Next Issue’s Theme: Formation, Supervision, and Gender Diversity, Volume 39, 2019

In the last few decades there has been a significant change in how gender and human sexuality is understood. Correspondingly there has been an expression of greater gender diversity among the general population. So it is then, more seminarians or students preparing for religious leadership, do not identify with or transcend conventional gender norms. How does this change in how gender is understood and the increasing presence of nonconventional gender students in our seminaries or clinical training programs invite us to rethink how we form or prepare students, spiritually and professionally, for religious leadership? How do such changes shape or change how we do supervision, either in the context of clinical pastoral education and/or field education? Should gender issues, including gender biases and gender equality be important foci of clinical theological training? Furthermore, how do we prepare future religious leaders, regardless of their own personal gender preferences, to minister effectively to needs of gender diverse peoples? The Editorial Board of Reflective Practice invites scholars and practitioners on the cutting edge of these issues to contribute essays that might explore this theme. As usual, we also welcome essays, poems, case studies on subjects outside of the stated theme. We look forward to an illuminating and engaging 39th volume of Reflective Practice.

As usual, we also welcome essays, case studies on subjects outside of the stated theme.

Forum: Stories of Resilience

A forum is a section of the journal where readers may share short (500-1000 words) personal reflections, not scholarly essays, on a particular theme. The theme of this year’s forum is “Stories of Resilience.” Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back psychologically, socially and spiritually, after a trauma, hardship, setback or inquiry. These stories may be about patients, clients, directees, supervisees or yourself. They may be about individuals, groups or institutions. They do not have to be always end in success. Be real. Tell us about resilience as you experience it on the front lines of spiritual care, clinical supervision and field education. Stories may take the form of prose, poetry, or prayers. All entries should be presented in a matter that protects the privacy of the people involved, unless otherwise permitted.

For more information or to express your stated interest in writing for Volume 39, please contact Scott Sullender, Editor, Reflective Practice. Email: ssullender@sfts.edu or ssulend@gmail.com, and read submission guidelines.

January 30th – February 2nd, 2019, at the Crowne Plaza in Asheville, NC, with guest speaker Rev. Dr. Frank M. Yamada, executive director of the Association of Theological Schools. More Info…

Barbara J. Blodgett and Matthew Floding have co-edited the book, Brimming with God: Reflecting Theologically on Cases in Ministry (2015). The book opens with a chapter on theological reflection within field education and is followed by eleven case studies. It usually has two theological field educators reflecting on each story to demonstrate how different approaches to theological reflection can yield varied theological and ministry implications. You can contact Toni Erebor  at toni@wipfandstock.com to order or to find out more.

Join ATFE colleagues for online continuing education seminars throughout the year. The next seminar is Wednesday, November 1, 2017, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (MDT), “Shared Wisdom: Increasing Internship Site Diversity,” an online video consultation with national colleagues led by Dr. Jenny Whitcher, Director of Professional Formation at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado.