle of life transitions and need to find your center of balance, spiritual direction may help you attend to how God is present in your new situation.
Similarly, if you have a significant life decision you are discerning, direction may help you listen for God’s guidance.
Direction can also help when spiritual life feels like it “isn’t working” the same way that it used to. An experience of emptiness, doubt, or suffering is often an opportunity for connecting with God in a new, deeper way.
What qualifications or training does a spiritual director have?
Although direction is not a licensed profession, it is safeguarded by several lines of accountability. I received my training and certificate from the Christos Center for Spiritual Formation after completing a two-year program of reading, prayer, receiving direction, practicing direction, and entering into peer supervision. I continue to see my own director and meet with a local group of fellow directors for peer supervision. As a member of the Christ-Centered Spiritual Direction Association, I’m bound by a professional Code of Ethics and a doctrinal commitment to the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds.