When I first started in ministry, supervision was the ideal. It was strongly encouraged (in true Churches of Christ language), but we were essentially left to our own devices. I found it difficult in my early years. Distance, locality, and isolation seemed amplified as I wrestled with what I knew would be valuable, but unable to access it.
In January this year, I met with my Supervisor, Rick Lewis. We celebrated eleven years in supervision. He has spoken life into me, encouraged my heart, challenged my motivation, given me pause to reflect on response and helped form a deeper relationship with God, myself, my family, while understanding what I bring to serving others.
Jodi Crain (jodicrain.com.au) says Supervision is a dedicated, supportive process that helps you reflect on your work while acknowledging the personal and spiritual dimensions that influence your well-being. Supervision recognises that your work life, personal life, and spiritual life are interconnected. It provides a safe space to explore how these areas overlap, helping you navigate challenges while staying true to your calling and conviction.
There is some blurriness between Supervision, Spiritual Direction and Coaching. You might need to step into Coaching for a season as you navigate a particular area. Your supervisor can help you navigate the shift. You might discover something deeper that needs addressing before it derails you, your family, ministry, the future church. A supervisor can help direct you to healthy counselling, navigating the challenges and the opportunities. A supervisor isn’t your direct report or the friend you have been catching up with for years. I am more than happy to chat about the differences with you.
A supervisor holds you for you. And as they do, it benefits your health in every way. Relationships with your family, bearing healthy fruit in the local church, and therefore the community you serve.
While distance and locality made it difficult for me when I first started in ministry, it’s no longer the case. Online access is a great gift. Sure, face to face is always better, but any relationship is only as fruitful as you are honest! Supervisors have ways and means of drawing you out.
More recently the Royal Commission has put the heat on leaders/ministers to have supervisors. While we don’t want to respond in fear, we do want leaders in our communities demonstrating healthy, life giving, authentic, and meaningful relationships. That starts with ourselves.
There is often a financial cost. This can be claimed on tax or your church might pay your invoice. Either way, consider making an investment into your wellbeing and being a witness to others of pursuing transforming accountability. Having a supervisor also counts towards the hours of professional development for your ongoing accreditation with CCVT. Benefits all round!
If you need help finding a supervisor you can find more information and make a request here. Alternatively, you can explore supervision with Partners in Ministry or Australian Association of Supervision.
– Simon Risson
