Clinical Pastoral Education
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a program of supervised, experience-based learning in pastoral care. CPE brings theological students and ministers from different denominations and faiths into supervised clinical settings in which students provide care for persons in crisis. Through feedback from peers and educators in the group setting, students develop new awareness of themselves as people and as faith leaders, as well as awareness of the needs of those to whom they minister.
Theological reflection on specific human situations helps participants gain new understandings
of ministry, while the interdisciplinary team approach to helping persons develops
skills in interpersonal and interprofessional relationships. (This introduction has been adapted based on information provided by the Association
for Clinical Pastoral Education Inc.’s website).
For more information about CPE please visit the following links:
Students are responsible for finding their own CPE site, with support from the Office
of Contextual Education. A required informational session occurs during Fall Semester.
During this presentation the student will have a chance to discover what the typical
CPE program looks like, how to apply to CPE sites, an overview of the cost of CPE,
and other important information. Students are also encouraged to be in contact with
the Contextual Education Office with any questions regarding CPE.