Because I find that intentional retreat has become a frequent mode of spiritual leadership for me over the last twenty years, both in my life and in my ministry to Christian leaders, I’m always watching for resources on this theme.
One older book I came across on the theme of retreat is Time to Spare, written by Douglas Steere in 1949. Listen to this description of a good retreat leader (and thanks for understanding the male-focused language reflecting the writer’s time if not his heart):
“The retreat leader who in all that he does and is shows that he honestly cares for each of the retreatants, that what happens in each of them matters to him, that he is the kind of person who understands and yet is deeply respectful of the hidden life in each, is one who is likely to become a true guide. But in his instruction he must speak bluntly and plainly to these questions that are consciously or unconsciously in the hearts of his listeners. He must diagnose and expose the hindrances and must make wholeness attractive. If he can speak in simple parables, in illuminating examples, no matter how personal they may be, and in convincing experiences and do it in such a way that room is left for the Invisible Companion to speak to the heart of the listener while this is going on, he is again moving in the way of the true guide. Sympathy, good sense and a veteran’s experience in the life of prayer are good qualifications in such a guide.” (Steere, Douglas V. Time to Spare. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 1949, p. 65-66.)
For reflection: What line in this extended quotation hits closest to home for you? Which one either captures something you long for in your own life, or in your ministry to others?
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“…must make wholeness attractive” jumped right out at me. I think that’s for me to keep. Thanks, Alan!
That really is a great phrase. What if all Christian leaders lived in such as way as to make wholeness attractive to the world around them…
I’m with Nancy. That line stood out to me too. In addition, I like the phrase “good sense” in the last sentence. There is something to be said for discernment that goes a long way in leading others and also leaving room for the Invisible Companion. Thanks for sharing this section from Douglas Speere’s book.
Thanks, Becca, for your response. I’ve enjoyed a lot of Douglas Steere’s writings. May we let our God make us winsomely wholesome for the display of His beauty to the world around us…
I mean Douglas *Steere* Oops.
[...] “A Good Retreat Leader” – I shared a great quotation from an old book on retreats by Douglas Steere, Time to Spare. “[He] he is the kind of person who understands and yet is deeply respectful of the hidden life in each one…” [...]