Pastoral Supervision involves a relationship, a process and a focus. The relationship between a Supervisee and a Supervisor is both professional and personal, holding personal intimacy and professional distance in tension in a way that cares for the needs of the supervisee and those in their care. The process of supervision emphasises reflection before action. It involves pressing pause, stepping back, and reflecting on issues that we don’t normally have the time, brain-space, context, awareness of, or safety to talk or think about in depth -but really need to. And the focus is on ministry. An observer could draw clear lines between the content of the session and the supervisee’s ministry.
This unique relationship, process and focus, helps those in ministry to serve more effectively, faithfully, sustainably and joyfully.
I would suggest that Pastoral Supervision is valuable -if not ethically essential- for any leader in a ‘pastoral’ role that involves the nurture and protection of others. It could be described as providing care for the carers, facilitating growth for the growers, helping the guides find guidance, and sometimes guarding the guardians. With this scope, it is not limited to those serving in a church context.
As well as church leaders, my clients (past and present) have included: army chaplains, school chaplains, prison chaplains, supervisors, cross-cultural workers, bible college faculty, school teachers, principals, para-church workers, NGO and Charity staff, businessmen, doctors and other health care workers.
It is relevant and beneficial to each individual in their context.
This content is being edited, but the short answer is yes and no.
Standard rate per session is $180 (+GST). Meeting for 1 hour, every 6 weeks, 6 to 8 times a year.
I usually meet online, however if you live on or can get to the Central Coast NSW, we can meet in person!
Ideally the cost is fully or at least partially covered by your employer or supporters. If finance is a genuine obstacle to receiving support let me know and we will find a way forward.
If your denomination, church or organisation is exploring supervision, I would be very keen to meet with those involved in setting it up to discuss what it is and what is involved. As well as being a trained and experienced supervisor, I have been an adjunct lecturer for the St Marks Graduate Certificate Professional Supervision course training those studying to become professional supervisors.
The organisation I am part of -Partners In Ministry- already provides supervision for many large churches, and a few organisations so we are well positioned and experienced to help you in this area of ministry.
Supervision On Supervision.
My background in education and my experience as a practitioner and adjunct lecturer in Professional Supervision have opened up exciting opportunities for me to supervise Pastoral Supervisors on their Supervision. If you are a Pastoral Supervisor looking for a Supervisor, please click HERE to book a connect session.