Reflective Practice: Formation and Supervision in Ministry

NEXT ISSUE’S THEME:
 

NEXT ISSUE’S THEME:
FORMATION IN A TIME OF CRISIS
Volume 41, 2021
   

    Fear, the ancient enemy of faith, has resurfaced with dramatic intensity in our times. As I pen
these words, the coronavirus pandemic is sweeping the globe, seeding fear and social isolation wherever it goes. Fear is just as contagious as any virus. This recent re-emergence of fear, even panic, did not start with the latest virus. It started years ago with the fear of terrorism, and then it generalized into the fear of the stranger, which some politicians around the world have stoked into hatred. Volume 28 of Reflective Practice focused on formation and ministry in the presence of fear. But since 2008, fear and hatred have continued their march onward, now generating more polarization and social isolation. The prescribed social distancing that we are all mandated to practice to contain this viral epidemic only reflects the larger trends toward social isolation and polarization that have been around for a while.

       So as I sign off after six wonderful years as Editor of Reflective Practice, I am wondering what ministry is like in this age of fear and social isolation. How has your spirituality faired in managing fear in yourself and people you serve? In what ways has your theology adapted and changed? What has remained constant?

       Foundationally, ministers and chaplains are about “connecting with people,” and so how do we “connect” when we must practice social distancing? What adjustments have you made to your practice, to your training and supervision of students, to your leadership style in your chosen community of faith? How does the growing fear of the stranger and polarization of modern
life impact your patients, your employing institution, your experience of the Divine? In the midst of adaptation to a new, if temporary, normal, where have you seen the Divine at work in ways that generate hope?
      

       I hope you will reflect on these questions, write up something, and fill
the pages of this beloved journal in the years ahead. I will look forward to
reading it all.

Scott Sullender, Editor

For more information or to express your stated interest in writing for Volume 41, please contact Matthew Flod and Nancy Wood, Co-Editora, Reflective Practice.  Email:




R. Scott Sullender, Ph.D., Past Editor

ISSN 2325-2855
© Copyright 2020 Reflective Practice:

Formation and Supervision in Ministry
All rights reserved.

ISSN 2325-2847 - print

ISSN 2325-2855 - online

 •Because this Journal is now available electronically across the globe, we hope that people will write about formation and supervision from their context in order that we may all be enriched by a diversity of perspectives. Proposals are welcome any time. Articles should be submitted electronically to R. Scott Sullender, Editor, at ssullend@gmail.com, by December 31, 2020 for inclusion in Volume 41.

To Order Volume 40

     We anticipated that some people would like to have a copy of volume 40 for the library. A limited number of printed copies have been made. If you would like a printed copy please go to our Contact Us page. There you will find a contact form that is to be filled out and emailed to us.      The person who coordinates the distribution of Reflective Practice will be in contact with you. You may also order back issues as well. You may also use the Contact Us form with any others questions you may have. Thank you for your interest in The Journal and have a wonderful day!