Human Resources Searches for New Spritual Leader
The nationwide search for a Director of Religious and Spiritual Life, a position currently assumed by Interim Reverend Heidi Heath, will hopefully conclude this term, according to Human Resources staff member Lauren Caldwell.
The search committee began their selection process last term by reaching out to adults and students to ask for their perception of the spiritual leader role, according to Assistant Principal Karen Lassey. “This was an important part of the process and helped us understand what this role meant or could mean in the future to various people on campus, and why it is important, both to individuals and to the institution,” Lassey said. After the selection committee interviews candidates and compiles a recommendation, the final decision will be made by Lassey and Principal William Rawson.
The role of spiritual leader plays a multifaceted role in supporting the community, according to Religion Instructor Russell Weatherspoon. “The leader helps coordinate spiritual and religious activities for students of many different backgrounds and interests, including atheists,” Weatherspoon said.
He added that the spiritual leader also leads numerous Academy rituals. “This person will continue to lead some gatherings like Evening Prayer, alumni reunion memorial services, some religious services,” he said. “The leader oversees the use of Phillips Church, a resource for many religious, musical and other events.”
Other responsibilities include building relationships with students and offering support in challenging times. “Some students will seek the leader for specific or general spiritual counsel,” Weatherspoon said. “Some students will be able to get to know this person in the classroom as a teacher.”
Senior Josiah Paintsil noted that the spiritual leader should also offer religious counseling to students questioning their beliefs. “The leader is a source of knowledge that can answer the questions that students don’t usually think of,” Paintsil said.
The leader also facilitates conversation on and off the Exeter campus about community and spiritual affairs. “We would expect this person will help build bridges of concern and action between people and groups on campus, between the Academy and alumni and between the school and some groups in the town of Exeter and surrounding communities,” Weatherspoon said.
Senior and Christian Fellowship co-head Maddie Moon agreed with Weatherspoon, emphasizing that the ability to listen and understand are vital skills. “In my opinion, a spiritual leader is meant to be a facilitator of conversation and welcoming person to ask any kind of question,” she said. “I think that our Academy spiritual leader should be inclusive to all faiths and beliefs so no student feels uncomfortable or unsafe about what they believe.”
According to Caldwell, community input has shown that warmth and inclusivity are two qualities highly desired in the spiritual leader position. “It will be important to find someone that is warm, welcoming, inclusive, kind and empathetic,” she said.
Upper Helen Xiu added that the leader must be proactive when addressing student crises. “I hope that they will continue to reach out to students when troubling events have occurred to make sure they are alright,” Xiu said. “Their values should align with loving all, equality and empathy.”
Lassey highlighted experience and knowledge of school life, pastoral duties and faith as another important quality. “My expectation is that a director of religious and spiritual life would both be committed to their own authentic faith or spiritual practice and at the same time have a deep appreciation for and knowledge of many religious faiths,” she said.
While Exeter is a nonsectarian institution, Weatherspoon believes that spiritual and religious commitment are very present in Academy life. “Spirituality and/or religious commitment are important to a significant portion of the population anywhere you go,” he said. “Exeter recognizes that.”
Weatherspoon concluded that the spiritual leader should serve as a resource for each member of the Exeter community. “The spiritual leader is a resource students can turn to, regardless of the spiritual/religious background of the leader or the student,” Weatherspoon said. “The spiritual leader reminds the community that our beliefs and practices are another aspect of our diversity which must be honored.”