Some of the values of taking Clinical Pastoral Education. The focus is on our CPSP and CPSP-Philippines certified CPE program at Bukal LIfe Care, but most of the reasons apply to CPE programs all over the world.

1. Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
13+ Reasons to Feel Good About Being
a CPE Trainee
Bukal Life Care

2. Let's Be Honest...

Knowing food is “good for you” is not
enough to make you enjoy eating it. You
desire food that tastes good.

Taking a course because you need it to
graduate is not enough to make you value
it. You value classes that teach you things
you need to know for ministry and are
interesting.

3. With That in Mind
What are some reasons to value
being part of CPE?

4. #1. It is a Respected Course of
Study

Since its development in the 1920s, CPE
has been well-respected worldwide.

Many seminaries require their M.Div.
students to complete one full unit, or one
half unit, to graduate. Many (most?)
denominations view CPE favorably in the
ordination process.

5. #2. Integrates a Variety of Learning
Modes

It combines practical ministry, group work
relations, case presentation, formal lecture,
and individual supervision.

This integration makes the training more
like an apprenticeship than a regular class.

The variety makes learning more
entertaining, more reflective, more
meaningful, and more memorable.

6. #3. Opens Doors to New Ministries

Chaplaincy (hospital, jail, hospice,
corporate, governmental, community, and
more)

Pastoral Counselor, Life Coach, Crisis
Counselor, Spiritual Director,

Church Ministry Roles

CPE Supervisor/Trainer

7. #4. Ladderization

Clinical Pastoral Orientation (CPO). Basic
principles of CPE for Bible School setting

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Unit 1.
Understanding Basics of Clinical Pastoral Care,
Cases, Pastoral Diagnosis, and Self-
Understanding.

CPE Unit 2. Applying History and Theory of
Historical and Clinical Pastoral Care to Present
Ministry

8. #4. Ladderization

CPE Unit 3. Synthesize different models of care
(and theology) with one's own role as a pastoral
care practioner.

CPE Unit 4. Evaluate. Understand the
supervisory relationship. Prepare for future a role
as a training facilitator and supervisor-in-training.

Supervisor-in-Training (SIT) Program. Utilize CPE
training to train others while working towards the
highest rank.

Diplomate Supervisor. Oversee SIT and CPE
programs (And may be upgraded to D.Min.)

9. #5. Certifications

The CPE program at Bukal Life Care is
certified by CPSP-Philippines, as well as
the College of Pastoral Supervision &
Psychotherapy (USA).

CPE can be used towards certifications in
“Clinically Trained Minister,” “Pastoral
Counselor,” “Clinical Chaplain” and
“Diplomate Supervisor in Clinical Pastoral
Education/Training”

10. #6. Degree Specialization

Our CPE program is formally partnered
with Philippine Baptist Theological
Seminary. PBTS is planning to have a new
degree program-- Master of Divinity in
Pastoral Care.

The program includes completing four full
units of CPE.

11. #7. Self-Discovery

The program is based, very intentionally, on
action-reflection. As such, it challenges one's
beliefs and practices.

It aids in developing a Pastoral or Ministerial
Identity.
<Note: Unlike in a church, the people one works
with are likely to be of a different faith, or
denomination. As such, one must find one's
ministerial identity by other means than from
members of one's “own flock.”>

12. #8. See the World

Clinical Pastoral Education opens the
doors to ministry opportunities as well as
chaplaincy residency programs throughout
the world.
<Our hope, however, is that you ultimately
return to strengthen your homeland.>

13. #9. Learn to work with other people
of other ethnicities, cultures, and
faith traditions

We live in a global, multi-ethnic, religiously
pluralistic world. To minister effectively and
have impact in it, we cannot simply work
with people who think, look, act, and
practice their faith like us.

We must engage other people as fellow
creations of God... not people to fear or
attack or ignore.

14. #10. Learn to Share One's Faith
Without Tricks

Instead of gimmicks to get people to come into
the church, or clever gospel explanations, one
learns to share faith through expressing love in a
manner that people can identify as originating
from God.

One also learns how to follow I Peter 3:15... “But
have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and
honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to
answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope
you have in you,”

15. #11. Develop a Personal Pastoral
Theology

Through Action and Reflection, one seeks
to integrate experience and divine
revelation.

This integration should lead to a theology
that is contemporary and relevant, while
still true.

16. #12. Therapy

Many take CPE as a way to train while also
receiving therapy.

Ministering to others, intentional reflection,
supportive group interaction, and non-
judgmental but still challenging supervision,
can have a real therapeutic effect, spurring
holistic healing and growth.

Truthfully, we all need healing to some
extent.

17. #13. Oh yeah... and it is about
Caring for People

It is meeting people in need... some of them
experiencing the “worst day of their lives”... and being
there for them.

It is about giving one's full attention to someone and
trying (as much as possible) to understand what they
are going through.

It is about meeting the felt needs of others through
Sustaining, Guiding, Healing, Reconciling, Nurturing,
Liberating, and Empowering.

It is being God's hands, feet, and voice to those who
are hurting, and those who get ignored..

18. #14. _______________
Your reasons may be
different. Can you please
share them?

19. Bukal Life Care

19 Tacay Road, Baguio
City, Philippines

On the grounds of
Philippine Baptist
Theological Seminary

www.bukallifecare.org

bukallife@gmail.com