Spiritual Accompaniment training course beginning September 2020

How Spiritual Direction is growing in Birmingham’s churches, and how you could be part of the journey.

You might not hear much about it in the press, but the practice of Spiritual Direction is flourishing, both nationally and across Birmingham. Sometimes called Accompaniment or Companioning, it involves individuals being paired with a director or guide to reflect on their story and grow in their faith. Often this involves going beyond the boundaries of one’s own faith tradition, and in all cases becoming more aware of God’s work in and around us.

Canon John Austen, a retired Anglican Vicar from Handsworth, oversees the Forum for Spiritual Directors in Birmingham, and has seen the transforming effect the practice has had on both individuals and churches. He says “Whatever your church background, having a Spiritual Director can be a precious gift to receive and a way into some of the riches of the Christian spiritual traditions.”

A Course in Spiritual Accompaniment begins in the autumn.

Details in the brochure

Spiritual Accompaniment: one year ecumenical training course for lay and ordained Christians

September 2020 to July 2021

Who is the course for?

The course is open to Christians of any denomination. Those seeking a place would be people who:

• find others turn naturally to them to talk about their life and faith

• are stable and open to learning in their Christian faith, and keen to develop their knowledge and discipleship.

• already have, or are prepared to have, a spiritual director.

The Course Aims to:

• Encourage each person to grow and develop gifts for spiritual accompaniment in various contexts.

• Offer knowledge, critical awareness and skills for spiritual accompaniment and direction

By the end of the course, participants will have:-

• Broadened and deepened their understanding of Christian traditions of prayer.

• Experienced differing approaches to, and emphases within, Christian spirituality

• Explored the meaning of their faith and spiritual traditions and how these encourage growth and personal fulfilment.

• Practiced key skills as a spiritual companion, and supported others in this process.

• Developed a reflective approach to their work as a spiritual companion.

Could this course be for you?

Some questions you might want to ask yourself . . .

• Do others come to share with you their hopes and fears about their faith and life journey?

• Have you felt that God may be calling you to ‘companion’ others in this way?

• Have you considered whether training might develop your gifts?

When and where?

The course consists of 14 Tuesday meetings, over three terms, (avoiding school half terms) from 10 am till 3.30 pm. There will be a weekend retreat day at the beginning of the second term.

Venue: St. Luke’s Church Centre, Great Colmore Row, Lee Bank, Birmingham, B15 2AT

Cost: £ 450 for the 14 Tuesday sessions. (payable in 3 termly instalments).

There is an additional cost of £20 for the Retreat Day.

Help with costs may be available within your church or diocese or through a small bursary fund.

Applying for the course
Course places are limited to 20, and since we want to ensure that the course is right for each participant, admission is not automatic, and will include an informal interview.

We need to receive applications by 1st May 2020

Late applications may be considered subject if places are still available.

For details about how to apply, list of dates, and information about course content and the facilitating team Download an information brochure