Certificates in Supervision

Introduction
Saint Meinrad School of Theology’s certification program provides both theory and practice in the supervision of people in diverse ministries. A program for the formation of supervisors, it begins with the understanding that supervision is an art and a discipline that enhances ministry.

Certificates are available in two fields: homiletics and pastoral care.

Program Goals
All ministers need lifelong formation. Supervision and consultation are invaluable in pastoral ministry. This program seeks to:

1. Sharpen effective listening and communication skills for the pastoral supervisor to become a more effective mentor and
2. Enhance one’s ability to critically analyze pastoral practice using a variety of theoretical and methodological tools necessary for helping others to improve practice.

Program Directors
Dr. Ryan LaMothe
MDiv: University of Notre Dame
MA, PhD: Vanderbilt University
Dr. LaMothe is a professor of pastoral counseling at Saint Meinrad School of Theology. He is a Fellow in the American Association of Pastoral Counseling and a Diplomat in the American Psychotherapy Association. He is also the author of three books and numerous articles in religion, pastoral care and psychoanalysis.

Dr. Richard C. Stern
MDiv: Luther Theological Seminary
MA, EdD: Northern Illinois University
Dr. Stern is professor of homiletics at Saint Meinrad School of Theology. He is co-author of Savior on the Silver Screen; produced the video series, Preaching for Today…and Tomorrow; and has written in the areas of media and preaching for Church, Homiletic, Worship, Biblical Preaching, the Concise Encyclopedia of Preaching and other publications. He has offered retreats and workshops throughout the United States.

Program Length
The program begins with a weeklong seminar in January, followed by another weeklong seminar during the subsequent January with graduation in May following the second January session.

Seminar Subject
The first five-day seminar focuses on the art and discipline of supervision. The second five-day seminar provides application and content in the field of the participant’s choice: pastoral care or homiletics.

Week 1
The first seminar addresses the fundamentals of the art of supevision. Participants will learn about:

• The basics of supervision: program expefctations, reating a supervisory relationship, establishing contract goals;
• Important topics of listening: the discipline of self-awareness, the dangers of transference, advanced listening skills; and
• Methods for supervision: role play, demonstrations by supervisors, individual and group practice of skills.

Week 2
During the second seminar, greater attention is paid to the supervisor’s specific area of ministry and those characteristics of supervision unique to this ministry. Topics for the second week include:

• Supervisory skills: overcoming hurdles, addressing problems in supervision, advanced supervision;
• Content and practice that relate directly to the specialization: homiletics or pastoral care.

Requirements for Certificate Completion

• Attendance at two five-day seminars at Saint Meinrad School of Theology.
• A list of required reading will be provided for each five-day seminar.
• 22 hours of supervision feedback from a trained supervisor is required; 10 hours will be achieved during the five-day seminars and the remaining 12 supervisory hours will be done at the participant’s own ministry site. For each supervision session, the student presents a case summary with videotape.
• A final written project of 10 to 12 pages, plus a list of readings.

Application Requirements

1. Five or more years in ministry.
2. CPE or some equivalent theological degree.
3. MA, MTS, DMin, PhD or equivalent theological degree.

To apply, contact Agnes M. Kovacs for application forms; e-mail akovacs@saintmeinrad.edu or call: (812) 357-6087.

For more information, contact Dr. Rick Stern (rstern@saintmeinrad.edu) or Dr. Ryan LaMothe(rlamothe@saintmeinrad.edu).