Supervision

This is Harlech Beach in the Snowdonia Park Wales  which I captured in June of 2023. I stopped and looked into a different space and was amazed by the light and reflection. Supervision is a place of  a  place of noticing, reflecting and encounter where we can feel seen and heard. It can challenge us to explore new horizons.

James Woodward

Theological Educator, Priest, Consultant
SW England; International

Accredited Member, The Association for Pastoral Supervision and Education

Contact Details

jww@sarum.ac.uk
Phone: 01722 424801
Skype, Zoom, in person

JAMES WOODWARD is an experienced Anglican priest having worked in several contexts since 1985. These include the National Health Service, the voluntary and charitable sectors as well as churches. He is presently Principal of Sarum College with significant experience of theological education and reflective practice. He is committed to well-being and human flourishing in the process of supervision as it deepens reflexivity and enables creativity. James completed the Wesley house, Cambridge diploma in Pastoral supervision in 2022. James is an accredited supervisor committed to his own professional development and practice.

Professional Liability Insurance: Yes

Commendations

I found the pastoral supervision sessions provided by James to be exceptionally transformative and impactful. As a highly gifted supervisor, James immediately grasped my colliding worlds of church, higher education and ministry. Each session provided a place of safe exploration, ably guided by some creative supervisory approaches, which led to greater self-discovery and some important breakthroughs. Consequently, I am delighted to commend the work of James Woodward’s pastoral supervision.

The Revd Dr Tim Welch
Coordinator of Ministerial Formation, Tutor in Practical Theology
Bristol Baptist College

I have been working with James since March 2022. At that time, I was undertaking a phased return to pastoral charge and it was largely due to Jemes that I was able to do so successfully. Since then, I have found our sessions invaluable and challenging in equal measure. The worth of pastoral supervision has become clear to me, especially in these times of change in ministry and far from it being an addition to my diary, I believe it essential to my continued well-being. I would highly, and without hesitation, recommend James as a supervisor.

Sarah Simpson

URC Minister South West Synod

I approached James Woodward to help me think through how to approach my sabbatical. He’s helped me refocus my thinking from planning a 3 month project to excitement at what living sabbath for 3 months might unearth and release in me. That reflects the unearthing and releasing that has already happened, and James’ ability to stir a noticing of what God is doing in and around me. Wherever our wide ranging conversations wander, they always circle back with profound impact.

As we’ve talked, I’ve found myself encouraged and supported, robustly challenged and gently provoked, profoundly moved by the depth to which I have been held and tangibly affected by being prayed for. James has created safe space in which I can be honest, share things about which I hold my head high and of which I’m not so proud. It’s space in which whatever’s rattling round my head can be said and explored further or laid to rest with no judgement of foolishness or naivety. It’s space in which I am able to laugh at myself.

I have found James to be an insightful and wise companion on this shaping sabbatical journey.

The Revd Dr Sarah Hayes
Diocese of Birmingham

Having taught aspects of theological reflection and pastoral supervision for some years, I was intrigued and grateful to begin my own supervision with James. From our very first session I realised that I was engaged in a process of tremendous personal benefit and value. James creates a space that is both safe and deeply attentive. He listens not just to what I say but to the gaps and silences between my words, to the emotions and feelings that my choices of words convey and to the ways in which my body language and demeanour reveal much more than words might. He allows our conversations to range as widely as I need them to, whilst always being ready to draw me back to matters of importance and to the more challenging questions. His gentle and generous listening is honed to offer interventions and questions that always carry me further into exploring my ministry, motives and feelings. He wears his own learning lightly, but can and does bring material and suggestions into conversation in ways that enhance my self-reflection and that point me to further resources. He keeps careful track of the ongoing supervision process such that threads are being joined from earlier conversations and key questions revisited if this is fruitful. I have seldom felt so completely listened to and accepted for myself as I am with James. That is his gift and skill, and blessing for me.

The Rev’d Neil Thorogood

Minister of Thornbury United Reformed Church & Trinity-Henleaze

United Reformed Church (Bristol)