Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a distinguished form of theological and professional formation for ministry. Within the CPE framework, aspiring theologians, ordained clergy, members of religious communities, and qualified laypersons minister to individuals facing crises, all under attentive supervision.

The philosophy of CPE at GAPPC draws its inspiration from The Rev. Anton Boisen, who broadened the approach to include the case study method: viewing each person as a “living human document.” Building on Boisen’s vision, successive CPE leaders wove together insights from medicine, psychology, and the behavioral sciences to enrich pastoral practice. Today, many supervisors at GAPPC underscore a psychodynamic approach to CPE where the significance of forming pastoral relationships through the integration of one’s personal narrative, behavioral theories and methods, and spiritual growth inform the curriculum.

Developing self-awareness is central to training. CPE participants are continually challenged to enrich the depth and quality of their pastoral relationships. The curriculum combines hands-on pastoral care, reflective case studies, individualized supervision, seminar involvement, and thoughtful reading, all designed to foster truly authentic and compassionate pastoral connections.

By examining complex life circumstances from diverse perspectives, trainees gain profound new insights into the human condition. Central to the CPE experience is theological reflection, as pastoral caregivers seek to weave together their theological understanding with the lived experiences of those they serve.

A single CPE Unit comprises 400 hours, including 100 hours dedicated to training activities and 300 hours allocated to the selected clinical setting. GAPPC offers participants the flexibility to select from a range of clinical environments, such as hospitals, clinics, educational institutions, care homes for the elderly, military facilities, hospice care, and community-based settings.

GAPPC provides multiple units of Clinical Pastoral Education through a rolling admission process. To discover which unit aligns best with your aspirations, please visit our event page for a comprehensive list of currently available offerings.