Clinical Pastoral Education

Thanks for your interest in Clinical Pastoral Education! The best way to explain the process and the program is by responding to a Frequently Asked Questions format. I hope everything is clear below, and it will give you the needed information to make a good decision. Feel free to email me at conciergeminister@gmail.com if you have any more questions or want to set up a 15-minute zoom meeting to explain anything else better.  

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is CPE? 

Clinical Pastoral Education is a specialty in pastoral ministry. Most candidates have been trained to be pastors – to promote ecclesiology and evangelism, among other disciplines. Chaplaincy is unique because it doesn’t have a plan, like converting someone or disciple them into their deeper faith. Rather, the CPE program helps you discover more about yourself to serve people better wherever they are on their journey.

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What is an SIT program? I am currently a supervisor in training under the authority and guidance of Dr. Deborah Digel, a diplomate at CPSP. I will be facilitating the CPE program independently. However, I will check with her weekly and record all of our classes for review.  

 

How will CPE help my current ministry? Clinical pastoral education is a life-changing experience that will prepare you to become a strong counselor. You will also discover the critical theory and practical elements that sharpen your bedside manners and home visits.

 

How can this help me professionally? Upon completing the CPE program, you will have opportunities to engage in professional chaplaincy outside of your denomination. You could serve as a chaplain in a hospital, police department, hospice, airport, and more.  

 

How many weeks is the course? The training is seventeen weeks long.  You can skip two sessions for personal reasons (sickness, vacation, or professional reasons). If you miss over two sessions, you may lose the credit tuition and be asked to start over. 

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How much does it cost? The total cost of the CPE unit ranges is $1200.  You can pay in full, or I will accept payment in installments.

 

Is this course offered in person or online? Online, via Zoom. Please plan always to have your camera on. A good lighting source (window, ring light) to communicate. 

 

Look for a private, quiet spot to help avoid outside disruptions (kids, barking dogs, etc.) You will not be considered “present” if you are driving, on a field trip, traveling, etc.

 

What are the expectations during the course?

1. 300 hours – You are required to complete 300 clinical hours - These hours can be completed at your local church, hospital, or other clinical settings. You will be given a form to complete each week to track your hours and then submit them to me.  

2. 100 Hours of supervision—You will be expected to have a supervisory meeting with me weekly or bi-weekly. The one hundred hours are included in the weekly group meetings.  

3. 2 Book reviews and presentations – You will be given a list of required reading assignments that should be covered during the four CPE units. You must select two books and then submit a written report and public presentation (in class) on your studied material.

4. Didactic presentations—Every week, I will cover a didactic on a specific topic to help you grow in your discipline. The purpose is also to better understand the particular needs of persons receiving ministry. This is a short lecture, with discussion to further the conversation.

5. Autobiography – Every candidate will write and then present their autobiography. This document will help you better understand who you are, discover trends about your life that will shape your spiritual journey, as well as chaplaincy. The autobiography is also a requirement for board certification hence you will rewrite and shape your autobiography in every unit until it is crafted and prepared for certification.  

6. Case Presentations are also known as the Verbatim. A detailed reporting and evaluation of the practice of ministry will be presented throughout the unit. The case presentation demonstrates your interactions with patients and counselees.

 

If I already have a CPE unit completed from a few years ago, will that count, or do I have to start over? As long as you can prove you completed the CPE unit through a credentialed trainer and show your certificate or final exam document that your supervisor signed, you will be able to keep your credit.  

 

Does the CPE program accepted outside of the United States? Yes, there are chapters in Africa, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean. (there are many more countries, but I have listed those from the countries connected with me).

 

After I have completed four units, what is the next step? While you are in your fourth unit, you will be encouraged to join a local chapter of CPSP. Upon completion, you can prepare for board certification as a pastoral counselor or clinical chaplain – becoming nationally recognized.  

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Can I have taken more than four units of CPE? Yes. Some people are known to earn multiple units to grow in their field.  

 

What’s next? How do I get started? 

• Fill out the application.

• Pay $100 non-refundable application fee (Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, or Paypal)

• Schedule a 30 minute zoom interview with me

• Upon admittance into the program, you will receive the syllabus and book list. You will also receive a learning contract with a financial agreement.  

 

Become acquainted with the national organization CPSP and other resources.

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