Spiritual Director
Leaders Mentor
Retreat Leader

ABOUT
Jason has a joint honours degree in Psychology and Theology (Surrey University) and is a qualified teacher with a decade and a half’s experience teaching Social Science and Humanities, alongside extra pastoral and leadership roles. With his wife he planted and led West Wilts Vineyard Church for two decades before guiding the Church through a successful leadership transition. Jason has a Post Graduate Certificate in Occupational Psychology from the University of the West of England and completed his professional training as a spiritual director with Sustainable Faith in conjunction with Vineyard Churches UKI. Currently he is completing further training to accompany people through the Ignatian spiritual exercises.  
Jason works in spiritual direction with (primarily) men from the USA, Armenia, Holland, America, France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and England, whilst overseeing a growing number of retreats. Jason is happily married and has two young adult children. Outside of work Jason is a dedicated family man, semi professional musician, footballer, avid film watcher, Systema 'instructor in training', walker and passionate advocate for the great outdoors. 

Services

Spiritual Direction

Jason creates intentional space to help you develop a stronger, more personal and sustaining relationship with Christ. This is done by meeting monthly to reflect prayerfully on your experiences of God, prayer and life. Meetings provide opportunities for open conversation, deeper listening, spiritual discipline exploration, evolving personal awareness and encouragement. Spiritual direction is for anybody at any stage of their journey. However, if you are; in leadership, transitioning into a different season, engaging with important choices, discerning a calling, experiencing a challenging situation, struggling with your faith journey, or looking for newer ways to express your relationship with God then spiritual direction may be especially life giving. Each initial session is free so you can explore how spiritual direction might work for you. And if you are new to spiritual direction you may wish to read the testimonials section to glean more of an understanding of its workings and impact.

Retreats

Jason creates outdoor woodland retreats across the UK and Ireland for Christian men focussed on building greater spiritual and physical resilience. These are unique opportunities to appreciate nature, rest, reset, make new friends and acquire a range of practical techniques to quiet the mind, cultivate inner peace, enhance your spiritual awareness and build physical resilience. On these retreats Jason is joined by Matt Hill, former paratroop captain, who is a highly experienced outdoors retreat leader skilled in bushcraft and teaching physical health and wellbeing. Jason also creates tailored indoor or outdoor retreats for leaders, churches, teams, individuals and other groups in relation to their needs and goals. These can be over a single day or several days and hosted in your location or elsewhere. If you are already holding a retreat and looking for a contributor for seminars and activities or for a speaker you can also contact Jason.

Mentoring

Jason provides insightful mentoring shaped for you and your circumstances. Together you explore your challenges and goals to develop priorities and strategies that create paths forward and deepen your walk with Christ. In this context Jason draws on expertise and experience from psychology, education, teaching, spiritual formation and spiritual direction. In addition he has a deep personal working knowledge of church planting, church leadership, church building and community projects, church leadership transitions, and early working life roles within youth-work, finance, healthcare administration and as a musician. Jason has a wide ranging set of working, personal and real life experience - including as a husband and father. He is particularly passionate about helping younger people discover themselves and what God is drawing them towards. And in assisting those discerning and operationalising transitions into new roles and different seasons - especially leadership, ministry positions and creative pursuits.

Services

Debriefings

Jason works with his wife Sam offering comprehensive and personalised debriefings. Primarily these are for Christian leaders leaving ministry or a ministry role, or retiring, and for missionaries returning from the mission field. These 1-2 day residential debriefs offer a time for honest, open and guided reflection. There is opportunity to prayerfully engage with God about how the experience has been and to look toward the future. Making time in this structured way to properly process an ending and a new beginning is an important choice to prioritise personal wellbeing, whilst providing time to celebrate all thats been achieved. As well as making time to acknowledge where difficulties, challenge, unrealised ambition and circumstances have possibly evolved beyond our imaginings. These debriefings are ideal for couples who’ve worked in partnership, whether they were both fully employed or not. And they can also be enjoyed by individuals, who may wish to work with just Jason or Sam one to one.

Speaking

Jason is an engaging, encouraging, thought provoking, inspiring and well humoured public speaker. He communicates effectively with people of any background and uses his gently disarming manner to cover spiritual ideas and topics that can be both challenging and complex. His greatest passions as a communicator are to encourage people in their faith, ongoing spiritual formation, spiritual health, wellbeing and in discerning their vocations and seasons. Having worked professionally as a teacher and as a pastor over three decades he can confidently and effectively relate well to anyone and he enjoys the opportunity to speak in any setting. If you would like to book him for a Sunday service, public event, seminar, workshop, podcast or to teach at a leaders gathering he would be delighted to talk with you. And if you would like to listen to some of his previous teaching you can find past talks at the West Wilts Vineyard website (the church he co founded with his wife). www.westwiltsvineyard.com

Retreat Days

Jason offers one day retreats for leaders, or any other individuals, who are looking to get away and take time out to slow down and be with God alongside a spiritual companion. These days offer a chance for you to rest, disconnect from your other responsibilities and the noise of daily life. Here you can think, pray, be still, be quiet and benefit from gentle input designed to meet you where you find yourself and the needs you have. They include food and can include a comfortable evening stay too if that’s required so you can relax into your time away. A typical day would involve time spent together prayerfully looking at what your hopes are, time in nature to walk and enjoy the created world, space to be alone and time to harvest together what God has shared during the day with you. But as no two people are the same every day retreat can be designed to fit your needs and what brings life and rest to your soul!

