The College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy is a theologically based covenant community, dedicated to "recovery of the soul" and promoting competency in the clinical pastoral field.
Fourteen-year old Bahia Bakari was the sole survivor of a Yemenia jetliner crash. Her mother, with whom she had been traveling, was killed in the accident. “When I spoke to her she was asking for her mother," her father said. "They told her she was in a room next door, so as not to traumatize her. But it's not true. I don't know who is going to tell her. . . I can't tell her that."
For whom was it “too traumatic” to disclose the truth? What is gained and lost by dissemblance or prevarication? If you were confronted with this tragic circumstance how would you counsel the father? His daughter? Their care providers?
I have had two experiences that inform my response to these questions. The personal heartbreaking experience was in telling my own son that his mother had died. When he and I last saw her that morning she was perfectly healthy. He was at work when I called him from the hospital emergency room. Though my beloved wife was dead already I instructed my son to meet me at home so that I could bring him to the hospital where his motherly was gravely ill. I prayed that he would drive hastily but safely. I could not imagine how I was going to tell him. All at once I knew I could not possibly deliver the terrible news nor could I possibly permit anyone else to do so.
My son was at our home when I arrived. I met him as he came down the steps from the master bedroom. I drew him to my breast, cradled his head between my hand and the crook of my neck and tearfully whispered, “Your mom died.” I felt what was left of my heart shatter into innumerable pieces. I can only begin to imagine how my news pierced my son’s tender heart.
Continue reading "On Reflection . . . by Ronald David"
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 2:27 PM
Recently the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute-University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Seek publication provided an article about the Shepherd’s Staff volunteer pastoral care program sponsored by the UAMS Department of Pastoral Care and Clinical Pastoral Education Department that is directed by George Hull.
Al Henager, UAMS staff chaplain, supervises the Shepherd's Staff program which was envisioned by Madge Brown a graduate of the UAMS CPE program. The UAMS Department of Pastoral Care encouraged the emergence of the program as a way in which individuals who have had pastoral care training with Community of Hope or Stephen Ministry serve the cancer center as volunteer chaplains under supervision.
Al Heniger states in the interview, "We want to be present and form relationships that offer patients the chance to talk about the things they want to talk about," Henager said. "We don't have an agenda, except to establish relationships."
Continue reading "CPSP People in the News: George Hull & Al Henage"
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 4:29 PM
The College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy is a member of Believe Together: Health Care for All. This is a coalition dedicated to health care reform. It is comprised of many different faith groups and religious organizations, united by a concern about the failure of the health care system in the United States. This coalition seeks to promote reform in the health care system of the U.S. in order to establish a more equitable access to health care.
We in the CPSP are pleased to join forces with our colleagues in ministry to work for justice and reform in the delivery of health care in America.
Please go to the Believe Together website to become informed and to join the work.
-Raymond Lawrence
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 2:15 PM
What does it say about the chaplain?
While providing pastoral care at the Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, New York the question is inevitably asked: “Pastor, where is your church?” I must admit that the question makes for an awkward moment.
Though not surprised, I genuinely understand that for most people pastoral ministry is associated with congregational ministry. It is common to think of most clergy serving as leaders in their faith groups and congregation.
The simple answer to the question is that the hospital is my parish and that ministry as director of pastoral care is my church-approved work. Although the hospital is not a congregation, nor am I the pastor of choice for each member of the hospital’s patient community and staff, it is my parish.
Comfortable with ambiguity
Pastoral care ministry beyond the congregation often comes with some degree of ambiguity and suspicion as suggested by the very question, “Pastor, where is your church?” Yet, it is precisely because of its ambiguity that chaplaincy is among the most challenging and rewarding ministries for the ordained pastor.
