Darren* initially became involved with an Empowered Faith Community through the COACH Community Mentoring program. His mentor, Robert, encouraged Darren to use his passion for cooking to benefit others by working in the kitchen, where he prepared meals alongside Jill. 

Although Jill and Darren come from very different social spaces, they became great mates, developing a bond that became loving and caring. Jill, a grandmother, had raised her family while operating successful restaurant businesses. Darren, having left school before he turned 15 years old, had learned to cook in prison. While working together in the early stages of their relationship, Darren would often regale Jill with colourful stories of his past and present situations, not necessarily to amuse himself but in part to see how Jill would respond. Jill realised that she needed to listen and be non-judgemental, exercising patience and perseverance. 

Over time, as their relationship grew and trust was formed and earned, Darren came to rely on Jill for spiritual wisdom and guidance. Jill had earned the right over a significant period of time to ask challenging, reflective questions of Darren. Darren’s positive regard and sense of love for Jill was such that he phoned her for Mother’s Day to thank her for her contribution to his life. Darren describes Jill as a role model. Jill exemplifies the need to be highly relational and low in challenge in the values gap, recognising that transformation is incremental and a long journey. These are great qualities in a Spiritual Parent in Empowered Faith Communities. Our hope is that with Spiritual Parents building trusting and safe relationships, honesty and vulnerability can form, leading to transformation. 

*Names changed to protect privacy.