Retreats

DISCOUNT AVAILABLE UNTIL 28th FEBRUARY 2025. Fireside Retreat’s are opportunities for Christian men to gather in the natural world to further develop their spiritual and physical resilience Set in a stunning natural environment this 2 day outdoor experience will take you back to the basics of life and challenge you to explore and find a path to deepen your faith and relationship with God in a sustainable way. Read More

  • Date: 16/05/2025 08:00 PM - 18/05/2025 08:00 PM
  • Location: Aboyne, Scotland, UK (Map)
Read More

Gallery

Testimonials

 

Spiritual Direction Jason holds the space perfectly, creating a sense of calm, relaxed purpose to the sessions. His depth of faith, knowledge, passion, and positive and joyful demeanour allow for a great balance between listening and gentle direction. I would wholeheartedly recommend Jason. (Matt H)

Matt H
 

Spiritual Direction I am sincerely grateful for the sessions I enjoyed with Jason as my spiritual director. I became accountable and eager to see God work powerfully in my life. Jason picked up on many areas of my life that needed my attention as we journeyed together, and noted how much I identified with Christian in Pilgrim’s Progress. I was to discover my potential as a human being fully alive in God, by developing areas such as boldness, taking new ground and listening (which I’m normally rubbish at!) Thank you Jason for giving me those precious times, reflections and insights in which I could work out my own journey! (Simon M)

Simon M
 

Spiritual Direction I’ve found Jason to be an attentive listener, incisive questioner, and that he has helped me to make space to meet with God. I’ve really enjoyed, and been challenged by, my Spiritual Direction sessions with him, and I look forward to them as valuable time in a full diary. (Jim C)

Jim C
 

Spiritual Direction I'm more than happy to give you a glowing recommendation…thank you for those wonderful sessions. (Nolan J)

Nolan J
 

Spiritual Direction Jason skilfully and sensitively follows the Spirit's lead, providing a space where God meets and speaks and where one can pause and reflect. Neither pushy nor intense, the pace and tone are just what is needed to discover, re-establish or enhance one's connection to God. If you are looking for someone who is experienced, well-trained and above all God-attuned, then you probably won't need to look any further. (Jonathan W)

Jonathan W
 

Spiritual Direction “Jason is a wonderful spiritual director.  He is a deep listener and in tune with Holy Spirit -  offering empowering questions, insights and reflections at the right time.  Meeting with Jason once a month consistently has enabled me to remain accountable and enjoy a consistent vibrant relationship with Jesus as a result.  I really appreciate you Jason.”  (Philip M)

Philip M
 

Spiritual Direction Having Jason as a Spiritual Director over the last year has helped me enormously with my own journey.  He has patiently helped me recognise the invitations from God; and having someone else walk that intentional pathway with me has made it possible for me to continue making steps, without striving, and instead I have deepened the awareness I have of the gentle still voice of God in my own life.  I am in a different place, spiritually, to when I started and I credit the gentle input from Jason for the encouragement that has made this possible.  (Mark C)

Mark C
 

Spiritual Direction I've been really blessed by my time with Jason. I live a crazy full life pastoring a church, running a technology startup, being the father of 4 and trying to be a husband, too. I've come to really cherish the chance to stop once a month and be lead into God's presence and hear his voice for me. There have been very powerful encounters that have had a profound effect on my identity in Jesus. (Matt B)

Matt B
 

Spiritual Direction I tried spiritual direction with Jason not really sure what to expect, but having heard friends talk about how valuable it can be. I’m so glad I gave it a go! It’s proved to be such a precious space to reflect and ponder on what God is doing in my life. I often start my monthly sessions with no idea what I’m going to share, and am constantly surprised at how God brings things to the surface, speaks into them, and every time I leave encouraged and with lots to think about. In a word (or three): I love it. (Matty P)

Matty P
 

Spiritual Direction “Being on the spiritual path can be lonely and confusing, especially if you’re just starting out. Jason has helped me to address some deep issues and difficult questions in my life. He brings a fresh, energising perspective to our discussions. I feel a lot more centred and grounded as a result of this work, and it’s helped to strengthen my faith too." (Mike H)

