FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Pastoral Supervsion
Supervision is often described as reflecting on the past in the present, for the future.
It involves regular meetings between the supervisor and their supervisee. Each session involves a conversation in which the supervisor helps the supervisee develop insight, resilience and awareness.
Reflection can assist in realigning ministry practice with God’s truth as revealed in Scripture, as we take time to notice our lives, our relationships, our habits and our blind spots.
Pastoral Supervision provides a safe and supportive space with guidance and encouragement to:
- Debrief the day-to-day complexities of ministry work.
- Untangle your thoughts and emotions and take on a wider-angle view.
- Reflect in a way that leads to insight and action, reduced stress and improved wellbeing.
- Identify gaps between your theology and your actions leading to growth and development.
Ministry supervision is a powerful catalyst for growing such self-awareness that will help you remain in ministry for the long haul.
Ministry supervision and coaching both play important roles in personal and professional development.
Ministry supervision involves guided reflection on your work, focusing on spiritual and emotional growth to boost resilience and well-being. It seeks to align your actions with core theological principles.
Coaching has a stronger focus on identifying and achieving specific goals through improved skills and strategic planning.
Both supervision and coaching are valuable for professionals in care-oriented roles, as they strive to integrate their faith into their work and serve others effectively. Combining short-term coaching with long-term supervision can also offer significant benefits in certain contexts.
Establishing rapport with your supervisor is really important. Our supervisors welcome the opportunity to arrange an obligation-free conversation to explore supervision options and suitability.
You can view a list of approved/provisionally approved supervisors here along with a guide to choosing a supervsior.
The Sydney Diocese Pastoral Supervision Policy sets out who is required to undertake Pastoral Supervision (see Para 22 following in the Policy) and also states that: “A Pastoral Supervisee must undertake a minimum of six one-hour supervision sessions per annum. It is recommended that Pastoral Supervisees undertake six to ten sessions per annum.”
The Policy also states: “Pastoral Supervisees may undertake either one-to-one or group sessions, or a combination of both. It is recommended that all Pastoral Supervisees undertake some one-on-one sessions.”