Clinical Pastoral Education

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at CHRISTUS Health is a theological education that allows students to learn by experience in a clinical setting while working under the supervision of a qualified ministry of spiritual care practitioner.

The primary educational purpose of CPE is to provide:

Spiritual care to individuals and groups in an increasingly effective manner
Develop and/or enhance your pastoral identity
Develop a variety of interpersonal and academic skills related to the provision of spiritual care in a variety of clinical settings

CPE at CHRISTUS Health

Our Mission, Spirituality, and Core Values form the foundation for our provision.

Our Mission: “To extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.”
Our Spirituality: The Spirituality of CHRISTUS Health compels us to service in response to the needs of others to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
Our Core Values: Dignity, Integrity, Excellence, Compassion, Stewardship

Accredited by ACPE

CPE at CHRISTUS Health is accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), for Levels I, II and Certified Educator CPE. Located at One West Court Square, Suite 325, Decatur, GA 30030. For more information, please feel free to call 404-320-1472 or visit our website at www.acpe.edu.

Different Aspects of CPE

Theological Resources and Discourse

In this curriculum, you will reflect on your theology and ministry practice; this will help you explore and evaluate (through multiple lenses) your ministry's effectiveness.

Primary Teachers: Those We Serve

Theological and interdisciplinary resources contribute to your learning, but the people to whom you minister become your primary teachers.

The Complementary of Service and Learning

The learning methodology in CPE is an “action/reflection/integration” model of education. We believe that service and learning go hand-in-hand to enrich one another. In doing so, you will:

Provide direct spiritual care to others.
Use the resources and program structures to reflect deeply on the ministry offered and on yourself.
Individual and group supervision opportunities are available to reflect on and work through with your pastoral functioning and identity.
Significant clinical responsibilities in conjunction with the educational aspects of the program.

Importance of Reflection

There are multiple avenues for reflection within the structure of the CPE program. These include informal, interpersonal, and written reflections. Such reflection leads you to the integration of insights, perspectives, skills, and behaviors that are evidenced in future ministry encounters.

Learning in Community

The CPE program also emphasizes learning in the community. Your peers, ACPE Certified Educators, mentors, and interdisciplinary team members create a supportive community for you to learn and grow in.