Mike H
 

Fireside Mens Retreat Fellas thanks again for an incredible experience. Great to meet you all and special thanks to Matt & Jason! (Mike)

Mike
 

Fireside Mens Retreat This has been a great weekend and has brought me another step closer to Father God. (John B)

John B
 

Spiritual Direction I have been attending regular spiritual direction with Jason for 2 years, and I am so pleased that I made the decision to start. I knew that God was real, and working around me, but I have been repeatedly amazed by how much slips past my notice every day. I hoped to find solace in challenging circumstances, and I do. But I didn't expect that there would be so much to notice and enjoy again in events that have gone well. Spiritual direction, and the opportunity to sift through everyday experiences (whether I perceive them as positive or negative) and find a glimmer of God's action and loving attention there, is a treasure that continues to sustain me. I would recommend that anyone interested in spiritual direction give it a try. You might be surprised at the depth you can experience in even one conversation. (Scott W)

Scott W
 

Fireside Mens Retreat A REALLY rich time with you guys, thank you, 5 stars for Jason & Matt for putting it together, a really engaging recipe of bushcraft, survival, spiritual health and camaraderie, and it’s not true you can hear John B snoring from a mile away… (Haydn)

Haydn
 

Fireside Mens Retreat Jason and Matt, what can I say. What a fantastic weekend spent in the company of great men. All of us, from different walks of life, all of whom were a joy to get to know, to laugh together with, to listen to and to share this fantastc weekend retreat. I feel richer for it. From the outset both Jason and Matt you made me feel at ease and under no pressure to take part in anything I wasn't comfortable with or unsure about. As it happens I immediately felt encouraged and inspired to step out of my padded life, step into nature and consider the things I take for granted everyday, to stop to really listen to God's created world around me. The way I breathe and move to benefit my physical and mental resilience and how I can intentionally prepare my mind and body as I meet with God. A common theme this weekend was that as a reasult of the world we live in, we as men find ourselves to be very busy. We struggle to know how to stop. This retreat has really helped me find ways to push aside the noise of life and intentionally center my mind on God. This weekend retreat came at the perfect time for me. Matt and Jason in facilitating this retreat so brilliantly, I now feel such a deep sence of peace and restoration and now have some really easy to use practices that I hope to weave into my everyday life. I would recommend this to everyone I know. Sign me up for the next weekend retreat!! (Marco)

Marco
 

Fireside Mens Retreat Just got back from a 24 hr retreat with Jason and Matt. I’ll be honest I didn’t expect much in 24hrs …..but it couldn’t be further from the truth….it was quite simply extraordinary. Two true men of God guiding us spiritually and physically…….never knew that the act of breathing could be so rewarding physically, mentally and spiritually. I would recommend this to all men of all ages as it is truly transformative. Thank you both for a wonderful experience (Jeremy G)

Jeremy G
 

Spiritual Direction 'My time with Jason has been such a gift to me! In his role as a spiritual director, he is so good at holding space for me to meet with God. Which has been a lifeline in all that life has brought me over the last years. The good, the bad, the ugly, Jason helps me to bring it all to the feet of Jesus. With patience, laughter, silence, a thought or reflection; Jason really gives me the feeling of being seen and known. The fruit of our time together has been a deeper communion with Christ. And it has helped me navigate in my roles as a father of young kids, husband, leader in ministry and in my work as a psychologist'. (Flo K)

Flo K
 

Spiritual Direction Jason created a much needed safe space for self reflection…his peaceful demeanour put me at ease and helped me navigate some challenging times. (Con W)

Con W
 

Spiritual Direction "Meeting with Jason every month helps me to get a better grip on my inner life. As a pastor, I prioritize longevity and spiritual direction helps me to stay emotionally and spiritually healthy. It gives me the opportunity to work through and deal with things going on beneath the surface. For me, Jason is a gentle voice of confirmation, reflection, challenge and wisdom. These meetings mean a lot to me."  (Koen P)

Koen P
 

Spiritual Direction Jason is the first spiritual director I’ve had and it has been a joy spending time with him. I didn’t really know what to expect, but from the very beginning I have found Jason so easy to talk to and feel like he hears me and understands me. Would thoroughly recommend. (Guy P)

Guy P
 

Spiritual Direction “Here’s a spiritual director that prayerfully listens and asks questions that point me toward Jesus. I’m thankful that Jason has been my spiritual director and made time to meet with me even though I am many time zones away.” (Sven D S)

Sven D S
 
 

