Opportunities for Growth

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) began in the 1920s as a way to include practical ministry experiences in the theological education of ministers. As an early founder said, the intent was to learn theology from studying the "living human document." CPE has evolved into education focused on learning by ministry with colleagues and supervisors, and reentry into ministry contexts.

CPE starts with the present learning needs of participants and helps each one grow as a minister and as a person. A particular unit of CPE may have a new seminary graduate just settling into a pastoral identity, a pastor of many years who is enrolled for continuing education and skill development, and a person preparing for specialized ministry in chaplaincy. Each will have individual goals, while all will contribute to the learning of others in the CPE process.

Find more information and to apply for Florida Hospital's Clinical Pastoral Education, click here.

Florida Hospital is a CPE Center accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. Successful units of training are registered with ACPE, Inc. Some seminaries and faith groups also offer credit toward degrees or field education.

CPE participants function as part of Florida Hospital's Pastoral Care Services, along with experienced staff chaplains who are available for consultation.