Usually when the question arises, it is accompanied by a sense of connection, appreciation, and gratitude by those for whom the chaplain’s ministry of presence, compassion and consolation met a need in a time of illness and crisis. Pastoral ministry beyond the congregation offers an unanxious presence of the Church’s witness where it is especially needed. Chaplains are ambassadors of the church’s pastoral commitment and affirm a compassionate presence to the vulnerable patient, as well to medical and support staff that care for them. Such ministry demonstrates the wisdom passed on from past generations to the present generation to empower and commission ministers for service in the world.
Continue reading "PASTOR, WHERE IS YOUR CHURCH? By Belen Gonzalez y Perez"
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 10:58 PM
Five books at one end of a shelf. A somewhat forlorn grouping to be sure, they are the only books left in my possession of a purely theological nature. All others have fallen away.
And this morning it occurs to me that I have never stopped long enough to look at why I have kept them, never risked asking: “You five there on the end of the shelf, why are you here?”
I might point out that clergy like myself , in their theological training, were expected, if not to have mastered the writings of various theologians, then to have at least some passing acquaintance with them. For most of us this meant that we sat through lectures and heard various names mentioned, all German it seemed -Cullman, Neibhur , Bonhoeffer, Barth(actually a Swiss) Pannenburg, Brunner (there were two of them) Bultman, -the list seemed endless.. We may have read a book or two by some of them. Occasionally something stuck.
And herein lies the origin of the five books, all of them by Paul Tillich –yet another German who had found a safe home in America. I have carried these books about faithfully for over 40 years.
1960. A new prof , Pieter de Jong by name, had arrived at the college that fall, a big, friendly bear of man, dressed neatly in suit and tie and speaking in a slightly Germanic accent. The story was that he had been involved with the Dutch underground in the war at considerable risk to is life. Whatever the case. it all combined to lend to him a kind of presence, an air of dignity. Gifted as a theologian he was to bring something of a revolution to the classroom, not to mention our social life.
Continue reading "Five Books At One End of a Shelf By Ron Evans"
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 2:06 PM
My daily work begins with visiting patients whose religion is unknown, obtaining their affiliation, and, if affiliated, making that information known to the appropriate chaplains. These patients especially provide examples of the spontaneous humanness one encounters as a hospital chaplain.
Like the older white male patient in an intensive care unit, whose religion was listed as “unknown.” I entered his room and introduced myself as the hospital chaplain making my rounds on the floor. He interrupted, “I can’t hear, and I had cataracts and can’t see.” I crossed the room, walked around to the upper side of his bed and said, more loudly, “I’m Rev. Alberts, hospital chaplain, making my rounds.” Before I could state the purpose of my routine visit, he shouted, “I don’t want any religious person in my room!”
The patient’s outburst surprised me. But my surprise was tempered by my belief that patients usually have a good reason for reacting negatively to a “religious person.” Moving away from his bedside, I replied, “You answered my question” [about whether he had a religious affiliation]. Then, reaching for something in common with him, I said, “I recently had cataracts removed from my eyes.” He replied, “I had one removed, and that is why I’m blind.” “I’m sorry,” I said, heading toward the door, and adding, “I respect your wishes very much.” “That’s okay,” he replied, his tone positive. Then he asked, “Could you do something for me?” “Sure,” I answered, surprised again. “Push that table [his over-bed mobile table] closer so I can reach that Ginger ale and cup,” he directed. He then commented, “These freakin’ people don’t know what they’re doing. I have a bum right shoulder and can’t reach it, and the table is too far away from my other hand.”
Continue reading "The Humanness in Front of Us by Rev. William E. Alberts, Ph.D."
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 8:55 AM
James Gebhart, Chair of the 2010 CPSP Plenary, provided the following announcement:
Start to plan now for the 2010 20th Anniversary Celebration in Columbus, Ohio April 10-13, 2010. This is going to be a special occasion, a time to honor our history and to have a festival in our community. Many special surprises are being planned. Join the celebration. Mark your calendars!.
Shortly, I will provide details, including hotel and Plenary program information.
Jim Gebhart, Plenary Chair
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 3:51 PM
First comes love, and then comes the story, then comes the CPSP allegory . . .