F.A.Q

Spiritual direction is an ancient practise within the Christian tradition characterised by a series of conversations where a director comes alongside the directee to help them listen for the words and work of God in their life.  A spiritual director has had special training in the art of listening, being able to demonstrate good communication skills with people, and a deep understanding of many of the ways in which God has communicated with people (and people with God) throughout history.  This would include knowledge of scripture, of church history, of spirituality, and of psychology.
Depending on what is comfortable for the directee, a director may begin the meeting in one of several ways: they may pray a prayer of invocation, and sit in silence with the directee for some moments until the directee feels ready to break the silence and begin sharing what’s happening for them; or sometimes the director begins with a simple question, “How has it been going since the last time we met?” Often there is some time for general conversation as both the director and the directee transition into the direction time. As the directee shares, the director will be listening and from time to time ask questions or make observations about the sharing. The director will “pace” the meeting, creating space around the sharings that seem to be tapping into the directees’ connection with God. The director will validate and encourage the directee, but will never rebuke, command or exploit the directee. Based on the directees’ sharing, the director may make suggestions about spiritual practices or experiences that the directee may want to explore in the coming month.
The directee shares about his or her relationship with God (as much or as little as he/she feels safe to share).  Anything that is in the realm of one’s spiritual life is appropriate to share in the meeting with the director.
Sessions occur monthly and they can take place in person or via Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp Video or Zoom. In person meetings can be done as a walk or sat inside at a convenient location. 
The first initial session is always FREE and there is no obligation to continue or to sign up for a set number of sessions. (Although it is recommended to do an initial three sessions and then review every six months).
Thereafter sessions are £45 per session (one hour) payable via BACS on the same day of the session. 
Presently there are plans to host another Christian mens woodland ‘fireside retreat’ just outside of Warminster (south west England) in the spring and then early autumn of 2024. Please email Jason directly and he will provide dates once confirmed. And further pages will be added later to the website.
Jason is also working on a Christian mens retreat for Scotland and N.Ireland in 2024/25 which will be a combined indoor and outdoor retreat.
Updates will appear on the website once details have been finalised.  
Please email Jason directly and he can discuss what it is that you need. From there he can create something together with you that works. Jason already has a variety of resources and can recommend formats if thats helpful as well as creating something entirely unique for you and your people.
You can also book Jason as a speaker, facilitator or contributor at an existing retreat. He is very happy to travel within the UK and Europe for work. 
If you’d like to have a conversation about mentoring please email Jason directly and he can arrange a time to discuss with you what you’re looking for and what your current situation is.
Then he can create a personalised plan with you about how to move forward and discuss how often to meet etc. As every persons situation is different the way in which Jason will work with you will be tailored to you and your unique circumstances.
Mentoring sessions can be conducted online or in person and the cost is £45 per hour, payable via BACS on the day of the meeting.
Jason is available for mentoring sessions at conferences, events and team training/development programs if you have a number of people who want mentoring.
Most recently Jason worked with Christy Wimber at her effective leadership conference in Newcastle providing mentoring sessions for a wide range of attendees.

Jason is an engaging personality with a wealth of experience as a public speaker from education, pastoring and musical performance in churches and elsewhere. He can communicate confidently and humorously in a manner that is accessible to anyone, whilst also providing thought provoking observations.
If you would like Jason to speak at a public event, conference, seminar, gathering, church service/meeting, or as a guest on a podcast or elsewhere then please email him directly to arrange that.  
Jason has been fully and properly trained as a teacher, pastor and spiritual director so he is extremely well experienced in creating safe and professional spaces for everyone he works with. All clients are completely assured that everything discussed is confidential and their anonymity is guaranteed.
As part of his ongoing personal and professional development Jason has his own spiritual director, that he meets with monthly, and a separate supervisor that he meets with several times a year for professional supervision with. 
Please pray for Jason in the work he does and for those he works with. If you wish to financially support or donate towards Jason’s work as a spiritual director, retreat leader and mentor you can contact him directly about how to send open donations or specify their purpose.
Examples of this so far have included; sponsoring a number of spiritual direction or mentoring sessions for someone else or providing a free/subsidised place on a retreat.
Also if you are aware of suitable venues that are looking for people to run retreats or who want to book a contributor then please contact Jason directly. 

Contact

  • Trowbridge, UK

Please contact me via my email address - jasoncwhiley@hotmail.com - and allow up to a week for a reply in case I’m travelling for work. I will endeavour to get back to you sooner.

Qualifications
Access to Higher Education (East Surrey College), including psychology, sociology, media studies & history. 1996

Psychology & Theology joint honours degree (Surrey University), 2:1. 1999

Post Graduate Certificate in Secondary Religious Education (Bath Spa University). 2000

Qualified Teacher Status (Clarendon College, Wiltshire). 2001

Church Planter/Pastor (Vineyard Churches UKI). 2004

Post Graduate Cetifcate in Occupational Psychology (University of the West of England). 2016

Spiritual Director (Sustainable Faith USA). 2019

Systema Instructor 'in training' (Vladimir Vasiliev Systema). 2024