Family Spiritual Direction
The Family Spiritual Direction Project is a four year Lilly funded initiative from the Center for Contemplative Justice. The project explores the impact and effectiveness of spiritual direction on the spiritual lives of children, their families, and their faith communities. Each Partner churches recruit at least five families to receive spiritual direction as a family four times a year.
“When a family receives spiritual direction together, children witness and legitimately participate in their parents' faith practice while at the same time grow an awareness of God’s presence in their own life. We can’t wait to see how the spiritual formation of children inspires their families and faith communities.”
- Rev. R. Adam DeVries FSDP Grant Director
Learn More About The Program HERE
What people are saying about the program experience
“I’ve never seen my parents this calm.” - Child Participant
“I have recently recognized a tender spot in my heart for people and groups who welcome children into traditionally "adult" spaces, and who trust children with their own growth and learning without condescending to them. . . . I believe that this way of learning can inspire life-long curiosity, a sense of wonder, and confidence that she can figure things out when she applies herself. To instill her with these qualities when it comes to her spiritual development - I have nothing else to say but: I treasure this so much.” - Parent Participant
Program Leaders
Adam DeVries For two decades Adam has worked in youth and family ministry. He brings his experience in family ministry as well as his passion for spiritual direction to this project. A graduate of Sewanee, Adam received his Masters of Divinity and Masters of Arts in Youth Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. From 2004-2007, he served as the High School Youth Outreach Director at First Presbyterian Church of Nashville, TN. Seven years laster he returned to FPC as the Associate Pastor for Youth and their Families (2014-2022). Between these two calls, Adam served as the Chaplain at Alliance Academy International in Quito Ecuador. Today Adam serves as the Parish Associate of Youth Ministry at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN.
Adam is also the founder of Crowded Table, an organization whose mission is to “equip local churches to provide practical support to Davidson County foster families and their caseworkers, in order to increase and sustain the network of people who care for foster children in Middle Tennessee.” Lastly, Adam is a certified spiritual director and lives in Nashville with his wife Sara, their two children (Parish and Nealy) and the family’s dog Obi-Wan Kenob.
Scott Owings Scott was ordained to the priesthood in 2015 and has been serving at St. Augustine's Episcopal Chapel since that time. His areas of involvement include spiritual direction, preaching, pastoral care, leading the contemplative Eucharist, chairing the CCJ, overseeing our graduate interns, and is the point person for their missionary efforts in Botswana.
Prior to serving with St. A's, Scott worked as a Hospice Chaplain, was a Missionary in Eastern Europe, and Professor of Missions and Ministry at Lipscomb University. He is married to Lisa and they have three adult children: Alex, Eric, and Joy.
For fun, Scott loves to explore the mystery of dreams, drink coffee, and talk football and contemplation.
Church Partners
Questions? Contact FSDteam@tcfcj.org