The Art of Spiritual Accompaniment - 2021/2022


The Art of Spiritual Accompaniment – 2021/2022

A one-year course for those wishing to train as spiritual companions (directors).

What is spiritual accompaniment?

  •     A ministry deeply embedded in the Christian tradition
  •     Walking alongside another in a journey with God
  •     A relationship which helps us to attend more closely to the movements of God’s Spirit in our lives


Course Outcomes:   
At the end of the course, participants will have the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to accompany another in their spiritual journey. For instance, you will be able to:

  • Reflect on own practice, and self-critique
  • Identify and explore religious experience
  • Use silence, listening and non-verbal skills creatively
  • Maintain confidentiality and develop a relationship of trust
  • Confidently conduct an hour-long session
  • Maintain a prayerful, contemplative stance
  • Recognise boundaries, and the need for referral to professional help
  • Support the discernment of divine activity in another’s life
  • Access and recommend relevant basic resources: prayer approaches, Biblical material, meditational material, writings and artwork for contemplation
  • Recognise and work appropriately with different personalities, stages of life and spiritual growth
  • Respond sensitively to confession, challenges, resistance, and expressions of feeling


What practical things must be in place before starting the course?

Each participant in the course will –

  • be a member of a worshipping Christian community 
  • be able to provide 2 references: from the leader of your current faith community, and from another Christian in good standing with the church.     

It is expected also that each participant in the course will  –

  • have been seeing a spiritual companion/director for at least 12 months  *
  • have completed a listening skills course or give evidence of an equivalent
  • have experience of a silent retreat weekend or a retreat in daily life

Other relevant experience may compensate for the lack of one of these.


Further information: 

Selection: is by interview and places are limited.

Dates: September  2021 –  July 2022. 

Days: Wednesdays weekly 7.30 –  9.30pm  in three 10-week terms + four Saturday workshops

Venue: To be split between a venue near Warwick and one in Coventry and potentially with some online sessions.  

Cost:  £140 per term, payable in advance (includes provision of a course text book). 

 

Application forms and further information can be obtained from:

David Jessett: d.jessett@btinternet.com

Applications if possible by 15 May 2021.

 

*You can be introduced to a spiritual companion/director in Coventry or Warwickshire by emailing:    SpiritualDirectorCov@gmail.com  

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