Are you interested in exploring CPE in 2026? Indications of interest are now requested....

A Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) course is proposed for Otago and Southland between February and May 2026.

CPE is experience based theological education, combining the practice of pastoral care with in-depth reflection within a peer group. The course is supervised by Mary Huie-Jolly, CPE Educator, NZACPE https://www.cpe-nz.org.nz/

CPE is experience based theological education, combining the practice of spiritual/pastoral care with supervised in-depth reflection within a group of peers. The course aims to help you: 

• become a better listener and more aware of how you relate to others in pastoral situations 

• develop better pastoral/spiritual relationships by connecting your personal experience with your spirituality and theology 

• establish and improve the practice of ministry and spiritual care 

• support experienced-based theological education for people of diverse cultures, ethnic groups and faith traditions in keeping with our bi-cultural journey 

• equip people to provide quality pastoral/spiritual care within community in conversation with relevant medical, psychological and behavioural science approaches 

CPE supports reflection on one’s ongoing ministry practice and emerging pastoral identity. It aims to strengthen pastoral competence, increase self-awareness in areas of strength and of weakness, and to nourish spiritual formation within a community of peers. CPE is supportive of pastoral and spiritual care in congregations and faith-based organizations, including ministries of service in institutions with no religious affiliation. 

Expectations

The CPE group meets for nine hours each fortnight (either one full day, or an afternoon and morning of two half-days) scheduled for a weekday and time that is possible for all participants.

Each fortnight of the course includes: nine hours of reflective learning within the CPE group, plus reading, and reflective writing; and ten hours minimum per fortnight of work in your context of service.

The context of service to others(minimum ten hours per fortnight)forms the basis for reflection on your pastoral practice. For most participants it is their usual work, whether paid or volunteer work in service of others. This could be pastoral care in a local congregation; or chaplaincy in a hospital, tertiary or secondary education, rest home, school, prison, workplace or other provision of spiritual care in a community setting.  

If you are interested in this CPE course, please send an email to the CPE Educator for Otago and Southland: Mary R. Huie-Jolly at maryrhj@gmail.com  Describe the reason you are interested in CPE, where you live in Otago or Southland, and your context of service  

Revd. Mary R. Huie-Jolly, PhD (Otago), MDiv (Columbia Theological Seminary), BA (Honors), NZACPE Educator, ACPE Certified Educator, retired minister PCANZ, PCUSA