The Changing Face of Reflective Practice in the Church today

Reflective practice is a key aspect of the continuing ministry formation needed by ministry practitioners today. In this article, the author explores his own journey in reflective practice and how it has been shaped by his experience as a field educator and more recently as a professional pastoral supervisor. As a discipline, reflective practice continues to evolve, with varying approaches adding to its richness. Instrumental approaches focus on effectiveness. Critical approaches emphasise reflexivity. Imaginal approaches utilise the inner world of experience. Ontological approaches focus on spiritual practices and formation. Allied to this are recent social changes which have led to a growth in reflective practice within ministry contexts in Australia and New Zealand. These changes include the mandating of professional supervision for clergy, the development of new training courses, an increase in trained reflective supervisors, a clearer location of reflective practice within Christian theology and tradition, a recognition of the importance of reflective practice for improved mental health, and new opportunities for the use of technology. Readers of the article are given opportunities to pause and consider their own journeys as reflective practitioners and explore the changing face of reflective practice within their own contexts

Thinking Metaphorically within One's Supervision/Coaching Practice

This article examines the crucial role of metaphor in language, especially within supervision and coaching contexts. The author highlights the pervasive nature of metaphor in language, referencing Charles Taylor’s assertion that metaphor reveals overlooked aspects of experience. Drawing on the works of Marshall McLuhan and Iain McGilchrist, Flett presents a framework that views metaphor as a fundamental agent of meaning. This framework is applied to supervision and coaching, demonstrating how attention to metaphorical language can enhance practice. The article emphasizes the practical importance of recognizing and utilizing metaphor to gain deeper insights into clients’ experiences, thereby fostering more effective personal and professional development

Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi, Unraveling religious Leadership: Power, Authority, Decoloniality, Fortress Press, 2024

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Jill Snodgrass, ed. The Art of Spiritual Care across Religious Differences, Fortress Press

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The Miseducation of the Negro: Decolonizing Identity Formation in Clinical Pastoral Education

This article describes the many and varied ways that Black people, especially students, face challenges in everyday life, including identity formation in CPE

Remembrance of Rev Matt Floding

Colleagues, students, and friends remember the life and ministry of Rev Matt Flooding

Matthew Floding and Dawn Davis, eds. Experience: Spiritual Formation for Theological Field Education, Rowman & Littlefield, 2024

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CONTENTS

LIST OF ARTICLE

Paying God’s Love Forward: A Hospital Chaplain’s Perspective

This paper, written from the perspective of a hospital chaplain, reflects on how the concept of paying God’s love forward and engaging in selfless acts toward others benefits not only the receiver but also profoundly impacts the spiritual formation of the giver. By fostering a stronger connection with God and promoting spiritual growth, these acts transform the giver’s relationship with the divine, deepening their faith and sense of purpose

Ahead of the Wave: the Uniting Church in Australia's Ride on the Professional Supervision Tide

This article explains what professional supervision is based on various definitions, its purpose and benefits. It distinguishes supervision from therapy, counselling, mentoring and spiritual direction. It focuses on what actually happens in professional supervision and how it has expanded into the pastoral ministry setting from across the wider helping professions in the past twenty-five years. It outlines the timing of how and why the Uniting Church in Australia implemented mandatory professional supervision before other Christian denominations in Australia and why it is important for ministry practice. It outlines distinctive practices of professional supervision and how it can assist ministry leaders in maintaining professional and ethical boundaries and supporting minsters’ well-being. The article highlights how professional supervision proved especially valuable during COVID-19 in arresting burn-out and cites research showing 95 percent of women ministers found it crucial for building and maintaining resilience. A direct connection is made between the practice of supervision in the formation of ministry leaders in theological education and its benefits for ongoing learning that can be transformational learning. It emphasizes the ongoing changing ministry landscape and how the tide continues to change, as well as the gift of supervision as a lifelong reflective practice.  &nbsp