Introducing you to our growing network of well-trained, Christ-centered, Compassion-based spiritual companions (directors) who will come alongside you, encouraging you as we, together, continue our shared journey with Jesus.

Jesus’ Great Commandment.

Let’s face it. Sometimes it’s hard to be around people who are different from us. Relationships, particularly meaningful ones, don’t come easy. They take hard work, much grace, a lot of forgiveness, and a big portion of humility. You see, God never intended for you to be alone. He not only desires to have an intimate relationship with you (Communion with God), He also wants you to experience the joy of being in close relationship with others. Jesus of Nazareth was once asked about the greatest commandment of all. His reply is as true today as it was two thousand years ago…

Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them. Jesus of Nazareth – Matthew 22: 37-40 (MsgB)

Partnering with a spiritual companion.

In spiritual companionship, two friends come together for the primary purpose of engaging in meaningful spiritual conversations, focusing on the presence and activity of God in our friend’s life. In a word, spiritual companionship (direction) is co-discernment, with the spiritual companion holding space open for a friend, discerning together to “see what the Father is doing (John 5:19),” not just in that moment, but over the months and seasons of a person’s life. One author defines spiritual companionship (direction) as a wonderful way to “dust for the fingerprints of God” in your life.

Watch this short video that offers a marvelous description of the work of spiritual companionship: holding space for others.

What are the tools of Spiritual Companionship?

A compassionate spiritual companion does her/his work through a combination of means: silence, prayer, reverent listening, excellent questions, keen observations, attention to the mind, affect, and body, self–awareness, and knowledge of both human personality and spiritual dynamics.

How do I know if Spiritual Companionship is right for me?

There are many reasons why someone enters into a spiritual companionship relationship.  Maybe you recognize yourself in one of the following statements:

• I feel like I’ve been at a plateau for a while. What new frontiers might God inviting me to explore?
• I’ve heard of spiritual disciplines, but I really don’t know how to make sense of them for my life.
• I would like to grow in my ability to notice God in my everyday life.
• I would like to know God better. I feel like I am at a stand-still in relating to Him.
• I want to grow spiritually. What might be a few next steps?
• I can’t see where I am in relation to God. I can’t see where I am headed.
• My spiritual life doesn’t seem to work the way it used to. What is going on?
• I would like to explore the intersection between my personal, spiritual life and my life of relationships and responsibilities.

Where can I find a well-qualified, Christ-centered spiritual companion?

All directors listed in our network are associated with and are working under the direction and supervision of Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction, a Christ-centered ministry with a mission to create a culture of sustainability among leaders of churches and non-profit organizations across North America. Sustainable Faith is an accredited School of Spiritual Direction, recognized by CSDA (Christ-Centered Spiritual Directors Association).

Read more about one person’s journey into spiritual direction.

Read a very convincing article, “Why We Need Spiritual Direction More Than Ever.”

Click here to read about five gifts a person received from spiritual direction.

So…what’s next?

If, after experiencing the true joys of having spiritual companionship with a director, you might prayerfully consider being trained in this ancient discipline of soul care. Click here for more information.