As ministry in the contemporary world becomes increasingly complex, regular access to professional supervision is vital. However, qualified supervisors with experience in Christian ministry and theological grounding can be hard to find.

Laidlaw College is excited to offer in-depth training in this field through our new Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (PGCertTh) in Ministry Supervision. Commencing in 2023, this is currently the only faith-based ministry supervision qualification available in New Zealand. The programme is designed for people already qualified to work in various forms of Christian ministry, who have supervisory opportunities and wish to develop a supervision practice.

Successful completion of this programme will assist graduates to meet the requirements of regulatory bodies and the supervisory needs of professionals within a range of vocations, with a particular emphasis on people in Christian ministries.

The PGCertTh (Ministry Supervision) is a part-time programme comprised of two successive courses, each 30 credits at level 8: Foundations of Ministry Supervision and Developing a Ministry Supervision Practice. The two papers need to be completed in order, although not necessarily in the same year. Each course is taught via lecture blocks at Laidlaw’s Henderson campus, with course readings and assessments across the semester. You can find out more about the courses here.

For students interested in further study, the PGCertTh (Ministry Supervision) may be counted toward Laidlaw’s Postgraduate Diploma in Theology or, with approval, a Master of Theology degree.

LECTURERS

David Crawley was a senior lecturer in spiritual formation at Laidlaw College for many years, and still does some teaching in the School of Theology and the School of Counselling. Most of his time these days is devoted to spiritual direction and the supervision of people in ministry. He also serves in a voluntary capacity as an Anglican priest in his local church in Titirangi.

Karen Kemp is a Senior Coach in Laidlaw’s Centre for Church Leadership and a Lecturer in the School of Theology. Her teaching and research interests centre around conflict transformation, spiritual formation and the development of resilient Christian leaders.