In this artiCle
+ WHAT IS SPIRITUAL DIRECTION?
+ WHAT IS YOUR PRACTICE?
+ What are the costs?
+ WHO IS SPIRITUAL DIRECTION FOR?
+ WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE?
+ Simple booking
What is spiritual direction? Our lives unfold in both ordinary and extraordinary ways, and Christians encounter God as both known and mysterious. Spiritual direction is the conversational practice of becoming aware of, and responding to, God’s presence throughout it all. Christian spiritual directors help people discern God’s active presence and call in their lives, because the reality of our lives and our relationship with God come to life not by being explained, but by being gently drawn out through deep listening in normal conversations.
Spiritual direction means the direction of the Spirit in our lives. Spiritual directors are qualified, having undertaken training to accompany other believers. Be wary of the use of the term spiritual direction when used by individuals without understanding and experience.
"There are no experts of the soul, there is only the Spirit" Dr. Larry Crabb
What is your spiritual direction practice? If you’re searching for a spiritual director, also known as accompaniment, my own principle formation and training were in 2002/3/6 with Dr. Larry Crabb. My practice is simple and accountable: I offer spiritual direction on a nonprofit basis, online via video call, I adhere to an established code of practice that includes safeguarding, and I am accompanied by my own spiritual director. I’m a member of the London Centre for Spiritual Direction.
I’m also a practicing artist in the UK who has worked with companies such as Apple, the London Symphony Orchestra and the V&A. I’ve been involved in leading and teaching in church, but I’ve also spent much of my working life in art, design and marketing. That combination has given me an appreciation for both church and everyday life. I enjoy building relationships with people and living abroad has broadened my perspective on life and cultures.
"If you’re interested in spiritual direction I would suggest asking for an introductory conversation to see how you relate with that spiritual director and their particular practice"
What are the costs? I don’t offer spiritual direction as a business, this is run as a non profit. To start with I offer a no obligation introductory conversation for £25 / $35 to explore your needs - it’s an opportunity to meet one another and for us to decide if I’m the right spiritual director for you (there are many good people in this ministry). Ongoing sessions are typically £50 / $67 per hour, but with a sliding scale available to ensure accessibility, based on what each person can afford. Perhaps one or two conversations could be what you want, or a number of short / long term conversations might suit you. There are no time commitments. You’re always in control of the frequency of our meetings.
Who is spiritual direction for? Everyone! Spiritual direction is for both new and seasoned Christians, for anyone who wants to ask for themselves - what is the Spirit up to in my life right now?
In my experience, a desire for that question is rarely voiced so nakedly. Instead, it takes many forms in our lives, surfacing in conversations, relationships, and the situations we’re actually living through, at home, at work, and in the decisions we face. Some of these life experiences are tidy, others may not be. As the Spirit’s direction in our lives is not primarily instructional but relational, a recognition of a need for spiritual direction often emerges over time. A move of the Spirit, at the start, often arrives unannounced, disguised as ordinary life, discomfort, or curiosity rather than clear spiritual intent. That may materialise in a growing awareness of our habits of faith, or our established assumptions being unsettled.
Within the ministry of Christian spiritual direction there are many forms of practice, my own is outlined here, along with my experience. If you’re interested in spiritual direction I would suggest asking for an introductory conversation to see how you relate with that spiritual director and their particular practice.
"There is no formula for the spiritual life" Dr. Larry Crabb
What does spiritual direction look like? My own practice of spiritual direction starts with curiosity. We ask how do we join the Spirit’s direction in your life? This begins in normal, informal, conversations, with discerning His movement in your life, over time becoming attentive, while also growing in awareness of yourself. The conversation is around you, how you are, what’s your experience of yourself, life and God at this moment? And what’s emerging as we talk? Our conversational relationship is both observational and reflective, mutually respectful, and non hierarchical.
For our informal conversations we meet on Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet. Spiritual direction conversations usually last about an hour.
Simple booking. If you’re ready, click the button below and start an introductory conversation.