Unique Pastoral Internship Program To Run Again

Application deadline for 2017/2018 program is June 19

Posted May 3, 2017

After a very successful pilot run, the diocese is delighted to offer the Niagara Internship in Reflective Pastoral Practice (NIRPP), a life-changing continuing education opportunity, once again. 

"Building on the experience of supervised pastoral education and reflective practice in ministry, the Niagara Internship in Reflective Pastoral Practice will help you grow, enhance your awareness of yourself as a pastoral care giver, deepen your skills in theological reflection, and extend your practical skills for ministry," said Archdeacon Steve Hopkins, one of the program's designers.  "Whether you have been engaged in pastoral ministry for years or are in the process of formation, this program will assist you to become more intentional and effective in ministry." 

Under the direction of Lori Edey the program offers 200 hours of supervision over 25 weeks (8 hours per week on a Friday).  Edey holds a Doctor of Ministry degree and brings a wealth of pastoral and educational experience in clinical, congregational, and counselling settings.  She is a Registered Psychotherapist with a private practice as an educator and counsellor, specializing in clergy, religious, and physicians.  A former CPE supervisor, she also developed and led a Professionalization and Physician Self-Awareness curriculum for McMaster Medical School.

The program participants will meet as a group weekly (all day Friday) from early September 2017 to the end of April 2018 in addition to individual supervision every other week.  All participants are required to be engaged in pastoral ministry for a minimum of 8 hours a week. 

Candidates in the ordination process or those beginning a pastoral ministry will be required to recruit an on-site supervisor who will meet with the participant weekly.  Those already engaged in an authorized pastoral ministry will be required to recruit a peer support person – a colleague who understands the program participant’s ministry context, who can offer both support and challenge – who will meet with the participant monthly for theological reflection and personal support.  The on-site supervisors and peer support people will meet monthly in a group with the program supervisor and the Archdeacon for Ministry Leadership Development.

The application form can be found here and it must be submitted before the  June 19 deadline. Applications will be followed up by an interview and participation will be confirmed in July. Diocesan Leadership Development Grants are available to help offset the $1500 cost of the program.

For more information, please email Steve Hopkins