I did not attend the 2009 Plenary in Virginia Beach and, therefore, feel like an interloper having eavesdropped on the dialogue between Barbara McGuire and Ron Evans. Still, their observations and declarations made public in the CPSP Pastoral Report invite me to comment. In particular, I offer a meditation intended to deepen Barbara’s reflections on love of self so as to (hopefully) allay Ron’s ambivalence on the matter.
I am struck, first, by the lack of clarity regarding two pivotal words used—“love” and “self.” Should one infer from Barbara’s reference to Oscar Wilde that romantic love, as commonly understood and misunderstood, is the love about which she writes? And is that experience simply “to feel positive about oneself,” as noted by Ron? And to whom or what is “the self” referential? Is the collective membership of CPSP that “self,” and/or is that “self” the individual person?
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 12:48 PM
The 9th Asia-Pacific Congress on Pastoral Care and Counseling will be held on August 24-28, 2009 in Taipei, Taiwan. The brochure and online registration are at
http://www.mmh.org.tw/2009CPE/
The Asia-Pacific region of the International Council of Pastoral Care & Counseling (ICPCC) hosts this congress every four years.
CPSP provides significant leadership and support to ICPCC ever since it became a member over a decade ago.
Contact Richard Liew for further details at 718-869-7419. Email: liewr@aol.com
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 11:53 AM
I welcome Barbara McGuire’s reflections on self love in the April Pastoral Report. It helps me to likewise sort out what I believe lies at the heart of CPSP.
I agree that to feel positive about oneself, to love oneself, is a vital piece of the equation. Most of us, regardless of tradition, can no doubt point to ways in which self has been negated, downplayed in ways that have been destructive. The alternative is to learn to love oneself. And this is where I become a little nervous. As vital as it is to come to a love of oneself I am not sure this is the starting point. Or the end either.
There is a story out of Greek mythology about Narcissus, the beautiful young man who in his beauty scorned the love of all admirers. A youth who Narcissus spurned in this manner prays that Narcissus might suffer a similar fate, that he might love unrequitedly. The god of retribution, Nemesis, hears the prayer and arranges that Narcissus stop to drink at a pool in which sees his own reflection. Instantly he falls in love with it. Unable to embrace the image in the water he lies there, unable to tear himself away, and dies.
I sense that, at times, CPSP runs the risk of lying by the water mesmerized by its own beauty. Again to love oneself is of critical importance, however I believe the staying power of CPSP, its origins and its beauty, lies further up stream.
Continue reading "Ron Evan Reflects on the 2009 CPSP Plenary"
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 7:18 PM
Dr. Christopher Swift, Past President of the UK's College of Health Care Chaplains (CHCC), is a friend and colleague of the CPSP. He was the Guest of Honor at the 2007 CPSP Plenary held in Raleigh, NC where he brought greetings from the CHCC and dialogued with the CPSP community. He sent us words of support and a prayer he had written following a shooting massacre at one of our universities.
Recently, Dr, Swift published his new book: Hospital Chaplaincy in the Twenty-First Century: the crisis of spiritual care in the NHS. The book is published by Ashgate.
Professor Paul Ballard, Cardiff University, UK provided the following comments on Dr. Swift's book:
Health care chaplaincy is currently undergoing a rapid transformation. An inherited and accepted service, embedded in the National Health Service since its inception, it is inevitably caught up in the changes that affect both the service as a whole and the wider social context. This invaluable book will stand the test of time. Health care professionals will find it a constant point of reference as they wrestle with the issues both locally and nationally. Many others will find this book a way of being informed about a key area of health care. Most importantly, there is a challenge here to the churches to take chaplaincy seriously as the frontier ministry it is. For practical theologians this is a welcome and accessible study of a vital sector of ministry, useful for reflection and teaching.
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 12:31 AM
Continue reading "Music for the Soul"
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 11:42 PM
George Hull was the subject of an opinion piece, "The lesson of the Irish on St. Patrick's Day" published March 17, 2009 on FOSTER.COM of the Foster's Daily Democratic newspaper.
The articles describes George Hull's meeting with Senator George Mitchell who helped negociate the 1998 Good Friday Agreement in Ireland:
George Hankins Hull had the opportunity to meet George Mitchell, the former U.S. senator from Maine who helped negotiate the 1998 Good Friday Agreement which ended the years of sectarian hostilities which George Hankins Hull felt he had to escape. Years later Hankins Hull would say that aside from the births of his own children, meeting George Mitchell was one of the biggest thrills of his life.
With affection and appreciation the writer continues: {He} never tired of telling his story because he knew that being Irish was not about music, or poetry, or the color green, or knocking back a good stout or shot of Irish whiskey. Mind you he never objected to such things, quite the opposite. But he knew that one could not be truly Irish unless one was truly human — caring for yourself and caring for others, and trying to make life better.
Continue reading "CPSP People in the News: George Hull"
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 9:11 AM
The best way to ward off fear and stay healthy is with preparation, education and communication. As the World Health Organization (WHO) grabs headlines raising the risk of a potential H1N1 Flu Virus pandemic alert to a Phase V – it is inevitable that our communities will be affected emotionally and physically.
In your toolbox is your local American Red Cross chapter. They are offering free classes for individuals and groups, along with kits to empower the public. A helpful site for updates, FAQ’s and information can be found at: http://www.nyredcross.org/page.php/prmID/767
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 10:17 PM
To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance. ~ Oscar Wilde
Oscar was right! Self love is the greatest, most important love you will ever experience in your lifetime. Self love within the community of CPSP was evident to me at our 2009 Plenary in Virginia Beach, VA.
Our plenary began with Luise Weinrich’s report from the Task Force for the Future. This report clearly stated who we are as a community, reflecting the voices of CPSP today as well as those of our future. This report was presented in a thoughtful and sincere manner, creating an optimistic atmosphere in which we began our time together.
The creation and distribution of Our Proclamation was another significant happening during this gathering. Opening with our Covenant, this booklet claims who we are; bringing forth our history, strengths and commitment to one another. Thank you Jim Gebhart for your dedication and commitment to this task.
When we gathered for Tavistock, it was Luise’s insightful remark regarding how our community’s focus was on self rather than on our founders which helped me to see how our gathering had become a clear reflection of who and where we are as a community today. CPSP members have grown to this place of self acceptance and awareness because we have had the privilege of being ‘raised’ in a loving, environment where support, encouragement to explore, be inquisitive, and experiment have all been part of it’s promise. The people of CPSP continue to encourage members to embrace their individuality; raising confidence so that each continues to dare to move forward even with that which can be challenging and difficult.
Continue reading "Reflection on CPSP's 2009 Plenary by Barbara McGuire"
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 7:43 AM
Northern Colorado Chapter For the College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy ((from left to right) Foy Richey - Chapter Consultant, Len Schreiner, Jim Carmack - Chapter Convener (Board Certified Clinical Chaplain & Pastoral Counselor), Patty Poole (Associate Board Certified Clinical Chaplain & Associate Pastoral Counselor), Don Orwick (Board Certified Clinical Chaplain), Cindy Veldheusen, Richey Lynn, Art Hererra (Board Certified Associate Clinical Chaplain & Associate Pastoral Counselor)
Continue reading "Northern Colorado Chapter Members Awarded Certification at 2009 CPSP Plenary"
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 6:19 AM
The late writer David Foster Wallace, a man of great soul who I believe would have loved a community like CPSP, told this story at Kenyon College’s commencement:
There are these two young fish swimming along, and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says "Morning, boys. How's the water?" And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and says "What is water?" (David Foster Wallace, Kenyon College commencement address, 2005).
