The Art of Spiritual Accompaniment is a formation programme for people whom God may be calling to become Spiritual Companions. Their role is to accompany other Christians ('Pilgrims') on their journey with and towards God. It is a ministry which requires mature personal faith on the part of the Companion.
Spiritual accompaniment is:
a ministry deeply embedded in the Christian tradition
walking alongside another in their journey with God
a relationship which helps us to attend more closely to the movements of God’s Spirit in our lives
Traditionally called 'spiritual direction' we feel that Spiritual Accompaniment conveys more helpfully the sense of journeying alongside someone and helping them to draw closer to God.
Programme Outcomes
Our aim is that at the end of the year of formation you will be able to confidently accompany another on their spiritual journey. As part of that, we’ll work together with you to discern if this ministry is right for you at this moment in your life.
You’ll also be able to:
recognise the richness of different approaches to spirituality.
articulate your understanding of the purpose, goals and nature of spiritual accompaniment.
reflect on your practice, and self-critique.
maintain confidentiality and develop a relationship of trust.
maintain boundaries and know when and how to refer to professional help.
use supervision appropriately.
recognise your needs for growth and development in the art of spiritual accompaniment.
Each participant in the course will –
be a member of a Christian faith community
be able to provide references from 2 people who support your training for this ministry
It is expected also that each participant in the course will –
have been meeting regularly with a Spiritual Companion for a significant period of time
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.
Applying for the Programme
The number of places is limited to 15. Applications should be received by 31st March 2026. We will try to meet with you, in person or online, shortly after we receive your application. This gives us the opportunity to answer any questions you have and for us to discern together with you whether this course is going to be right for you at this time.
Places will be confirmed after the 31st March 2026 deadline.