From Practice to Partnership: The Vision Behind Our Spiritual Direction Newsletter

The journey of spiritual direction is both ancient and ever-new, requiring us to hold both timeless wisdom and contemporary understanding. As the catalyst for Spiritual Direction for Vineyard Canada and a teacher in Sustainable Faith's School of Spiritual Direction, I've witnessed firsthand the evolving needs of spiritual directors in our rapidly changing world.

A Vision Born from Experience

This premium newsletter emerged from years of walking alongside spiritual directors, witnessing their dedication to deep listening and holy accompaniment. Through my work with Sustainable Faith's School of Mercy and Justice, the School of Spiritual Direction, and in leading the West End Abbey (a contemplative Vineyard church plant in Winnipeg), I've seen the critical need for ongoing formation and support for those who hold sacred space for others.

Building a Community of Practice

Our newsletter isn't just a collection of resources—it's a living community of practice. Each month, we bring together:

• Practical wisdom from the field
• Contemplative practices that ground our work
• Tools for deepening discernment
• Community support and shared learning

Meeting Directors Where They Are

As spiritual directors, we understand three fundamental needs in our ongoing formation:

• The need to stay grounded in contemplative practice
• The importance of continuing education and skill development
• The value of community support and shared wisdom

That's why we've created this premium newsletter service. It's spiritual direction formation simplified and sustained.

Our Commitment to Formation

Every aspect of this newsletter—from the monthly video teachings to the practical exercises and community discussions—reflects our commitment to supporting spiritual directors in their vital work. We believe that by nurturing those who nurture others, we participate in the broader movement of God's transforming work in the world.

The Team Behind the Vision

Suhail Stephen is the catalyst for Spiritual Direction for Vineyard Canada and teaches in Sustainable Faith's School of Spiritual Direction. As part of Formation, Suhail leads the spiritual direction initiatives for Vineyard Canada. Additionally, he is leading the West End Abbey, a contemplative Vineyard church plant in Winnipeg. He and his wife have two children.

Donnell Wyche serves as the Technical Lead for our spiritual direction newsletter platform and our application for spiritual directors, Directee. He brings a unique blend of pastoral wisdom and technological expertise. Currently serving as the Senior Pastor at Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor, Donnell has consistently demonstrated the power of combining spiritual practice with technological innovation to serve faith communities, having created the online home for The Divine Hours (a fixed hour prayer companion). He is also the creator of CareNote (https://carenote.app), the best pastoral care app available, which exemplifies his commitment to developing technology that enhances rather than replaces human connection in ministry.

Join Our Community

When you subscribe to our premium newsletter, you're not just gaining access to resources—you're joining a community of practice dedicated to the art and ministry of spiritual direction. Together, we're cultivating spaces for deep listening, holy accompaniment, and transformative presence.

What Members Receive:

• Monthly video coaching sessions
• In-depth articles and practical tools
• Guided spiritual exercises
• Community discussion opportunities
• Downloadable resources and guides
• Live Q&A sessions

Our Vision Forward

We believe that spiritual direction is more vital than ever in our rapidly changing world. Our vision is to support and equip spiritual directors with the tools, wisdom, and community they need to serve effectively in these times.