Clinical Pastoral Education Program

What is Clinical Pastoral Education?

Clinical Pastoral Education is a method of theological education.  It is experiential, person-centered education focusing on learning and developing pastoral skills in a clinical setting.  Clergy, lay ministers, theological students and other persons interested in learning participate in CPE for personal and professional growth. Under the guidance of an educator, CPE students from all faiths provide pastoral care to hospital patients, their family members and staff.  Increased confidence and competency in pastoral function and identity occur as one learns by experience.

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Process

The Essential Elements in CPE include:

  • The actual practice of ministry to persons
  • Detailed reporting and evaluation of that practice
  • Pastoral Supervision
  • A process conception of learning
  • A small group of peers in a common learning experience
  • An individual learning contract consistent with the objectives of CPE

Accreditation

The CPE program at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center is approved by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), to offer programs of Level l/ll CPE, and Certified Educator CPE. ACPE is the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) to accredit programs of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in the United States.

ACPE – The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education

ACPE, Inc., 1 Concourse Pkwy, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30328.

(404) 320-1472