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What is Pastoral Supervision?

Pastoral Supervision is an opportunity for those engaged in Christian ministry to meet with a skilled supervisor to evaluate their practice. Supervisee’s are provided with ministry practice and the opportunity to grow and develop through courageous conversations and honest reflection on best practice. All this is within a supportive environment with a clear and established relationship of trust and confidentially between supervisor and the supervisee.

Best practice in Christian ministry has always included either some form of pastoral supervision, however society has demanded the formalisation of pastoral supervision after terrible failures highlighted by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Specific recommendations such as article 16.45 states that each “religious institution should ensure that all people in religious or pastoral ministry, including religious leaders, have professional supervision with a trained professional or pastoral supervisor who has a degree of independence from the institution within which the person is in ministry.” Most Christian denominations have implemented this recommendation.

What should you expect?

Clarity around pastoral supervision is essential. The relationship is normally contracted for a 12-month period, meeting 8-10 during that time.

Essential elements include:

• Setting goals for the contracted period
• Remaining focused on ministry issues
• The supervisee using the opportunity to reflect upon real issues face in ministry
• Aligning to ethical practice
• Ministry formation and development
• An environment where support and restoration might be experienced
• A review of set goals at mid and end of year.