Delivery– 12 separate days onsite
Location – Whirlow Spirituality Centre, Whirlow Grange Close, Sheffield S11 9SY
Next course start – We are planning the next course for autumn 2026
Duration – Eight months (see below)
Cost – £200, covering 12 lunches and refreshments, and resources.
ASA aims to:
- introduce spiritual accompaniment
- enable growth in the ministry of spiritual accompaniment through prayer, listening and reflection
- explore and practice approaches to prayer
- develop discerning listening
- explore key themes of spiritual accompaniment.
For everyone
The course builds on work covered in ‘Spiritual Growth and Transformation’. We expect you to have completed this or an equivalent before applying.
To support a wider range of participants, including from the East of the Diocese, this course may be blended (combining onsite and e-learning).
What it leads to
Course members may be considered for authorisation as Spiritual Accompaniers.
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 contact Rev Dr Julian Raffay, The Bishop’s Adviser on Spirituality if you would like to discuss this.
Funding
The course is currently supported by a grant to the Diocese of Sheffield from the Church of England’s Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board.
The fees quoted are for participants within the geographical area of the Diocese of Sheffield and Sheffield Methodist District.
You may be able to get an additional grant from Whirlow Grange Ltd..
If you live outside the area, please get in touch so we can explore appropriate fees.
Course outline
The mornings include a time of prayer and reflection followed by observed listening in threes. We develop the practice of responding suitably and with discernment to what is shared. Afternoons explore themes encountered in spiritual accompaniment. These include biblical and theological perspectives, how we listen and discern, spiritual development and psychological dynamics.
Course leaflet
The recently completed course leaflet shows what the next course may be like.
The next course
NOTE: As we are trialling running our upcoming SG&T course in blended mode, we have yet to decide how we will deliver this course.
The next course will begin with an induction afternoon on [date to be announced]. It will run until [date to be announced] . The closing date for applications is [date to be announced] . To keep up to date with course information and register your interest complete the form below.
Non-web delivery
Please contact Julian Raffay, The Bishop’s Adviser on Spirituality if you are unable to access online learning. We would like to hear from you.
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