St. Luke's Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
What is CPE?
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is interfaith professional education for ministry. It brings theological students, qualified laypersons and ordained clergy into supervised encounters with persons in crises.
Out of an intense involvement with persons in need, and the feedback from peers and teachers, students develop new awareness of themselves as persons and of the needs of those to whom they minister. From theological reflection on specific human situations, CPE students gain a new understanding of ministry. Within the interdisciplinary team process of helping others, skills are developed in interpersonal and interprofessional relationships.
CPE students at St. Luke's quickly find that they are an integral part of the pastoral care team. Students may be assigned to a variety of clinical areas, and will be part of an "on-call" rotation to serve the needs of patients and families in the medical center. CPE students lead worship services, present pastoral relationships at weekly pastoral care seminars, and prepare written materials, i.e. book reports and evaluations.
The word clinical (meaning "at the bedside") will define how the learning process is structured. The heart of CPE is ministry with people and learning from that ministry through reflection, discussion and evaluation with other students and the supervisor. In your CPE experience:
- You will utilize verbatim reports, case studies, and other ministry descriptions to present your ministry for supervision.
- The focus in some seminars will be on what is happening to you, the caregiver, as much as on what is happening to the people receiving your ministry.
- There will be discussions that assist you in understanding theological issues arising from your experiences.
- There will be opportunities to learn from behavioral sciences and to reflect theologically so that you can draw from both in understanding the human condition.
- You will be challenged to think about groups and social structures as well as individuals in defining your ministry.
- You will be part of a dynamic peer group with other students and your supervisor, which will provide opportunities for mutual supervision, care giving, challenge and appreciation.
Other educational components that are regularly scheduled are:
- Didactic seminars in which time for discussion follows a lecture, reading a book or article, or the presentation of a theological concern.
- Peer group meetings or interpersonal group sessions, in which time is provided for mutual sharing, caring, support and challenge for interpersonal learning and personal growth.
- Individual conferences with the supervisor that set aside time for the professional, personal or relationship concern of your choice.
- Worship or sharing occasions which provide opportunity for spiritual nurture.
- Field trips, half-day or daylong educational conferences, and clinical observations.
- Evaluation experiences with the other students and your supervisor.
You will discover that a CPE schedule asks for an active investment, but also provides times for sharing, reflection, preparation and relaxation.
Supporting Networks
A Professional Consultation Committee of health professionals and community clergy supports the program of St. Luke’s CPE Center.
In addition to the CPE supervisor and staff of the Department of Spiritual Care Services, professional persons from throughout the medical complex and the community contribute directly to the teaching program.
A strong spirit of ecumenical cooperation and support for St. Luke’s CPE Program within the Treasure Valley provides a rich environment for ministries of pastoral care
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