THRIVING TOGETHER: What are the ways in which pastoral supervision can help someone who is being bullied in their workplace?
- Ian Duncum
- Nov 29
- 3 min read
THRIVING TOGETHER BLOG INTRO
For many years, I have shared both the pain and joys of those who work with churches. Like many of you, I have often wondered if there are better ways to thrive together and make a missional impact on our world. It’s not about trying harder; it’s about doing different things in new ways. This involves interrupting our routines and reflecting on our practices.
As a pastoral supervisor, trainer, lecturer, and consultant for churches and non-profits, I strive to provide valuable insights. I hope my posts serve as refreshing water for those planted in churches so we can thrive together.
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments. Or you can reach out to me through my website: www.ianduncum.com.au.
As a supervisor, I have been privileged in helping supervisees to carefully navigate workplace buulyng to self-advocate and obtain good outcomes. Pastoral supervision plays a vital role in supporting someone experiencing workplace bullying by providing emotional, spiritual, and practical assistance tailored to their unique situation.
Key Ways Pastoral Supervision Helps
· Safe Confidential Space: Pastoral supervision offers a confidential environment where the person feels safe to share their experiences without fear of judgment or repercussion. This helps reduce isolation and emotional burden caused by bullying.[1]
· Emotional and Spiritual Support: Supervisors provide empathetic listening, encouragement, and spiritual care through prayer, scripture, or faith-based reflection, which can restore hope and resilience for someone facing bullying.[2][3]
· Validation and Affirmation: The supervisor helps affirm the person’s feelings and experiences, validating the reality of bullying, which counters self-doubt and confusion induced by gaslighting or manipulation.[4]
· Strategic Reflection and Problem-Solving: Through reflective dialogue, the supervisee can gain clarity on the dynamics of bullying, identify patterns, own their contrbution (if any) to the siituation, and explore constructive ways to respond or set boundaries, guided by the supervisor’s expertise.[5]
· Skill Development: Pastoral supervision can help build skills in conflict management, assertive communication, and self-care practices which are essential for managing ongoing workplace stress.[6]
· Resource and Referral: Supervisors often assist in connecting the individual to additional support, such as medation, counseling, legal advice, or organizational HR pathways, ensuring a holistic approach to the problem.[7]
· Encouragement to Maintain Vocational Identity: Especially for ministry workers, pastoral supervision reinforces vocational calling and professional identity, helping the person hold onto purpose and integrity despite adversities at work.[8]
Summary
Pastoral supervision addresses the complex emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges of workplace bullying by providing a supportive relationship focused on healing, empowerment, and wise action. This modality is uniquely sensitive to the person’s faith context and vocational realities, making it a valuable support for those experiencing bullying in ministry or broader workplaces.
Interested in finding out more about how supervision with Ian can support your wellbeing and enhance your practice of ministry? Book an info session here:
References correspond to integrated understanding from pastoral care and workplace bullying literature, reflecting best practices in church and organisational settings.
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© 2025 Ian Duncum. All rights reserved. No reproduction without written permission. Rev Dr Ian Duncum is a trained and accredited church consultant with over 20 years of experience with non-profit enterprises and churches across several denominations. This includes denominational leadership in church health, church planting, consultancy training, and adjunct lecturing & research in the tertiary education sector. An accredited minister with a track record of growing churches, Ian trains church consultants, facilitates training for ministers and leaders, and supervises pastors and other leaders. Ian can be contacted at ian@ianduncum.com.au.
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