Pastoral Supervision

Matt. Pastor. Sydney
John is warm, knowledgeable, focused, professional, very helpful and prayerful. I always come away from meeting with John feeling like I have downloaded and become redirected to a better place.
John has helped me keep an integrated focus with the different ‘hats’ I need to wear. That helps me to be a ‘whole’ person which is great. I come away from my meetings feeling so much more settled, normal and cared for.
The main (benefit of Supervision) has been living an integrated life. In the challenges of leadership, supervision has been a life-giving meeting for me.
I have been pleasantly surprised at how much John listens than talks which is lovely in my role where I listen a lot and don’t get to process much.
Everyone needs a John in their life to listen to the themes and bring some clarity in these crazy times and walk away focused and encouraged!

Keith. Pastor. Coff’s Harbour Presbyterian
John has a relaxed approach whilst maintaining intentionality. He has great skill in drawing out of the supervisee the crux of the issue and facilitating contemplation on options for progress. Supervision has deepened my self-awareness, and given me tools in ‘live’ assessing situations, analysing the various layers of interaction. Increasingly this is enabling a shift in the communication, allowing for better outcomes. In a busy ministry schedule, sometimes it isn’t until I come to supervision, that I realise there are 3-4 issues bubbling away which I haven’t sat to contemplate. Supervision assists the regular reflection and stops the insanity of trying the same methods and expecting a different result. At first, I thought supervision was time which could have been better spent preparing a sermon, or visiting someone. I’ve come to see that reflection through supervision after the event is just as important as planning before an event.

Steve. Snr Pastor. ACT.
John cares for every aspect of my life, and seeks to positively help me grow not only in my role, but in my faith, character and relationships. He has helped me grow as the person God made me to be – not letting me try to be someone else, not getting down at myself, whilst also not staying stagnant. He has kept my focus on Jesus, His plans and His ways. I often finish our sessions with a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
I thought when we first started meeting, John was going to be more of a coach with a practical, step-by-step approach for me to be more strategic in ministry. But pretty soon, it was obvious that I needed a pastoral supervisor more than a coach. In some sense, it would’ve been easier to be simply pragmatic in our sessions, but the effect of being in a pastoral supervision setting has been a lot more personal growth for me, and a lot more help in me as a pastor living out my calling in all areas of life.

Craig. Snr School Chaplain. Sydney.
John is great at fostering meaningful conversations. He is warm and personable. He was a man who cares deeply about others, has years of ministry experience and has a heart to support those in ministry roles. John has been a fantastic ‘sounding board’ for me in my ministry role. During a specifically stressful season in my ministry our regular meetings provided a space to unload my thoughts and feelings and piece them back together in a meaningful way. He has assisted in goal setting, personal connection with God and big picture thinking about my role. John has often been the one person I could speak to openly about my role and challenges. Just having someone ‘on your side’ who can listen and ask helpful questions is a huge support. On top of that, he helps me to ask what ‘godly’ leadership would look like in my particular situation.
It is essential to have a third party to process your ministry. Someone supporting you who has enough distance to be a real blessing.

Throughout my life I have had the privilege of knowing many authentic Jesus followers who faithfully serve in challenging contexts. Along with the encouragement of their lives, I have also been struck by their stories of being overwhelmed and stuck in ways that have had a significant negative impact on them and others. While I grew up knowing that ministry is costly and challenging, I was also convinced that it does not have to involve burnout, stagnation, loss of joy or gradual estrangement from Jesus. For decades I have been spurred on and guided in my various roles by the conviction that we can do better at supporting and equipping frontline workers so they can serve joyfully, effectively and sustainably.
About 7 years ago, following a long stint in Asia (supporting local leaders), I returned to Australia with my family. After a disorientating re-entry period, I was excited to discover Professional Pastoral Supervision, and having gained my accreditation began practicing in 2019. I worked on my own through my company Align Services until 2022 when I joined Partners In Ministry (PIM) and became part of a great team that works with hundreds of churches across Australia, supporting leaders and congregations to fulfil their mission.
I am a member of the Australasian Association Of Supervisors (AAOS) and the Australian Christian Mentoring Network (ACMN). I have been an adjunct lecturer for the St Mark’s Graduate Certificate of Professional Supervision program. I am also a Chaplaincy Australia Supervisor (CA), and recognised by Sports Chaplaincy Australia (SCA).
I have an MDiv (SMBC) and as mentioned, I’m able to provide Supervision in Mandarin.