Spiritual Companioning

Spiritual Companioning at Northcote Uniting Church

Northcote UCA now offers spiritual companioning, also known as spiritual direction, through our Missional Spirituality Pastor, Anne Pate.

 What is spiritual companioning?

Spiritual companioning is an ancient practice with roots in many faith traditions. In spiritual companioning conversations, one person, the guide, assists another, the pilgrim, to become aware of the presence and invitation of the Divine in daily life. Spiritual companioning is a safe space for all who seek depth and meaning in life, including those who do not identify with a specific faith or go to church.

 In today’s world, spiritual companioning can be offered online or in person. It usually involves meeting together for an hour once a month, or less often if preferred. Spiritual companioning conversations touch on all of life’s experiences, not just what happens during prayer. The focus is on noticing, understanding and responding to the call of the Divine, however this is named or understood by the pilgrim. Spiritual companioning invites us to get in touch with personal stories and desires, and to sense the connectedness of these stories with something beyond ourselves.

Spiritual companions come from all walks of life. They complete formation - a period of study and practice - to develop their existing capacities and gifts for listening deeply to another. Spiritual companions also meet with their own guides. In Australia, spiritual companions are guided by a Code of Ethics created by the Australian Ecumenical Council for Spiritual Direction available here.

You can learn more about spiritual companioning here.