How do people put their world of meaning together? How do these meaning-systems change? What role might religious professionals play with respect to these shifts of meaning? Should spiritual directors be involved in encouraging stage change? If so, how can they do so appropriately? Elizabeth Liebert answers these questions and more in Changing Life Patterns.
Adult developmental theories describe the various stages which adults negotiate as they advance in age and experience. Liebert elaborates the typical stage in the development of ego/self typical of most adults in this culture. She addresses the human side of the divine human relationship, our human capacities receive grace and to co-create with God. She dwells particularly on how we understand ourselves in relation to the environment, other persons and God.
However, this work goes farther than describing stages; it also discusses how spiritual directors and other ministers might appropriately foster developmental change in their directees or parishioners. It develops a disciplined way of participating in the transitions of both individuals and groups.