“Supervision is not a luxury in ministry, but a necessity, a safe place where practice can be reflected upon, patterns discerned, and pastoral identity nurtured.”
– Michael Paterson & Jane Leach, Pastoral Supervision
Group supervision involves three or more participants and a facilitator/supervisor, engaging in reflective processes to enhance ministry practice, deepen vocational resilience, and foster communal learning.
Key characteristics
Shared responsibility for reflection and learning
Deep listening and theological reflection
Attention to both process and content
Facilitated dynamics of trust, safety, and boundaries
Individual Supervision
One-on-one focus
Supervisor-led
Confidentiality between two
Tailored personal focus
Group Supervision
Peer learning environment
Shared learning responsibility
Requires robust group agreements
Opportunities for wider perspectives
What makes a group feel safe?
Think about a time you were in a group (not necessarily supervision) where you felt really safe to be vulnerable or honest. What contributed to that environment?
Benefits of Group Pastoral Supervision
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Group members often surface insights the supervisor alone might not.
Promotes diverse theological, cultural, and contextual reflections.
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Reduces isolation in ministry.
Builds empathy and mutual encouragement.
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Often more affordable or time-efficient than individual supervision.
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Reflects communal discernment akin to church life and leadership.
“Group supervision has the potential to model the Body of Christ: diverse, dialogical, and discerning.”
Challenges of Group Supervision
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Takes time to build.
Requires clarity about boundaries, confidentiality, and process.
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Some voices may dominate while others remain silent.
Requires skilled facilitation.
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Tension between supervision, group therapy, and spiritual direction.
Supervisors must continually hold the purpose and structure.
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Risk of over-sharing without being held well.
Theological reflection may feel exposing for some.
“The facilitator must walk the tightrope between structure and emergence.”
