Darryl Parsons
Spiritual Direction and Coaching
Creating safe spaces for discernment in your journey
What is
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is having a companion journeying alongside you, helping you create spaces of attentiveness where you notice God’s activity in your life and deepen your relationship with Him. It is not having someone telling you what to do or what Jesus is saying; I listen with you as a co-discerner. It is a safe, confidential space to slow down and pay attention to God. There are many voices in your thoughts, and a Spiritual Director helps you discern them and notice where the Holy Spirit, who is the true director, is speaking. A spiritual companion offers encouragement when the journey is difficult and provides a sounding board for discerning what direction to take. If there is a directive element to this relationship, it is in the way a Spiritual Director helps direct your attention toward God.
A spiritual direction session is typically 55 minutes on the phone or on Zoom once a month. After a brief time of prayer or silence, the director listens generously, invites you to share what is on your heart, and encourages exploration of different spiritual formation practices.
A few signs you might benefit from spiritual direction:
- You have something you are discerning
- A desire for a deeper relationship with God
- Feelings of doubt or distance from God
- Feeling stuck or uncertain in your faith
- Reflecting on prayer, Scripture, or life events to notice where God may be at work
What is
Coaching
Coaching is a collaborative relationship where you can focus on goals or work through complex challenges in your life. As a coach, I am not here to tell you what to do; I listen carefully and ask questions that help you deepen your understanding and develop action steps that are important to you.
Beyond reaching your goals, coaching can transform how you see a situation and how you think about it. These insights can help change behaviour and help you flourish.
The process involves meeting regularly for confidential conversations where the coach uses their skills to engage the person being coached in a thought-provoking and creative dialogue that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Typically, these sessions take place monthly for 55 minutes over the phone or Zoom.
A few signs you might benefit from coaching:
- You are feeling stuck, like you are not making real progress
- You are pursuing a goal or dream and are unsure how to get started or what the next step should be
- You are navigating a significant life transition
- You are struggling with work–life balance
Schedule a Conversation
About
Darryl Parsons
Darryl Parsons has served in various ministry roles since 1995. He has worked with The Salvation Army in youth and community services, Christian radio, and with ex-offenders. He joined the YFC Canada National Office in 2013 and is currently the National Coaching Coordinator.
Darryl has completed coach training through Essential Impact and spiritual direction training through Emmaus School of Formation. He provides coaching, training, and spiritual direction to YFC staff across the country and also offers coaching and spiritual direction to individuals outside YFC in his own time.
In addition to his professional coaching and spiritual direction practice, Darryl also provides coaching, spiritual direction, and training to Youth for Christ Canada as National Coaching Coordinator.
He lives in Peterborough, Ontario, with his wife, Tracy, and they have three adult children.
Darryl has a genetic condition causing significant vision loss. Along with experiencing difficult seasons in life and work, these challenges give him perspective for journeying with others who struggle.
His favourite things include conversations over coffee, reading, glamping, and playing music.
What Participants are Saying
Spiritual Direction
Darryl has been a thoughtful and engaging spiritual director. As I have met with him, his presence, listening, and discernment created a space where I felt both known and gently challenged to grow in my relationship with God. I’m grateful for the way he helped me pay attention to God’s work in my life with clarity, grace, and care.
Darryl has created a space where I can truly experience, hear, and encounter God. He has a rare gift for listening with deep compassion and sensitivity.
Darryl is a kind and patient coach, always willing to listen and sit in the silence while you process and work through problems. He asks thoughtful questions, is able to challenge thoughts and can direct you back to the love of God in the midst of doubt. I can’t recommend him enough to help you navigate any season of life you’re in.
What Participants are Saying
Coaching
Darryl is an outstanding coach. He has helped me navigate complex staffing challenges, clarify decisions around future planning, and even gain insight that positively impacted my marriage.
Through his thoughtful questions, Darryl helped me articulate and work through my own challenges with greater clarity and confidence. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking personal or leadership coaching
I have worked alongside Darryl for years and seen how his coaching has enabled many people to discern ways to address their challenges and grow into stronger leaders.