I am a Christian spiritual director trained through SGM. I have been actively engaged in spiritual formation and pastoral care for over three decades. I am a graduate of the Bible College of New Zealand (Laidlaw College) with a Bth in biblical studies. I hold a post-graduate from Auckland University in Organisational Studies.

I have held the position of Executive Director for Industrial Chaplaincy Northern and CEO TEAR Fund. I was an elected member of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board, Auckland Council.

My natural spiritual instinct faces the Celtic tradition with its deep reverence for the sacred in all of life and commitment to non-violence and the environment. Importantly I believe there is more value in having a lively curiosity with an open mind and compassionate heart, than fixed and unquestioning absolutes or dogma. I continue to deepen my appreciation of inter-faith dialogue.

Most of my life has been concerned with social action and justice on behalf of the marginalised and oppressed domestically and internationally. In this work and ministry, I have been especially attentive to the presence of God in challenging environments and particularly how we respond to the biblical mandate to seek justice and encourage the oppressed (Isa 1.17)

I am also an artist with my own home studio and displaying locally. The connection between art and spirituality is an area of interest for me and from time to time I work with other artists supporting their pursuit of the sacred in art. My online portfolio is found at www.stevetollestrup.crevado.com

I attended Cityside Baptist Church, married to a wonderful life partner of forty years with four grown children and six grandchildren.

I approach spiritual direction as one of life’s great and noble adventures as we set out to explore and discover the presence and voice of the sacred in our world and within ourselves. On this path, we learn to listen and respond to a loving God beyond our imagination. This spiritual journey requires that we are equipped with courage and bravery to move beyond our fixed notions in the hope and assurance of deeper insight. On this journey, we hold the world and ourselves with compassion and kind-heartedness.

As a spiritual director, I am skilled and down to earth. I use a reflective and supportive style as well as creative and insightful contemplative strategies. I am experienced in most Christian spiritual disciplines including Lectio-Divina, Ignatian meditation, centring prayer, and creative reflection. I have also done formal training in Zen meditation and regularly sit zazen.

While I offer I offer Spiritual Direction to anyone my professional experience in community-based organisations particularly suits leaders in all settings wanting to develop spiritual discernment as they lead the churches, organisations, businesses, political appointments, and ministries they are entrusted with. I also provide specialist spiritual direction for social workers, missionaries, environmentalists, and advocates looking to better understand the presence of Christ in their calling to social justice.

I also facilitate workshops focused on spirituality in life. You can read more on www.sacravist.com

My charges are koha