What’s involved
For many Christians, especially those in lay or ordained ministry, growth in our knowledge of God and of ourselves comes through the valued support of a Spiritual Accompanier (sometimes called a spiritual director or soul friend).
Please see our five minute video clip for further info or for a shorter two minute version. (Note: you will need to click the sound icon on this second clip).
If your interest is more general, please visit our spirituality page.
Receiving spiritual accompaniment
Typically you would meet with a spiritual accompanier every six weeks (or less often) for up to an hour to consider how you are experiencing God in your life and ministry. Your accompanier will spend most of this time listening to you. They usually offer words of comfort and gentle challenge and invite you to grow deeper into God’s love.
To enquire about receiving spiritual accompaniment, please email Suzanna Schofield. (Please expect a reply within 2-3 weeks as Suzanna works a day a week on spiritual accompaniment).
If you choose to take things further, you will be put in touch with a member of our Referral Team who will explore your interests and requirements. They will usually give you details of two Accompaniers to contact if you wish.
Please do not hesitate to make a tentative enquiry without any expectation of commitment.
Becoming a Spiritual Accompanier
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds. To make an initial enquiry, please do not hesitate to email Suzanna Schofield.
The ministry of spiritual accompaniment is vital for the health and wellbeing of all in ministry. We provide training for those who feel a call to this particular area.
Training takes place over two years in the form of two six-month courses (see below).
Please do not hesitate to enquire without any expectation of commitment.
All applicants will be subject to the Diocese’s Safer Recruitment process. Please email the Bishop’s Adviser on Spirituality if you would like to discuss this.
Further reading
The Retreat Assocation offers further information. See also:
Barry, William and Connolly, William (1982) The Practice of Spiritual Direction (Second Edition). New York: HarperCollins.
Guenther, Margaret (1995) Holy Listening: The art of spiritual direction. London: DLT.
Helm, Nick and Hoare, Liz (2019) Seeking Spiritual Direction: How to Find Support for Your Spiritual Life. Cambridge: Grove Books.
Pickering, Sue (2008) Spiritual Direction: A Practical Introduction. NorwichL Canterbury Press.
Woodwell, Anita (2008) On Holy Ground: Guided Prayer – A Handbook and Practical Companion. Norwich: Canterbury Press.
These may be borrowed from Church House resource centre or Whirlow Spirituality Centre libarary or should be available second-hand.
Resources for Spiritual Accompaniers
For ‘top-ups’, please see our Spiritual Accompanier Resources Evenings at Whirlow Grange.
Some of the accompaniers have greatly valued online courses from other providers, including from https://www.lcsd.org.uk/develop and there are many other sources.
If you’ve found a particular course helpful, please let Julian Raffay know.