For over a year now, the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy’s Task Force for the Future has been at work, talking with our members about your vision for CPSP. We’ve been seeking your views about where we are, and where we’re headed in the future, finding out what the water is like our community.
Our work is ongoing. We’ve conducted dozens of interviews so far. These interviews are in-depth conversations. Most have been conducted by telephone and have lasted from 30-60 minutes, yielding on average 2-3 pages of notes per call.
Because CPSP is an international community, our task force has also made use of Internet technology to speak with people across the country and in other parts of the world. We have intentionally spoken with members of our community whose voices are not usually heard at our formal gatherings in hopes of gaining a broader view of our community in all its diversity. We have spoken with new members and members who have been a part of CPSP from its inception, and many in-between.
From those conversations, the following five themes have emerged:
1. Our members deeply value local chapters.
Almost to a person, CPSP members report that the work they do and the depth of community they share in their local chapters lie at the heart of the CPSP experience for them. Members indicate that the challenge, support and peer supervision they receive in local chapters is life-giving, and positively impacts the quality of their clinical work and ministry. They also state that chapter life has enriched their lives in significant and positive ways. Members describe life in chapters as a rare, precious gift. One person noted that no other professional organization – of doctors, lawyers, care givers etc. – has anything approaching the depth of communal and professional support we have in our CPSP chapters.
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 9:27 AM
David Plummer, a CPSP Diplomate, was recently interview by Brenda H. Welch of the Health Journal. When asked what led to his becoming a chaplain, David responded: I really enjoy interacting with people and care about their struggles. I come from a religious background, and so it just seemed to be a natural fit. On a deeper level, there was a sensing by my inner person that this was what I was supposed to do.
To read the complete article click here.
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 2:21 PM
The National Clinical Training Seminar, to be held May 11 and 12 in Mahwah, New Jersey. The seminar provides an excellent opportunity to meet with peers for an intense focused retreat that focuses on clinical supervision.
The event will be held at the Carmel Retreat in Mahwah, New Jersey (http://www.carmelretreat.com/). Registration is $15.00 per person, with options for a one night stay price ($80 for single room; $70 for a double room) or a day-rate of $45. The registration deadline is April 30, 2009.
Continue reading "Spring Meeting of the National Clinical Training Seminar"
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 11:53 PM
The College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy’s Our Proclamation is a clear and well crafted booklet that captures in its brevity the depth and substance of the CPSP community. It is an excellent resource to introduce seminaries, medical centers, faith groups, prospective members, organizations, etc. to CPSP and its mission.
The idea to create a CPSP proclamation to enable CPSP to better communicate its unique ministry and mission was the brain child of James Gebhart, PhD who was then CPSP President. Dr. Gebhart nurtured this project through many stages of development that included consultation from the Governing Council, Executive Committee, the general membership and his CPSP Chapter.
Hard copies may be obtained by contacting Krista Argiropolis.
Below is a PDF document containing Our Proclamation. It can be downloaded and easily distributed via the Internet.
Continue reading "OUR PROCLAMATION: College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy's Declaration"
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 12:08 PM
John DeVelder, provides another "Lost" CPSP Video Postcard from the 2008 CPSP Plenary held in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Gather with the CPSP Community for the 2009 CPSP Plenary at Virginia Beach, VA starting Sunday March 29, 2009 with the Pre-Conference Workshops.
Continue reading "A VIDEO POSTCARD: John DeVelder"
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 1:23 PM
Perry Miller, D. Min
Spring 2009 Urban Ministry CPE
Didactic Seminar
1/15/09
Dear Trainees --
I’m pleased you enrolled in this Urban Ministry program of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training at WakeMed. Even in these early days together you are mindful that you are involved in a very intensive process of supportive and challenging peer and supervisor engagements. By now you are aware that the focus in the CPE program is on personal exploration into the self as related to your clinical practice and professional formation. This process can be gratifying, unsettling and even disturbing.
