Refresh
Journal of Contemplative Spiritulity
Refresh - Journal of Contemplative Spirituality
Published twice-yearly by Spiritual Growth Ministries since 2001, Refresh nourishes those seeking deeper spiritual formation and connection to contemplative perspectives and practices. Contributors offer articles, reflections, poetry and imagery, offering sustenance for the spiritual life of the Christian community and beyond. Printed copies of Refresh can be posted to your home anywhere in New Zealand. You can access the current issue below online and browse our archive to read past issues.
Refresh 25th Anniversary Special Edition
Spiritual Direction
Refresh Winter 2026 | Volume 28 Issue 1
The 25 year special edition of Refresh, is out now. We are shining a light on Spiritual Direction - exploring this great treasure of the contemplative tradition through voices from Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
Kathryn Overall-Cass, Lead-Editor of Refresh writes:
Having a trusted person to help you listen to your life and notice where God is at work is of priceless value. Spiritual direction offers such a gift. The contributors in this issue generously share their stories, wisdom and learnings that have come about through the grace of this ministry of listening.
Spiritual direction is not easy to explain. Nevertheless, definitions and descriptions offer a doorway into this relational practice - and once in the room you can look around and experience it for yourself.
We hope this special edition of Refresh will provide such a doorway for many people. May it be a welcoming invitation to those just discovering this aspect of our Christian lineage. Likewise, may it encourage seasoned spiritual director - as you take time to savour the treasures revealed about this hidden ministry by our community’s writers and poets.
Would you help us share the gift of spiritual direction more widely? Perhaps you might like to request some extra print copies, or share the digital version with someone who might be glad you did.
Request free print copies of this special edition of Refresh
We printed 1000 extra print copies of this special edition of Refresh - an expression of our commitment to strengthening and supporting the contemplative stream in Aotearoa New Zealand.
We’d love to send one to you!
We welcome requests from all individuals, churches, ministry networks, retreat centres etc. A contribution towards postage is appreciated where possible, but we will send copies wherever there is genuine interest.
Help us share this special edition of Refresh more widely.
Contact Jenna on admin@sgm.org.nz to request copies now.
“Refresh is where people can read what God is doing in the hearts and lives of other contemplative Christians; how they are responding to the issues of the day. The articles, pictures, poems, and photos connect me to our growing contemplative community in Aotearoa. They often rekindle my love for this whenua and its unique spirituality.
— Trish O’Donnell
Receive Refresh - Journal of Contemplative Spirituality in your letterbox
We warmly invite you to receive the print edition of Refresh Journal of Contemplative Spirituality twice each year.
Each issue explores a particular theme evoking contemplation and stimulating thought, prayer and spiritual growth.
Whether you are a seasoned pilgrim on the contemplative path or a curious explorer, Refresh is for you.
Printed copies of Refresh can be posted to your home anywhere in New Zealand.
Appreciation for Refresh
“Refresh spurs us on in our deepening practice, exposes us to other creative and knowledgeable sources as well as giving us a sense of belonging to a loosely held movement. It also provides tangible form that can be given to others who are searching for ways of connecting to something beyond or deeper.”
— Bruce Maden
“Refresh is where people can read what God is doing in the hearts and lives of other contemplative Christians; how they are responding to the issues of the day. The articles, pictures, poems, and photos connect me to our growing contemplative community in Aotearoa. They often rekindle my love for this whenua and its unique spirituality.
— Trish O’Donnell