David Linford-Smith
Coaching & Psychotherapy
Pastoral Supervision
A confidential, reflective space for clergy and those working in wider ministry
As a qualified clinical and coaching supervisor, I provide supervision and reflective practice space for coaches, therapists, and those working in the helping professions.
Exploring spirituality can be an important aspect for many of my clients. This has led me to offer pastoral supervision tailored for clergy, chaplains, lay ministers, spiritual directors and spiritual coaches - suitable for those who work in church settings and spiritually-focused organisations. I am currently a pastoral supervisor with St Luke's for Clergy Wellbeing and supervise clergy both online and in-person.
Sessions are either 60 or 90 minutes for individuals, often monthly, depending on personal needs and professional requirements. I also provide supervision in small groups.
Pastoral Supervision
A confidential space to reflect on your ministry
Ministry asks a great deal of the people who carry it — pastorally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Pastoral supervision offers a regular, protected space to step back from the work, reflect honestly on what it's asking of you, and be supported in a way that's distinct from line management or personal therapy. I work with clergy and those in ministry roles, in person in Hull and online.
What pastoral supervision offers
My approach centres on the three core functions of supervision (Proctor, 2008):
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Normative — Upholding professional and pastoral standards, reviewing workload, and working through ethical decisions with care.
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Formative — Developing the skills, self-awareness, and capacities that ministry calls on, through reflection and honest feedback.
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Restorative — A supportive space to explore the emotional cost of the work, process what's difficult, and guard against burnout.
Areas supervision often touches on
Preaching, teaching, and pastoral care · Church leadership and management · Vision, strategy, and team building · Cultural competence, inclusion, and social justice · Boundary management · Vocational discernment and calling · Building sustainable support systems within and beyond the church
My approach
My supervision is Relational, Humanistic & Integrative in orientation, and rests on a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. I aim to build a relationship of trust where you can bring the whole of the work — the parts that are going well, and the parts that are hard to say out loud anywhere else.
Elements of Pastoral Supervision
Pastoral supervision for Christian clergy can be an important aspect of ministry that supports the well-being and effectiveness of clergy in their roles. It provides a space for nurturing the holistic development and sustenance of clergy, ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of their pastoral roles effectively and faithfully. Here are some elements for consideration within a supervision setting:
1. Spiritual Formation
• Ongoing spiritual development and deepening of personal faith.
• Practices that nurture and deepen the clergy’s relationship with God.
2. Theological Reflection
• Reflecting on theological issues and their implications for ministry.
• Integrating theological insights into practical ministry.
3. Self-Care and Wellbeing
• Addressing physical, emotional, and mental health.
• Strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
4. Ethical Considerations
• Support from ethical guidelines and addressing any ethical dilemmas.
• Maintaining integrity and accountability in ministry.
5. Pastoral Skills
• Developing skills for preaching, teaching, and pastoral care.
• Enhancing competencies in counselling and conflict resolution.
6. Leadership and Administration
• Effective church management and leadership techniques.
• Vision casting, strategic planning, and team building.
7. Cultural Competence
• Understanding and engaging with diverse cultural contexts.
• Addressing issues of inclusion, diversity, and social justice.
8. Boundary Management
• Establishing and maintaining healthy professional boundaries.
• Recognising and responding to potential boundary challenges.
9. Vocational Discernment
• Ongoing reflection on spiritual calling and ministry direction.
• Support for navigating transitions and changes in ministry.
10. Support Systems
• Building and maintaining supportive relationships within and outside the church.
• Utilising networks for peer support, mentoring, and professional development.