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Clinical Pastoral Education

Equipping for Pastoral Ministry in Anxious Times

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Eastern Mennonite Seminary is a unique opportunity for theological students, clergy and laypersons to develop their ministry skills and leadership capacity. Students enrolled in CPE gain ministry experience through supervised ministry as a chaplain in a local hospital, or retirement community, or in a ministry role in a congregation. Read our mission and vision

EMS offers CPE on the Harrisonburg campus, the Lancaster extension and new this year online.

What is CPE?

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is theological and professional education for ministry. Students have an opportunity to develop a new awareness of themselves and those to whom they minister though:

  • supervised ministry to persons in need
  • a disciplined process of reflection
  • a community of co-learners

CPE is designed to develop self-awareness, interpersonal awareness, conceptual ability, pastoral functioning and ministry development and management.

In general, CPE focuses on the goals of:

  • Pastoral Reflection: reflection on one’s self as a person and pastor in relation to persons in need, the supervisor, one’s peers and staff.
  • Pastoral Formation: focus on personal and pastoral identity issues.
  • Pastoral Competence: deepening competence in pastoral function, pastoral skills and integration of theological and behavioral science resources.

CPE is an experience based form of learning that is often called “action/reflection.” Students engage in ministry, and reflect upon this ministry in light of the outcome, their principles and theology. The new insights gained from this reflection inform steps future ministry.

Who Enrolls in CPE?

Ordained clergy for continuing education
Ordained clergy preparing for specialized ministry
Seminarians
Health care professionals
Qualified lay leaders

Read our admissions and financial policies and learn how to apply

Can I get credit for CPE?

Many theological schools offer academic credit for CPE. If you are not enrolled in a degree program and would like academic credit towards a theological graduate degree, contact the EMS admissions office at semadmiss@emu.edu. Some denominations require CPE for ordination. The Association of Professional Chaplains requires CPE for certification as a chaplain.

Eastern Mennonite Seminary’s Clinical Pastoral Education Program is an accredited center of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. and offers CPE Levels I and II.