Supervision
Ministry Supervision
But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.
Jeremiah 17: 7 – 8 NLT
What is ministry supervision?
Vocation and ministry work and activity are at the forefront of ministry supervision. In the context of a safe and trusted supervision relationship, you have the opportunity to grow and develop into being your best and truest self in your ministry/role. It provides a confidential space and relational refuge for ongoing formation, reflection, self-examination, authenticity, and accountability.
The space offered by pastoral supervision is a great opportunity to reflect on your role and vocation – what you do and why you do it. You set the agenda for what we explore together and what you need out of each session. One way of describing the focus of ministry supervision is a skilled supervisor reflecting practically, emotionally, and spiritually with a client about their work, the people they are involved with, and the impact their work has on themselves and others.
Supervision and spiritual direction conversations can and do overlap - particularly when working in a pastoral role. If it is helpful, we can move between these two practices as long as you are clear on which ‘hat’ you need me to wear. We can start each session with an opportunity to ‘check in’ to see what you feel will be most helpful to you each month.
How it works
Our initial conversation is a chance to connect and explore your expectations and needs as well as any previous experience you’ve had with supervision. If you decide you would like to work with me, we will book our first session together.
Monthly sessions are 55 minutes in length and are $100. This can be paid directly into my account. (If the cost is prohibitive for you, please discuss this with me directly.) If you live outside of NZ, we can make alternate arrangements for payment using PayPal.
Sessions are currently available on Thursdays or Fridays either in person or on Google meets. A no-show fee will be applied unless notice is given 24 hours prior, except in the case of an emergency.
JeHow to prepare for your supervision session
Have your notebook beside you. Relax and take some deep breaths. Let your mind drift back over your work in the last month. It may be helpful to have your calendar with you as you reflect on the content of your month.
Some of the questions below may help you to reflect on your work and your feelings about it.
What surfaces for you immediately? Notice it and name it.
What things left you feeling pleased? In what way did they go well?
What interactions have you enjoyed most? What were your feelings at the time?
What was difficult for you? How did you feel when experiencing these difficulties?
What were you/are you, uncertain about?
What are you looking forward to in your work in the future? Anything you’re not looking forward to?
Are there any anxieties about your relationship with any of those in your care?
What was the most significant event in your work this month?
Do you notice any patterns repeating themselves?
Is there a particular issue that you want to clarify where you stand?
Are you avoiding or putting something off? What? Why?
Are there any particular situations or feelings you want to explore?
