Spiritual Direction

Life moves fast, and most people carry their inner life alone. A "soul friend," someone who can listen for what God is doing, is a profound gift. Spiritual direction offers a quiet, supportive space to slow down and listen for the voice of Jesus.

Who it is for

  • For those in Christian ministry or leadership, spiritual direction is key to staying close to God amidst the external pressures of productivity and expectation.

  • For those discerning big decisions, spiritual direction creates intentional space to hear from Jesus and commit to the right next step.

  • For those in a more challenging season, a spiritual director is a safe person to comfort, listen, and continually point you to Jesus as you navigate through it all.

  • For those who want to run the good race, spiritual direction provides consistent accountability and encouragement to keep going.

What it costs and what it asks:

  • Cost: $90 per session, with a sliding scale available if you need one.

  • Rhythm: One hour, once a month.

  • Initial commitment: Six months.

  • Where: In person, over Zoom or FaceTime from anywhere.

Common questions

  • In spiritual direction, we will reflect on where God is moving in your life, discern what He is saying, and explore how to respond to His loving invitations.

    Spiritual direction is not counselling or coaching. It is a reflective partnership designed to help you pay attention to God's presence and movement in your everyday life. Ideally it is not a one-and-done thing. Spiritual direction is most fruitful when it is consistent through all seasons of life.

  • Ultimately, the goal is to become more like Jesus, to enjoy his companionship through every season of life, and to finish well.

    Like training for anything, finishing well requires living well now. Christian maturity does not happen overnight. It is the fruit of a life-long pursuit of Jesus and the ongoing dedication to becoming more like Him. Some of the benefits of spiritual direction will not show up until the last years of your life, but in the meantime there are markers of growth along the way:

    • evidence of the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-25)

    • perseverance through hardships (2 Tim. 4:6-8)

    • a more stable and consistent faith despite the circumstances (Phil. 4:4-13)

    Henri Nouwen writes:

    "The goal of spiritual direction is spiritual formation, the ever-increasing capacity to live a spiritual life from the heart. A spiritual life cannot be formed without discipline, practice, and accountability."

    Henri Nouwen, Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith

  • There is no rigid formula for our time together. Sessions centre around sharing, listening, prayer, and intentional silence as we seek to hear the voice of Jesus.

  • Directees, the people in spiritual direction, are encouraged to arrive with something specific to explore. Ahead of our time, you might reflect on:

    • Your prayer life. Is it feeling vibrant, dry, or distant?

    • Your primary emotions. What themes or feelings have surfaced recently for you?

    • Recent life events. What is happening in your life, and where do you sense God inviting you deeper?

    Spiritual direction is distinct from therapy. If deep emotional or relational issues surface that require professional counselling, I am glad to help connect you with a licensed therapist while we continue our spiritual direction work together.

  • "A 'job' which requires living in on-going intimacy with the Living God, and growing capacity to recognize His voice. This Jay Ewing does like few people I know. When I meet with Jay, my heart immediately begins to soften, my mind becomes uncluttered, and I hear the Saviour's Voice in ways I do not when alone."

    Dr. Darrell Johnson, Pastor, Author, Professor

  • "In the sessions, it's like he has one ear to what I'm saying and one ear to what the Spirit is saying. He has a calm and confident way of leading you to see and hear the Spirit's activity in your own life."

    Ben Woodman, Trainer, Coach, Writer, and former Alpha Canada staff

  • "Every Jesus follower is in need of a trusted person to keep them attentive to God's voice in their life and ministry, leaders in the church especially so. Jay has been that person for me, helping me hear what I simply cannot hear on my own."

    Rev. Keith Whitaker, Pastor

Ready to start, or still have questions? Either one is a good reason to get in touch.

The first session is always free.

Contact Jay