Finding a Spiritual Director
If you would like to grow in your faith journey and spiritual life you may want to consider journeying with a Spiritual Director. Spiritual Directors are companions - trained men and women dedicated to guiding people in matters of the soul, faith and God. Ironically this ministry is not “directive” - they won’t tell you what to think, feel or believe. They will, however, ask good questions and create a safe and non judgemental environment for you to explore. Many people seek Spiritual Directors during seasons of transitions, discernment, crisis, deconstruction and questioning - but this is not always the case. They are available to anyone who would like to explore and journey deeper.
As you look for a Spiritual Director we would encourage you to to try and meet with several directors so that you have a sense of their personality, style of direction, life experience and training. It is important to feel comfortable with your potential companion. Please pray too! Ask God to guide your choice as you discern and then choose.
Sustainable Faith
Are you a pastor, ministry leader or missionary? If so, Sustainable Faith have a network of experienced spiritual directors who are well-equipped to accompany you. In fact, our Affiliate spiritual directors have discerned a specific call to serve you. They have compassion for the demands and pressures you face, along with the training and experience to support you in your pursuit of spiritual health and vitality.
But whether you’re a leader or layperson, you can connect with one of Sustainable Faith’s spiritual directors by clicking HERE
Shelagh Windsor-Richards
My name is Shelagh and I live in Hertfordshire and I am a mother, aunt, grandmother and sister. I understand family complexity! In 1999 I moved into HR and, after a brief time in the corporate world, I decided to work in the charity sector. For 10 of those years I served on the senior leadership team of an international charity. Earlier in my career I ran a hotel, restaurant and post office.
I have a Master’s degree from the University of Bath and was trained as a coach with the Coaches Training Institute, which is accredited by the International Coaching Federation.
I have been a practising Christian since 1974 and my training in spiritual direction has been through Sustainable Faith. I am a Trustee of a Vineyard Church, serving on the prayer ministry and welcome teams and occasionally giving the Sunday morning talk.
You will notice that all these roles are people centred and I am committed to supporting people to discover and develop the fullness of themselves – whatever that may mean to them. So, whether you come to me for coaching or spiritual direction, you will have my full attention in a safe and confidential setting.
Tom Husbands
Tom lives in Birmingham with his wife Alison and their 3 teenage children. He has served in pastoral ministry for over 20 years. In 2002 he moved to Malawi for 10 years and set up The Dalitso Trust ministry, then moved to be part of Birmingham Vineyard.
Tom currently leads The Dalitso Trust alongside running a small spiritual direction practice.
He enjoys family life and particularly likes walking their German Shorthaired Pointer. He is also passionate about taking teams to Malawi to help train and equip church leaders.
Email. thomashusbands@dalitsotrust.org
Charge £35 a session.
Joanna Allen
Joanna loves walking alongside people as they journey into authentic wholeness. Trained in psychotherapy and spiritual direction she offers a safe and sacred space for directees to notice and respond to God’s personal invitations to them, for their sake and that of the world.
Joanna loves: spending time with her family and friends; talking, with practically anyone, about practically anything; silence and stillness; listening to Gregorian chant and other ancient music of the Church; watching YouTube reaction videos to her favourite rappers; staying close to God throughout the day through the liturgy of the hours; watching creation unfold in her garden or by the sea and laughing too loudly with her family and friends.
Matt Stent
Matt Stent
Hello! I’m Matt. My life’s purpose, work, and journey, is centred on the teaching of Jesus Christ: to Love God, and to Love People (Matthew 22:36-40). I’ve had various leadership roles and responsibilities within a Christian community from 2011.
In May 2020, I started working as a spiritual director, after certifying through Sustainable Faith. As of 2021, I’ve also been working as an enneagram coach, after certifying through Your Enneagram Coach in February 2021, and with Chestnut Paes Enneagram Academy in July 2023.
If you’d like to explore spiritual direction with me, Email: mattstentsd@gmail.com to arrange a free, no obligation/co-discerning meeting, or if you have any questions related to the above.
To find out more about enneagram coaching with me, click here.