The Christian tradition has always insisted on the importance of self-reflection in the presence of God. St Augustine prayed, ‘May I know you – may I know myself!’ Through prayer and meditative reflection on the Bible, self-knowledge grows. Yet since we are not merely individuals but parts of the Body of Christ and members of the order of clergy, we need to practice self-reflection in communion with others. We need to see our own reality reflected in that of our ministerial co-workers, to grow together in grace and truth and to mature in our ministry of service.
Action Learning Sets
Action Learning Sets are small peer-to-peer groups who meet to achieve specific learning goals and might be initiated as part of a training programme. Life-giving social connections can develop through pedagogical process.
Cell Groups
For some clergy, the opportunity to belong to a group of colleagues in which to talk through and reflect upon their experience in their ministry with others who will not judge, but who will support them in making sense of themselves and their experiences, already exists, in the form of a ‘cell group’ dating from their days in training.
“…clergy should be encouraged to develop opportunities for mutual support and pastoral care within chapters, cell groups, or other peer groupings.” Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy.
Coaching Circles
A Coaching Circle is simply a group of 3-4 friends or colleagues who meet every 4-8 weeks to listen to each other in a way which draws out the best in each person and reminds each one who they are and what they’re trying to do with their lives. To find out more about starting a “Courage to Thrive Coaching Circle” with two or three others, follow this link https://couragetothrive.org.uk/coaching-circles/
The Diocese of Chichester, and Chichester Diocesan Fund and Board of Finance, do not endorse, fund, nor guarantee any of the above.
Let the reviewer at your next Ministerial Development Review know what form of reflective practice you are participating in.