In an effort to provide supervised ministry students with opportunities to cultivate a broad repertoire of pastoral skills, ministerial competencies, and styles of leadership, we place a high priority on partnering students with appropriate supervisors. The supervisor is typically a ministerial leader or educator who commits to assist the student’s reflection on her/his ministry and ministerial identity.  While the term ‘supervisor’ is used, in this context it is not meant in the clinical sense that is understood in some other fields. What we seek is a mentor who is able to assist the student in learning ministerial skills, as well as habits of theological and self-reflection.

We are convinced that a meaningful supervisory relationship, built upon honesty and trust, contributes as much, if not more, to the professional ministerial capacities and identity of the student as the experience of the ministry practicum itself.  Therefore, we at STM rely upon the ongoing collaboration with skilled and committed supervisors. In brief, supervisors share with the STM faculty the task and privilege of accompanying students in the formative process of developing habits that ground the lives of ministers in a faith that is characterized by compassion and justice.