3 Reasons Pastors Avoid Professional Pastoral Supervision

1. Pastors don't trust people to keep confidentiality.

Question – 'Where can I be honest about my work without worrying about confidentiality, judgment, disloyalty or jeopardising my role?'

Truth - Professional Supervision is a safe and boundaried space for you to speak openly and truthfully. Supervisors are bound by professional confidentiality. What you say in the room stays in the room! Before you begin your first supervision session, your Supervisor should make you aware of the exceptions to confidentiality (e.g. mandatory reporting). 

2. Pastors can feel guilty and disloyal when discussing the realities of ministry work.

Reality - What do we do when the people we need to discuss are our pastors, leaders, congregation, friends, or family members? Talking about other pastors and leaders (especially our church pastors) can feel disloyal. Being open about the impact of our work on ourselves and our families can leave us feeling guilty, exposed, or worried about the security of your church employment or volunteer ministry role.

The Bible says that we need to practice discretion in what we say and where we say it. The Bible also tells us to carry each other's burdens. We are not supposed to carry our burdens alone. There are safe people and spaces to help you reflect on what is happening within your unique ministry context.

Question – If I knew that there was no risk to me or anyone I care about, what would I say about the impact my work has on me, my family, and my church?

Truth – We should not allow feelings of guilt and disloyalty to deceive us into carrying our burdens alone.   Supervision is a safe space to reflect and receive support.

3. Pastors believe that Professional Pastoral Supervision is too expensive.

 
Reality - Pastors' salaries have long been associated with 'living by faith.' Many pastors have decided they can't afford supervision, and some may not be completely wrong. However, statistics around burnout and pastors leaving the ministry tell us what we already know – pastors must proactively invest in their mental and emotional fitness if they want longevity in ministry.

Question – How am I prioritising my mental and emotional fitness for myself and the people I strengthen and serve through my work? 

Truth - We prioritise what we value. Making Professional Supervision a priority models care for our well-being and care for those we strengthen and serve through our work.

By Pastor Kris Thornton

Professional Supervisor, Executive Coach, Author

Accredited: Australasian Association of Supervisors and Chaplaincy Australia