Community Spiritual Director

(Please make sure you have read the material located on the Clergy page in the menu as well.)

The ministry and mission of The Upper Room Walk to Emmaus and The Upper Room Chrysalis depend on the Community Spiritual Director for leadership and oversight of the spiritual life of the community. The Community Spiritual Director serves as the moral, ethical, and spiritual conscience of the Board of Servants, the community, and the teams. The Community Spiritual Director assists the Board in identifying, developing, and nurturing clergy leaders and assisting in the selection of clergy to serve on Emmaus/Chrysalis teams. The Community Spiritual Director shall be recognized as a competent spiritual leader within his/her church or denomination and by other church leaders in the area. This person should also represent the best Emmaus/Chrysalis has to offer.

Criteria

Only persons who meet all the following criteria can serve as the Community Spiritual Director. Those who are:

  • ordained as UMC elders or the equivalent in other denominations/churches who have completed a four year undergraduate degree and have received a Master of Divinity degree from a seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS, www.ats.edu)

Or

  • ordained as UMC Elders or the equivalent in other denominations/churches who have completed an undergraduate degree and The United Methodist Church (UMC) Basic Course of Study Program, and the Advanced Course of Study Program, (or the equivalent in other churches or denominations). (The description of the UMC Basic and Advance Course of Study Program is attached.)

In addition, the Community Spiritual Director must meet the following criteria:

  • is able to maintain theological balance and be sensitive to the variety of perspectives in the ecumenical setting that is the Walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis.
  • has shown commitment to the Upper Room Walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis designs as stated in the Letters of Agreement.
  • has served as Weekend Spiritual Director.
  • is actively engaged in full-time professional ministry (or retired while in good standing).
  • is able to be a role model of a servant leader in a team environment.
  • is able to guide and coordinate the full participation of other clergy.
  • is authorized to consecrate the elements of Holy Communion in Walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis settings.