Spiritual Accompaniment

Here to help

Administrator – Resourcing Mission and Ministry

The Diocese of Sheffield administers the local Spiritual Accompaniers’ network on behalf of several Christian denominations, . Anyone of any denomination or none is welcome to seek spiritual accompaniment/direction.

We offer Information for those who are:

Seeking spiritual accompaniment
Exploring becoming a Spiritual Accompanier
Recognised Spiritual Accompaniers

If your interest is more general, please visit our spirituality page.

1. Seeking Spiritual Accompaniment

For many Christians, 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).

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. Your accompanier is someone who helps you explore your spiritual life more deeply. They listen, ask questions, and provide support as you reflect on your experiences and beliefs. By working with an accompanier, you can gain clarity and insight into your relationship with God.

To enquire about receiving spiritual accompaniment, please email Suzanna Schofield (suzanna.schofield@sheffield.anglican.org). 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.

Download brochure

Becoming a Spiritual Accompanier

The ministry of spiritual accompaniment is vital for the spiritual health and wellbeing of all in ministry. We provide training for those who feel a call to this particular ministry.

Training takes place over two years in the form of two six-month courses – Spiritual Growth and Transformation and The Art of Spiritual Accompaniment.

We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds. To make an initial enquiry, please email Rev Dr Julian Raffay, The Bishop’s Adviser on Spirituality (spirituality.adviser@sheffield.anglican.org).

Please do not hesitate to enquire without any expectation of commitment.

If you have already completed spiritual accompanier training, please complete the Application Form. Contact details are on the form.

You will be asked to provide two referees, one of which should be a leader from your training course and/or someone who can give account of your experience in offering spiritual accompaniment.

The Diocese of Sheffield is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All Spiritual Accompaniers are expected to share this commitment. Applicants will be subject to Safer Recruitment processes. Please email Rev Dr Julian Raffay, The Bishop’s Adviser on Spirituality (spirituality.adviser@sheffield.anglican.org) if you would like to discuss this.

Information for Recognised Spiritual Accompaniers in the Sheffield Network

Download handbook

Good Practice

Recognised Spiritual Accompaniers in the Sheffield network are expected to comply with our Good Practice Guidelines.

Church of England (Anglican) Accompaniers who are not ordained are expected to comply with Lay Ministry Good Practice. Others may find this helpful but are advised to refer to their appropriate authorities.

Referral Process for Spiritual Accompaniment

All applications for spiritual accompaniment are referred by Suzanna to a member of the SA Referral Team. After a conversation exploring the requirements and preferences of the individual, two names, with contact details, are suggested to the enquirer. Your name may be suggested if the database indicates you have availability – it is ESSENTIAL that you keep the Referral Team up to date with your availability. You will be informed if your name has been offered.

Safeguarding

Supervision

Supervision provides an opportunity to:

Share your practice in a confidential setting with a trained supervisor, or in a group led by a supervisor, or in a peer group
Explore feelings that may have arisen in you as you sit with your accompanees
Celebrate the joys of accompanying others

We strongly encourage you to receive regular supervision.

Revision of Details

From time to time you will be asked to complete the Revision of Details form to keep our records up to date. The form can also be used to inform Suzanna of any changes that may occur in the interim.

It is also recommended good practice to hold regular reviews with those you accompany. The Annual Review with Accompanee document suggests how to go about this.

Continuing Development

To support continuing development, the annual Spiritual Accompaniers Gathering is held over two days in November. In 2025, the dates are 7th and 8th November. The keynote speaker will be Ruth Holgate, Director of St Beuno’s Jesuit Spirituality Centre. Details will be sent to all spiritual accompaniers in the network.

Quarterly Spiritual Accompanier Resource Evenings are offered, both in person at Whirlow Spirituality Centre (they will be publicised on the WSC website), and online. Details of each event will be sent to all spiritual accompaniers in the network.

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. Among these are: