​Listen into Life: Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Formation program based in Launceston, Tasmania will have a second intake in August 2026.

Listen into Life is an ecumenical, contemplative formation program in the Christian tradition and open to those who sense that God may be calling them to the work of spiritual direction, and are looking for a community where this vocation can be explored and nurtured. 

The program consists of four residential weekend intensives a year over four years. 

Participants experience a variety of workshops, lectures, practicum groups, etc with the specific aim of providing the skills, knowledge and formative experience to practice as a
spiritual director. 

This program commenced in Tasmania for the first time in August 2025.

Program Dates:

First Year (following a similar pattern for the four years)
29-31st August 2025
21-23rd November 2025
27th Feb – 1 st March 2026
29-31st May 2026​
Second intake will commence in August 2026 (dates tbc)

Details:

Program Cost: $2950 per year (all inclusive)
Program Venue: Worldview Centre for Intercultural Studies, St Leonards
​
Maximum new intake 8 participants

Meet the Program Team:

Sally Jones
Program Director

READ SALLY'S BIO

Sally did her spiritual direction formation through the NSW Listen into Life program, going on to complete a Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction through Tabor College in Adelaide in 2018, and also completed a Masters in Ministry in 2023. She has previously worked as an adjunct lecturer in several theological institutions in Sydney before moving into contemplative spiritual direction formation as a primary vocation. Sally is passionate about the transformative power of deep listening, and is interested in seeing people formed and transformed, not just ‘trained’. She has been on the program team of Listen into Life since 2018, becoming the Program Director in late 2023. Sally was born and bred in Sydney, and lives and runs a private practice in Pastoral Supervision, Mentoring and Spiritual Direction in north-west Sydney.

Sandra Hart
​  

READ SANRDA'S BIO

​Sandra did her spiritual direction formation through the Emmanuel Centre for Spirituality (2007-2010) and qualifications in formal and theological education (B.Th, M. Ed, M.Div). Her vast experience includes being the Academic Dean (WCIS, 1978-1995), Director Cornerstone Centre For Intercultural Studies (1996, 1997-2001), Adjunct Lecturer MTC, Hong Kong (2002-2008), Regional Director ACOM, 2006-2010, and Associate Minister for Prayer and Training at Door of Hope Christian Church, 2004- 2013. She also served on the Academic Board at Tabor College (2008-2012). Sandra is currently a Minister Emeritus at Door of Hope Christian Church in Launceston, and has a private practice in mentoring and spiritual direction.

​Belinda Chapman

READ BELINDA'S BIO

Belinda completed her Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction through the Jesuit College of Spirituality and the Australian Catholic University in 2021, and is a qualified Giver of the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius through the Arrupe Program. Belinda also completed a B. Th in 2018, and is currently studying a Graduate Certificate in Supervision through ACU. Belinda has been a retreat and reflection day facilitator (for young and old) for many years. She recently concluded full-time employment with St Patrick's College Launceston as their Retreat & Reflection day coordinator to focus on her spiritual direction and retreat-giving practice. Belinda is based in George Town, Tasmania, where she enjoys gardening, walking, reading, learning, listening and sharing life with all.

​Denise Stephenson

READ DENISE'S BIO

​Denise was born and bred in the evangelical heartland of North West Coast of Tasmania, and first encountered contemplative spirituality and spiritual direction in the mid 1990s. When the Wellspring Centre (Melbourne) offered a Spiritual Direction formation course in Tasmania, she jumped at the chance to delve deeper. In 2000 Denise qualified as Spiritual Director, and began sharing her love of the contemplative with the communities of faith in her region. Denise leads prayer days, retreats and workshops, particularly focused on introducing contemplative spirituality and practice to those who have not experienced it
before. She has been practicing as a spiritual director for 24 years and hopes to do so for many more. Denise was Associate Pastor for Spiritual Formation at LifeWay Baptist Church Devonport, until retiring in December 2020. She now lives in Lymington in the Huon Valley in Southern Tasmania where she and her husband are exploring how to grow a community of faith centred around food, hospitality and contemplative practice.

​To register your interest or for an application pack, click below.

Get Application pack

Applications for 2026 will close on
Tuesday 30th June.