A spiritual director is a listening ear, a soul friend alongside you on your inner journey toward God and authentic self, dusting for the fingerprints of the divine in your everyday, baffling, painful and beautiful life.
Angeline Schellenberg is a seminary graduate and an apprentice in the Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction, with one and a half years of experience meeting directees one-on-one.
One-hour in-person (Winnipeg) and virtual sessions available.
Recommended fee $20/hour.
AngelineJanelSchellenberg at gmail dot com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What happens in a session?
Once we’ve settled in (either on Zoom or in my meeting room), I’ll light a candle, give us a few moments of silence to centre ourselves, and say a blessing. Then I’ll invite you to start talking whenever you’re ready. You set the pace. Most of the session is me listening to your life. If you have something in mind you’d like to process prayerfully, such as a decision, challenge, life change, etc., that’s great, but don’t worry if you don’t know where to start! I’m there to help and there’s no rush. I can suggest topics like “When have you felt closest to God?” “If you could ask God for anything, what would it be?” Or simply, “Tell me about the best part of your week.” Silence is welcome; in fact, I will likely recommend it during our conversation to give you time to reflect on a question or savour a comforting image. I don’t offer advice or give homework. I am there to listen, ask questions, make observations, and create a safe space for you to notice God.
How is this different from counselling?
Good question. There are similarities: in both cases, you’re talking about your life to someone who is trained to listen and wants to see you experience wholeness. However, counselling often focuses on healing pain from our past and improving our relationships with other people, whereas spiritual direction focuses on deepening our present experience of God. Spiritual direction is not a replacement for therapy but can work alongside it. I do not have the psychology training of a counsellor; however, I have experienced trauma and intensive therapy myself, so I strive to create a trauma-sensitive space for directees.
What is your faith background?
I grew up in a Mennonite Brethren church that taught me to live what I believe. I attended Providence College and Theological Seminary, which gave me a greater respect for the Jewish origins of Christian Scripture and the literary beauty of biblical poetry. (I also learned that what appears to be the “plain” meaning of Scripture isn’t always so plain!) I currently belong to three communities: Imago Dei is a contemplative group that engages in silence, Lectio Divina, and the Eucharist on the first and third Mondays of each month. West End Abbey is a tiny charismatic, contemplative church plant associated with the Vineyard that emphasizes listening to God for word pictures to encourage one another. The Abbey’s Sunday morning gatherings alternate between a homily, Lectio, testimony + lunch (my favourite part), and a rest Sunday when we all stay home and sleep in. Once or twice month, I also join st benedict’s table, an Anglican congregation, where I enjoy reading Scripture, offering the Prayers of the People, and serving bread at The Lord’s Table.
What does your training involve?
I am strengthening my ability to listen compassionately and thoughtfully to both spiritual seekers and the holy spirit. I am growing in self-awareness through Myers-Briggs and the Enneagram (If you’re curious, I’m a 4.). I’ve also learned about Ignatian models of decision making and the stages of faith development. I can only offer my directees what I have to give—through spiritual practices, class discussion, reading, and seeing my own spiritual director, I am deepening my own love for God and my knowledge of God’s love for me. I have practiced Lectio Divina, Visio Divina, centering prayer, and I am currently engaged in the eight-month-long 19th annotation of the Ignatian Exercises.
Do I need to be part of a certain church?
Anyone from any church background or no church background is welcome. All that you need is an openness to explore your perceptions of God and a desire to notice God’s movement in your life. If you’ve had a painful experience with organized religion, I know how that feels and I’m so sorry that happened to you. You’re welcome to explore that in spiritual direction, if you choose.
Are you LGBTQ2S* affirming?
Yes! I accept and celebrate you as a child of God. And if you’re someone who’s unsure how they feel about their loved one’s sexual or gender identity, I understand; I grew up in a conservative church and I’ve been on that journey too. I will never tell you what to do or believe. I’m here to listen to God with you.
What about Covid safety?
If either of us is feeling unwell, we will reschedule. I’m an introvert who works from home, so I don’t have a lot of contacts, but when I do go out, I wear a mask in indoor public spaces. In my space, I’ll follow your lead. If you keep your mask on, I will too. I’m double vaccinated with one booster. I’ll sit at a distance, and if weather permits, open a window. Virtual appointments are available.
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Angeline Schellenberg 