Format– 12 separate days onsite
Location – Whirlow Spirituality Centre, Whirlow Grange Close, Sheffield S11 9SY
Next course start – 11 February 2027
Duration – About 6 months
Cost – £250, the fees include lunch each day, refreshments, course materials and resources.
What is this course about?
The Art of Spiritual Accompaniment (ASA) course seeks to prepare people to exercise the ministry of Spiritual Accompaniment.
The course aims to:
- Introduce the role of a Spiritual Accompanier.
- Help participants grow in prayer, listening, and reflection.
- Explore different ways of praying.
- Develop listening and discernment skills.
- Explore important themes in spiritual accompaniment.
Who is this course for?
The course builds on material covered in ‘Spiritual Growth and Transformation’.
Before applying, you should have completed:
- Spiritual Growth and Transformation, or
- Another course with similar content and learning outcomes.
We are exploring the possibility of offering a blended course in the future, combining in-person sessions with online learning. This may make the course more accessible for people across the Diocese, especially in the east of the region.
If you would prefer this option, please let us know.
What happens after the course?
Participants will be considered for authorisation as Spiritual Accompaniers within the Diocese of Sheffield.
Safeguarding
The Diocese of Sheffield is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All Spiritual Accompaniers are expected to share this commitment.
Applicants will go through Safer Recruitment checks as part of the application process. This includes evidence of current safeguarding training via either of:
- free Anglican Training Portal: (a) Basic, (b) Foundation, and (c) Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse, or
- Methodist Foundation Module and (c) above.
Contact us if you would like to discuss this.
Could you become an Accompanier?
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.
What will I do on the course?
Course information
Mornings include:
- Prayer and reflection
- Listening practice in groups of three
- Learning how to respond thoughtfully and appropriately to others
Afternoon sessions explore topics such as:
- Spiritual accompaniment in practice
- Biblical and theological perspectives
- Listening and discernment
- Spiritual growth and development
- Psychological factors that can affect our spiritual lives.
Key dates
Induction session: Thursday 4 February 2027
Course dates: February to July 2027
Course ends: 15 July 2027
Application deadline: Friday 6 November 2026
To receive updates and register your interest, complete the form below.
