Reflective Practice: Formation and Supervision in Ministry

 Theme for Volume 32

 of Reflective Practice:

 VIRTUES IN FORMATION AND SUPERVISION

A virtue is a well-established disposition or character trait guiding thought and action. To possess a virtue is to be a certain sort of person with a particular state of mind. Classically, virtue is the perfection of a capacity like trust or courage. The capacity is universal, but its internalization is a matter of individual cultivation. Virtues have to do with moving toward the fullest potential of being human. Therefore, because we believe that a discussion about virtues needs to be part of any conversation regarding the preparation of present and future religious leaders, the Editorial Board has chosen as its theme for Volume 32:

Virtues in Formation and Supervision

 • To what extent formation and/or supervision for religious leadership is, or should be, virtue forming processes?

 • Are virtues formed or are they something that is already present within an individual simply needing to be evoked and nurtured?

 • How does the nature and practice of being virtuous change across cultures or across time in the same culture?

• Are there particular virtues that are especially necessary for the practice of religious leadership in the 21st century?

• If virtues can be formed, how are they encouraged or by what processes are they formed?

• How do the virtues of a supervisor affect the process of developing virtues in and through supervision?

• What is the relation between emotions and virtues; between character traits and virtues; between values and virtues?

• Are there particular virtues that need to be developed to energize and enable caring action?

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 Herbert Anderson, Editor, at handerson@plts.edu, by January 31, 2012 for inclusion in Volume 32.

To Order Volume 31

We anticipated that some people would like to have a copy of volume 31 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 Conact Us form with any others questions you may have. Thank you for your interest in The Journal and have a wonderful day!