You are also serving as chaplain in a variety of clinical contexts in the Urban Ministry settings. You will engage people whose life experiences are not only complex, demanding, rewarding but ones that might break your heart and trouble your spirit.
The totality of this supervisory process and your clinical experiences are in the service of your professional formation process of becoming a clinically trained chaplain/pastor providing pastoral counseling to those who are broken in life, their relationships and spirit.
Pastoral Counseling Under Attack
I want you to be aware that pastoral counseling is under assault. Many seminaries and denominational officials make declarative statements, even rules that clergy are not to provide pastoral counseling. Instead, when clergy are approached by people troubled in their lives and broken relationships, the pastor is to only provide “spiritual care and spiritual counseling”. Thus, the pastor is to apply theological and biblical insights, solutions and directions as correctives while also employing prayer and other religious resources. In this case, the pastor listens long enough to best discern what spiritual resources and guidance will address the problem.
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 10:52 PM
Trying to figure out want to pack for the CPSP Plenary in Virginia Beach that starts this Sunday? Don't fret nor guess. Check the Weather Channel for Virginia Beach Weather as well as local attractions.
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 10:29 PM
William Alberts, a CPSP Diplomate in Clinical Pastoral Supervision, has published another reflective, thoughtful and provocative article, On Being Whole Not Holy. The article can be found in CounterPunch published on March 18, 2009.
The opening paragraph of his article, On Being Whole Not Holy, is a grabber:
Religion is automatically seen as inherently good for people, yet it often stunts a person’s emotional, intellectual and multicultural growth. While there are important exceptions, it stresses believing over thinking, certainty over inquiry, conformity over diversity, entitlement over enlightenment. It emphasizes rightness of belief over one’s right to believe as one chooses. It is about being right not one’s right of being. It values uniqueness of faith not faith in everyone’s uniqueness. Its priority is evangelizing people not ending inequalities. It has difficulty handling one’s right to be different—and especially one’s right to be wrong. It is far more about being an integral part of the status quo than about empowering those who are without economic and political status. It is much more comfortable with the way things are than with striving to make things the way they should be for the common good.
I consider On Being Whole Not Holy a must reads for those in the clinical pastoral field. Clinical trainees as well as their training supervisors might benefit if they established a process to critique their own unique faith journey in light of Dr. Albert's assertion:
Therein is our common ground: our humanness. Religion—and politics—should be judged by the extent to which it teaches people to love themselves and to make room for and to value and love other persons for themselves.
Continue reading "On Being Whole Not Holy"
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 4:42 PM
Francine Angel, CPSP President, provides another "Lost" CPSP Video Postcard from the 2008 CPSP Plenary held in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Gather with the CPSP Community for the 2009 CPSP Plenary at Virginia Beach, VA starting Sunday March 29, 2009 with the Pre-Conference Workshops.
Continue reading "A VIDEO POSTCARD: Francine Angel"
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 4:19 PM
Postcards are occasionally lost by the US Post Office but might arrive in our mail box months or even years later. The same has occurred with the CPSP Pastoral Report’s Video Postcards from the 2008 CPSP Plenary held in Little Rock, Arkansas.
I hope these old postcards will remind you of the great community spirit and excitement that is generated during CPSP’s Plenary meetings. Even after all these years we are still having fun along with a deepen belief in the mission of CPSP and its ministry.
Plan on gathering with the CPSP Community for the 2009 CPSP Plenary that will be held at Virginia Beach, VA.
Perry Miller, Editor
Continue reading " A VIDEO POSTCARD: David Plummer"
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 10:17 AM
The posted CPSP video, CPSP Reaches Beyond and those that will soon follow will not be available to those whose institutions block video, especially video embedded from YouTube. Thus far the problem we've encountered seems isolated to some medical centers.
While we are working on other solutions to embedded video, I welcome your suggestions. If there is a way to embed YouTube video that will not create a block, that information would be most welcome.
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 4:09 PM
Continue reading "VIDEO: CPSP Reaches Beyond"
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at 1:51 PM