Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)

The Institute of Pastoral Studies does not offer CPE or have a CPE placement. CPE is conducted in accredited sites (generally but not exclusively hospitals) around the country. CPE is required of all IPS M.Div. students and open to all students at IPS. The Institute works with students to make connections to CPE and in the fall annually offers an information session. 

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is an interfaith method of theological education through which a student exercises and learns pastoral skills within a context of responsible relationships to people and under the direct supervision of a certified pastoral supervisor. It provides a learning situation for a ministerial student and continuing education for ministers in which they may develop awareness of the theological and psycho-social concerns of persons in crisis. CPE addresses personal growth matters of self awareness and self reflection, a key ministry concern.

Participants

While enrolled in any of the IPS programs, persons may take CPE as an elective part of their academic program or simply in addition to their program. CPE is a required component of the M.Div. degree. CPE may also be taken by MAPS students in fulfillment of their Field Education requirement.

Objectives

The objectives of the CPE program are: 

• To become aware of oneself as a minister and aware of the ways in which one's ministry affects other persons
• To develop the ability to utilize the experiential method of learning 
• To develop the ability to utilize the peer group for support, dialogue, and feedback in a way in which integrates personal characteristics with pastoral functioning
• To use individual supervision for personal and professional growth and for developing the capacity to evaluate one's ministry
• To grapple theologically with human experience and to enhance the interface between theology and the psychological sciences in understanding the human condition
• To become aware of how one's attitudes, values and assumptions affect one's ministry 
• To develop an awareness of the pastoral presence in interdis- ciplinary relationships

Outcomes

The following outcomes for Level I CPE have been developed by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) and are used as the guidelines for evaluating students' progress.

• 311.1 Articulate central themes of their religious heritage and the theological understanding that inform their ministry
• 311.2 Identify and discuss major life events and relationships and cultural contexts that influence personal identity as expressed in pastoral functioning 
• 311.3 Initiate peer group and supervisory consultation and receive critique about one’s ministry practice 
• 311.4 Risk offering appropriate and timely critique 
• 311.5 Recognize relational dynamics within group contexts 
• 311.6 Demonstrate integration of conceptual understandings presented in the curriculum into pastoral practice 
• 311.7 Initiate helping relationships within and across diverse populations 
• 311.8 Use the clinical methods of learning to achieve their educational goals 
• 311.9 Formulate clear and specific goals for continuing pastoral formation with reference to one’s strengths and weaknesses

Application and Timing

IPS does not provide CPE training. Persons apply to CPE programs by completing a common CPE application, which can be located on the ACPE website, www.acpe.edu. This website lists accredited ACPE programs by geographical region. Your completed common application can be sent to CPE supervisors at multiple CPE programs. The application procedure normally includes an interview with a CPE Supervisor. For placements outside the Chicago area, CPE interviews can be facilitated by William Schmidt, a member of the IPS faculty who is a certified CPE supervisor. Applications for a full-time summer unit (ten 40 hour weeks) are best completed during the previous fall semester. Applications for an extended unit (twenty 20 hour weeks) should be made six months in advance.

CPE Information Sessions

Each fall semester, IPS holds orientation sessions for students interested in learning about CPE. Information will be sent by email regarding the date, time and location of this orientation.

Navigating the CPE Website

Directions for navigating the CPE Website at http://www.acpe.edu:

For general information: 

• Click on Prospective Student Information and Frequently Asked Questions on the left hand side of the page. This FAQ section contains an excellent starting point for students to obtain general information about CPE. 

To locate sites: 

• Click on Directories on the left hand side of the page 
• Click on Accredited Centers 
• On the map click on the words North Central Region 
• Click on the Illinois (Northern) link at the top of the page 
• Review the list of sites, noting that they are listed alphabetically by hospital system

To obtain an application form: 

• Click on Forms on the left hand side of the page 
• Click on CPE Application under either the Adobe Acrobat Reader format or Microsoft Word format headers 

To view objectives and outcomes for Level I CPE: 

• Click on Manuals and Standards on the left hand side of the page
• Click on 2005 Standards Manual 
• Objective and outcomes are listed on pages 10-12 of the manual (sections 309-311)

For any questions regarding CPE, please contact: Robert O'Gorman at rogorma@luc.edu.