What is supervision?

Alongside spiritual direction, Solace is pleased to offer professional ministry supervision. Such supervision is:

  • “Professional”, in the sense that Solace supervisors are trained for the work and external to the supervisee’s employer or other familiar voices.

  • “Ministry”, in that it allows for the work of God to be a natural and even expected ingredient.

  • “Supervision”, in that it reflects on the past in the present to improve the future.

What do people talk about in supervision? All kinds of “life” things - decisions, relationships, ministry, challenges - and together with their supervisor process what’s been happening with a view to taking the next step forward. It’s an opportunity to honestly and intentionally reflect on life and ministry in a safe, confidential space, guided by skilled supervisions.

Solace has two trained, experienced supervisors:

Fran Francis has long practised supervision for spiritual directors, having been trained by Spiritual Growth Ministries, and since 2023 has been offering professional ministry supervision since graduating with a Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (Ministry Supervision) from Laidlaw College. Fran also holds a Master in Ministry degree from St Stephen’s University, Canada, has a fair few miles on the clock in pastoral ministry, is an Inter-Active Drawing practitioner, retreat creator/leader and the National Co-ordinator of the Spiritual Directors Formation Programme offered by Spiritual Growth Ministries Trust here in Aotearoa. She enjoys kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face/personal) sessions and working with groups. She also offers spiritual direction and retreats, and is a member of the Association of Christian Spiritual Directors and Spiritual Directors International.

Vic Francis has been trained by Spiritual Growth Ministries in supervising emerging spiritual directors, and since 2023 has been offering professional ministry supervision since graduating with a Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (Ministry Supervision) from Laidlaw College. He has 30-plus years’ experience in local pastoral ministry and national responsibilities within a denomination. He holds a Master in Ministry degree from St Stephen’s University, Canada, is an ongoing learner and has a particular interest in working with church leaders/pastors/clergy. He also offers spiritual direction and retreats, and is a member of the association of Christian Spiritual Directors.

Supervision is a professional, confidential relationship, with 50-minute sessions, usually monthly and costing $120. Online bank transfer is preferred, BNZ 02 0112 0147429 002. Appointments will be charged for unless notice is given 24 hours prior, except in the case of emergency. Overseas folks can use PayPal - fran@solace.org.nz.

To book a session or find out more click here.