How to Choose a Supervisor

Initially, a person may be unsure of how to effectively choose a supervisor.
This is normal, so we offer the following tips of assistance: The personal qualities of the supervisor and how you are likely to get along with them are key ingredients for a successful supervision relationship. Consider both when looking for a supervisor.

Other factors to consider:

•  Approved Supervisors
  Supervisors on our list have been vetted for quality assurance and are approved by our Archbishop. If you are a mandated person under the policy (paragraph 28) you must select a supervisor from the approved list below.
  
• Meet and Greets
  Most supervisors offer a free (usually short) meet-and-greet session for you to ask questions. You can arrange a few of these and then choose the supervisor you think you will work best with. Even after this process, if you don’t feel the “fit” is right you can change supervisors.
  
•  Look for “fit’
  Choose someone who understands you. They should support you by listening more than speaking, and occasionally challenge you for your benefit and that of the Kingdom. You should come away from supervision feeling helped and supported.
  
•  Who?
  It’s best to choose someone whom you don’t know, or don’t know well. Even better, choose someone outside your geographical and social circles. At the very least the Pastoral Supervisor should not be a friend, relative or line manager. This enables you to share widely and freely and helps your supervisor to offer an impartial perspective.
  You can choose widely because Supervision is not about imposing theology or giving advice.
  Supervision should be a place where your own theological convictions are explored and applied.
  Any supervisor who promotes or imposes their own theology is practicing in a way that may be deemed unethical.
  
• Cost
  It is recommended that churches cover the cost of supervising their ministry staff to support their staff’s well-being. If this isn’t possible, both the staff and the church can consider sharing the cost of supervision. The average price for supervision is around $150 per session, but it can range from approximately $120 to $220 per session. The fee variation often depends on the pastoral supervisor’s experience and qualifications. However, the individual supervisor has the discretion to set their fees for their services.

Approved vs. Provisionally Approved Supervisors: Guidelines

An approved supervisor differs from a provisionally approved supervisor in several important ways:

Approved Supervisor:

• Has completed all required training and certification
• Can practice independently 
• Has obtained their graduate certificate

Provisionally Approved Supervisor:

• Is still in training
• Must practice under the supervision of an accredited supervisor
• Has completed foundational training and passed a competency assessment
• Must complete their graduate certificate before they can be fully approved
• May only provide individual (not group) supervision
• May charge a reduced supervision rate, which reflects their training status

The provisional status represents a transitional phase in the supervisor’s professional development, during which they gain practical experience while working toward full approval.

If you are still unsure or need assistance in finding a supervisor, the Manager of Supervision can assist you. If this is the case please contact Sarah Balogh here.

Note: List is randomised on each page refresh to avoid alphabetical bias.