What is pastoral supervision?

One of the best ways to understand pastoral supervision is to see it in the Biblical concept of “paraklesis”. We find the word group in the New Testament, amongst other things, to describe one person coming beside another to encourage and support them. Jesus used this word when talking to his disciples about the Holy Spirit, whom he would send to lead his people into all truth and be with them forever (see John 14:15ff, 15:26). The word is used to describe Barnabas the ‘son of encouragement’ (Acts 4:36). In Romans 15 Paul uses the word to refer to the endurance and encouragement that comes from Scripture and which brings hope. This is why in pastoral supervision a supervisor comes beside a minister to help them reflect on their ministry, and how they are engaging with that work, with a view to doing things differently in the future.

A safe and courageous space

Pastoral Supervision is a context of both safety and courage. It is ‘safe’ because supervision sessions are governed by strict confidentiality. Ministers and ministry workers can be assured that anything discussed will go no further (the only limitations here are when someone else is at risk, or reportable actions have been disclosed). Over my nearly 40 years in ministry, the best contexts I had to speak very candidly was when I was talking with someone acting as supervisor. Thankfully in my last two pastorates I was blessed with such people, and equally blessed that my local church supported those engagements in principle and financially. Sure, fellow leaders can be trusted too, but I found the supervisory context gave greater objectivity and freedom. In that sense supervision was particularly valuable.

Pastoral Supervision is not only safe, it is also courageous. It affords an opportunity to discuss one’s struggles, fears, joys and aspirations. It really is a blessing to be able to open up about the things that keep one awake at night, or the tendency to avoid certain situations/issues, or the weight of pastoral burdens, interactions with difficult people, even decisions one might struggle with in the local church or wider assemblies. Few ministers have contexts where they can courageously and with vulnerability engage in such self examination with a suitably qualified person.

While I recognise my knowledge of what other pastors are doing is not exhaustive, I think it’s fair to say throughout the recent history of the Australian evangelical church, our ability to engage in disciplined reflection about our calling and how we are going with it has not been a strong point. For too many, ministry experience has sometimes, perhaps often, been one of isolation, loneliness and helplessness. Supervision is a critical piece in changing that scenario.

If you have ever been asked for advice in situations of local church tension or ministry heartache you will probably have recognised the value of early intervention. You may also have observed that it did not eventuate, and that it was probably too late to retrieve the situation. Pastoral Supervision is no silver bullet to prevent such tragedies, but the anecdotal evidence indicates that good supervisory practice is a critical piece in reducing the incidence of pastoral breakdown.

What are your thoughts?