Credentials- I have received certification to be a supervisor through Wesley House Cambridge in 2026. I am a member of the Association for Pastoral Supervision and Education in both the UK and in the Centre for Creative Supervision in the US.
Reflective Pastoral Supervision
While the word supervision can be off-putting at first, It was developed by Leech and Patterson to describe a boundaries, planned, and intentional relationship between a supervisor and a supervision client. It is based on confidentiality, safety, and support through the use of a covenant.
As a supervisor, I am not one who oversees or judges your work, but rather walks with you and explores different parts of ministry. The idea is to get a broader view and vision of what is being presented.
What is Supervision?
Unlike coaching, this is a guided conversation using the image of the Greenwich Foot Tunnel. We begin by recognizing God’s work in our conversation in your ministry.
As we come to the question we will work on together, we begin working on that question through the use of play, art, embodiment, role play, poetry, or a number of other ways of exploration. These techniques help the client to step out and look at the issue from a balcony view. The purpose is also to connect the head to the heart as we explore why this issue is the one we are discussing in the moment.
Finally, we exit looking at actionable items, conversation allies, and once again recognizing God’s work in the conversation.
An agreed record of the conversation is created and sent to a third party to keep all accountable.
Greenwich Foot Tunnel
RPS was created in the United Kingdom to help work with struggling clergy. Issues of loneliness, worry, anxiety, and even addiction were stemming from everyday struggles with ministry.
Working through conversation and exploration, there has been a transformation in those pastors who have worked with supervisors.
I can state that I have personally benefitted which is why I wanted to be a supervisor. I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with two incredible supervisors who helped me explore questions in my ministry. It was ministry changing.
It is appropriate for ordained pastors and ordained deacons in all denominations.