Delivery – 12 separate days onsite
In-person sessions (three) – Whirlow Spirituality Centre, Whirlow Grange Close, Sheffield S11 9SY
Next course start – 11 February 2027
Duration – Approximately 6 months – see below
Cost – £250, covering all lunches, refreshments and resources.
The Art of Spiritual Accompaniment [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, we may run it in blended (combining onsite and e-learning) form at a later date. Please let us know if you would prefer this.
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.
Contact us 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.
Course details
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.
The next course will begin with an induction afternoon on Thursday 4 February 2027. It will run until 15th July. The closing date for applications is Friday 6 November 2026. To keep up to date with course information and register your interest complete the form below.
