Experiencing Ministry Supervision: A Field-Based Approach

Pyle, William T. and Mary Alice Seals, eds. Experiencing Ministry Supervision, A Field-Based Approach. Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 1995.

I. Tools for Data Gathering
a. Tool #1: Case Method
i. Case studies are descriptions of real events that have occurred, and demand a decision to be made. Cases are written from one point of view, presenting what one individual experienced. They do not have to be extraordinary to be considered a case. The more concrete and detailed the better, providing all relevant and necessary information one would need to make a decision. ii. The case should contain four sections: introduction, background, development, and summary. It should also be noted that case studies should be written in the third person and

Process notes follow the unfolding of an event in ones ministry over time. It is specific, dealing with one aspect of ones ministry. The format can be similar to other methods. It should have an introduction, providing some background. The development should unfold in a chronological manner. Finally, one should provide personal reflection as it pertains to oneself.
f. Tool #6: Journaling
i. A journal provides an emotional outlet to reflect on various situations one has faced. There are many who have neglected keeping track of their ministry via journaling. Failing to do so, many do not have record of certain experiences from which they learned valuable lesson. Journaling allow one to be transparent when recording or reflecting on events. It should be noted that it is not the same as a personal journal. This is a collection of various ministry experiences. One should allow their supervisor to look into it; doing so requires openness and vulnerability.
II. Theological Reflection
a. Theological reflection is a lot more than reminiscing over an event or situation. According to Seals and Pyle, theological reflection is “the search for meaning, when done in the light of faith” (110). The main objective is to merge faith and experience. In other words, “when the events of life are examined through the eyes of faith”