Are you hungry for something more in your spiritual life?
Do you feel stuck or going over the same ground again and again in your spiritual journey?
Perhaps spiritual direction is for you…
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction is an intentional conversation that focuses on the transformative work that God is doing deep within the soul of every believer. The goal is to listen to the Holy Spirit and to discern the work of God versus the work of the evil one.
Imagine walking with a companion in the woods. Your friend points out a flower that you walked by without seeing or worse, a snake that you almost stepped on without noticing. A spiritual director is the companion who helps us see more because we all miss what is going on deep within. Or think about a route you drive on a regular basis. One day someone else drives and suddenly you notice all sorts of things you had never seen because your focus was on the road and the cars around you. Spiritual direction gives us the opportunity to look in other locations and focus on different areas that we miss in the routine of daily life.
What Does a Session Look like?
When you come to me for spiritual direction, you will be invited into my home, to a sacred space that we have devoted to this holy work. Generally, I meet with clients once a month. That gives enough time between sessions to notice and reflect on what God has been doing in your life. Often, especially after we have been meeting for a while and know each other better, we would start with a brief time of catching up. “How are you?” How’s your family?” “What’s new with your work?” Then I would lead us in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to shape and guide our conversation. From there we would dive in and start talking about what is going on beneath the surface of your life and what God might be inviting you to.
My great hope is that you experience a safe place where you can be seen and heard with grace and love. That you would be surprised at the ways God is leading and shaping you. And, that you would find out that your most feared secrets cannot destroy you.
It is amazing to me how often the conversation comes to a natural stopping place as the time runs out. Then we set a date for our next meeting and look forward to doing it again in about a month.
I offer in-person and virtual appointments.
Is this expensive?
In general, I usually charge $90 for a monthly 75-90 minute appointment, although I desire that no one let finances be a barrier, so please let me know if this is an issue.
The first session is always free in order to give us a chance to see if we are a good fit for each other.
I started meeting with Winslow during the COVID-19 season and it’s been helpful having him continually ask me, “Where is the invitation from God?” It’s shifted my perspective from personal frustrations to looking Godward and exploring the areas where the Lord might be beckoning. During a time of intense confusion and pressure, Winslow has helped me by being a listening ear, a wise counselor, and an encourager in my relationship with God. I’m eternally grateful for his generosity and relational and spiritual care!
– Jennifer B.
Administrative Pastor – Corvallis, OR
More About Winslow
After more than 30 years in pastoral ministry, including 23 years in the same church, Winslow felt God calling him to the ministry of spiritual direction. He still enjoys teaching and preaching when the opportunities arise. However, his real passion is to sit with people and listen to their spiritual journey. Intentionally paying attention to the work of the Holy Spirit in people to transform them into the image of Christ is the goal.
Winslow and his wife, Donna, relocated to the Salem area in 2017 in an endeavor to establish a practice in spiritual direction. He has worked to make his home office a place of refuge, healing and direction.
Winslow’s training in spiritual direction includes: a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from NewWay Ministries and Dr. Larry Crabb (2012) and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from SoulFormation (2016) after completing the Academy of Spiritual Formation and the School of Spiritual Direction. He has also received training for supervision of spiritual directors.