Christeen McKay

I began in my late 20’s with a Pentecostal experience of being “born again” and speaking in tongues. I have remained as part of that body of Christ ever since and enjoyed the charismatic / evangelical emphasis for some time.

However, from the beginning and increasingly I felt uncomfortable with the exclusive nature of believing the charismatic way was the right (and only) way.

I was delighted some 15 years ago when I came across Centering Prayer and the Contemplative Christian traditions which resonate with being open to the mystery of God’s loving presence rather than a prescriptive certainty.

Discovering the formation programme for spiritual direction in 2016 was my introduction to a body of people from diverse backgrounds and streams of Christianity coming together in an inclusive, non-judgmental way.

I now enjoy a prayer life which embraces the charismatic as well as silent, contemplative ways of being. Each day I am open to letting go of the many layers of unhelpful, divisive attitudes I unconsciously hold as the Spirit leads me on.

I came to spiritual direction in my later years after working as a psychologist for 30 years and after some difficulties in defining the boundaries between the two disciplines I have come to a place where they inform each other and blend well.

The role of companioning someone on their journey into the Loving Mystery of God is a privilege. My intention is to listen deeply without judgement, open to all aspects of being because every part of a person; mental, emotional, relational and spiritual is grist to the mill of life and is an invitation drawing us closer to the realisation of Emmanual (God with us).

Now based in Wanaka