Professional Supervision for Ministry Workers

PC023-812/PC023-912

Subject Overview 

The unit introduces a range of theories and models in professional supervision in pastoral contexts, and provides practical training in the skills of professional supervision, particularly in the area of contracting. All students enter the program as postgraduate professionals and, whilst engaged in their own supervision and supervising one or two supervisees in their context, integrate the skills and knowledge they are learning in the unit.

This unit contributes to course objectives by enhancing the professional and vocational skills of practitioners to promote ministry development in others. The purpose of the unit is to provide best practice knowledge and skill in professional supervision.

	On-campus
Workload	Semester One Extensive
Status	Elective
Prerequisites	48 credit points, level 8
When	February 28-29, 2020 May 14-15, 2020
Teachers	Geoff Broughton Len Firth

 

Content

1. Course Introduction; Clinical Supervision vs Ministry/Pastoral Supervision
2. Transformational Learning; Running a Supervision Session and Contracting; Review of Relational Skills; Use of Self in Supervision
3. Reflection on Action and the Pastoral Action Cycle: Cyclical and Process Models of Supervision; Supervision of Supervision and Supervision Practice
4. The Developmental Model of Supervision; Self Awareness as a supervisor

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Understand and demonstrate:
   1. Advanced knowledge and understanding of, and the research underlying, professional supervision with particular reference to ministry contexts
   2. Biblical and Theological perspectives on professional supervision
2. Be able to:
   1. Examine recent scholarship on professional supervision with particular reference to ministry contexts
   2. Demonstrate skill in the evidence-based practice of professional supervision with particular reference to the ministry context
   3. Present Research-Aware perspectives on professional supervision with particular reference to ministry contexts
3. Be in a position to:
   1. Integrate perspectives from the study of professional supervision into ministry practice.
   2. Commence a ministry of pastoral supervision for ministry workers

Course Requirements 

1. Providing Supervision
2. Receiving Supervision
3. Work/Ministry Placement
4. A Reflective Learning Journal
5. Logs of Supervision (given and received)

Assessments 

Both PC023-912 and 812 assessments and word limits are the same (7,000-7,500 words total).

1. Reading Report of 500 words – Due February 28 – ungraded hurdle
2. Contract Review and Skills Critique – Due April 1 – 30%
3. Seminar Presentation – Due June 1 – 30%
4. Comparative Essay – Due July 1 – 40%

Lecturers

Dr Geoff Broughton is Lecturer in Christian Theology and Practical Theology at St Mark’s National Theological Centre in Canberra, a partner in the School of Theology of Charles Sturt University. He has taught various courses in Australia and the USA in youth ministry, popular culture, ethics and Christian spirituality. Through St Mark’s Geoff is involved in clergy training, formation and the teaching of professional supervision.

Archdeacon Len Firth is a Lecturer in Bible and theology at Ridley College for NESB students as well as being a missional facilitator as an Archdeacon in the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne. He has been an active supervisor for students in ministry placements in both parish and Bible teaching contexts. He is also involved as a coaching supervisor and has recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Professional Supervision through St Mark’s (as taught in the Ridley course 2018). He is an accredited facilitator of Ministry Renewal Retreat groups.

Bibliography/Reading List (please note: a student login is required to access) 

• On-campus