Timothy Myland assumes the role of the Spiritual Formation Centre Director succeeding Barb Haycraft who served in this position for seven years.
Timothy is entering his fifth year with the Centre. Prior to coming to Tyndale to complete his MTS in Spiritual Direction, Timothy worked as a social worker for more than 30 years in the field of disability, including pediatric rehabilitation and mental health.
“Spiritual Formation really impacts your life because it’s so focused on your relationship with God, your personal walk. Spiritual Direction is learning about your God language, so how you understand God,” notes Timothy.
Students at Tyndale all have the opportunity to meet with a Spiritual Director as they navigate their studies and move into where God is calling them. “Tyndale offers a safe community where you can ask the questions, struggle personally, spiritually, emotionally, academically and still feel like you belong to the community. You’re getting more out of school here than just the head knowledge,” shares Timothy.
The Spiritual Formation Centre is part of the Open Learning Centre (OLC). The OLC of Tyndale houses the Tyndale Intercultural Ministries (TIM) Centre, Tyndale Leadership Centre and Family Life Centre as well.
Timothy’s on the Board of the Tyndale Association of Spiritual Directors. Their goal is to develop the profession of Spiritual Direction. One result of this association is the establishment of a code of ethics. “We want to create credibility, validity and accountability,” he shares. This field of practice is not a legislated entity like counselling. Spiritual Directors would be accountable to the Association on a voluntary basis. Clients would be made aware of this accountability structure to know they have the highest standards of professionalism available to them.
“As the new Director of the Spiritual Formation Centre, I’d like to see the existing practicum continue and support those students, as well as continue to promote spiritual formation, educating and raising awareness of its value.”