For more information on CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) and its counterpoint in Canada SPE (Supervised Pastoral Education) go here: http://www.spiritualcare.ca/page.asp?ID=7 (for Canada)
Good advice! One of the distinct observations I made in transitioning from the parish ministry to chaplaincy was that I suddenly felt less stressed. In analyzing why, I observed that it probably related to suddenly having boundaries I had failed to create for myself in the parish. I suddenly had working hours and non-working hours (not to mention a more defined list of responsibilities). I had weekends that I was committed to preach or be on-call and weekends that I felt fairly free. I was struck by how much healthier this was. My advice to pastors since that time is to give yourself permission to communicate to your congregation (over and over, if necessary) that you have and need boundaries and schedules. Know that it is ok to focus on what you are good at and delegate other things that are not your forte. Commit to sermon prep time, visiting time, administrative time, etc. and time to be "off the clock" (Sabbath). You will be healthier, your work will be more focused, and your congregation will come to appreciate you as a well organized professional.
Thanks for posting this thoughtful reflection on the value of CPE, especially for those who are thinking of preparing for chaplaincy (or the parish ministry, but want to be better prepared to do quality pastoral care). The combination of intense pastoral care exposure and repeated reflection with a supervisor and small group has a remarkable ability to grow one's self-awareness and effectiveness as a pastoral caregiver (aka: agent of God's love in difficult situations). And thanks to John for broadening the perspective from a different personality type. I hope some of our current and/or prospective CRC chaplains see this and comment on their CPE experiences.
Interesting discussion (as always), but I am baffled at how you (and maybe Paas) choose to move from empowering the mid-level judicatory (classis) to empowering spiritual leaders, including possibly a high level functionary (bishop). One usually inhibits or erodes the other. A review of the long discussions that took place at the constitutional convention at the beginning of the U.S. history could remind us all that a system of checks and balances is not just the product of " Dutch fondness for careful low-risk decision making," but a well developed understanding of the corruptibility of human nature. When too much authority is invested in one leader (or group of leaders) it has seldom turned out well in the history of states or of the church. Our U.S. system has begun to shift toward giving more and more power to the executive branch for the same reason you imply -- the cumbersome and inefficient nature of balanced alternative. We may regret it as a nation and we should avoid it as a church.
We've all observed or been part of those situations where things go bad in a church and there is no easy exit process (short of Art. 17). It usually gets ugly. Couldn't we consider vesting more authority (opportunity) in the classis structure to address these situations and help arrange a solution? I guess the lack of ability to move from one classis to another via this approach would be an issue.
Hopefully, the currently-in-development structure for more frequent and comprehensive assessment and career guidance provided to those in seminary and at transition times in their ministry may begin to address this -- not from a position of command but from one of counsel and advice based on match of gifts and awareness of all the ministry opportunities available.
The numbers are interesting. I've done a similar calculation while wondering whether this is why a growing number of ordained individuals (Ministers of the Word and Commissioned Pastors) are applying for endorsement as a chaplain. A further key factor in the numbers is to recognize that if 10% of our current pastors take a call each year (after staying an average of 10 years), this creates over 100 vacancies that would occur every year and require no new pastors; just allowing for shifting of current pastors. To move every five years, the system would require (or produce) twice this many vacancies. In this scenario those twelve net new pastors each year would accumulate from year to year, explaining the current growing backlog of seminary graduates who do not get calls.
Having been both a griever (in the loss of a wife and daughter) and a grief counselor (chaplain), the lessons learned in CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) training and in CISM (Critical Incident Stress Managment) training have lead me to appreciate the value of several basic things to remember in coming alongside individuals who are impacted by sudden loss or tragic events: 1) Enter this holy space with caution and awareness of your own fears and inadequacies, but with a prayer-full effort to be as non-anxious as possible in order to quietly exhibit the peace and love of God. 2) Ask for (or simply listen for) facts -- what happened to whom and how did they learn of it or observe it. 3) Only after listening to the facts and establishing some rapport ask what did this person(s) do, feel, think when this occurred? 4) Then move to what are they feeling right now? 5) Only then should you suggest -- or better ask -- how you may be helpful (with a focus on resources -- material, emotional, and spiritual -- beyond yourself and the current moment. 6) Never overlook the power of a simple, sincere prayer for God to surround and indwell the crisis with His love and grace -- whether prayed with the person (if appropriate and welcomed) or after leaving them with assurance that you will personally continue to hold them up to God's throne.
I just finished reading Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard in which he uses the term "Gospel of sin management" repeatedly in describing how Christians on both the right and the left have gone wrong. In a footnote to a sentence on p.42 he credits “Demythologization— Crisis in Continental Theology,” by Peter Berger, in European Intellectual History Since Darwin and Marx, edited by W. W. Wagar [New York: Harper Torchbooks, 1966], p. 255; where Berger uses this term. Hard to tell who got it from whom, but interesting concept.
Posted in: Wounded Healer
For more information on CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) and its counterpoint in Canada SPE (Supervised Pastoral Education) go here: http://www.spiritualcare.ca/page.asp?ID=7 (for Canada)
or
here: http://www.acpe.edu/imis_prod/ACPE/Directory/Accredited_CPE_Centers/ACPE/Directory/Accredited_Centers.aspx?hkey=5a6b2282-b31e-4494-b172-4452e69b0d2d (for U.S.)
Posted in: Discernment Needed for Pastor's Office Hours
Cecil,
Good advice! One of the distinct observations I made in transitioning from the parish ministry to chaplaincy was that I suddenly felt less stressed. In analyzing why, I observed that it probably related to suddenly having boundaries I had failed to create for myself in the parish. I suddenly had working hours and non-working hours (not to mention a more defined list of responsibilities). I had weekends that I was committed to preach or be on-call and weekends that I felt fairly free. I was struck by how much healthier this was. My advice to pastors since that time is to give yourself permission to communicate to your congregation (over and over, if necessary) that you have and need boundaries and schedules. Know that it is ok to focus on what you are good at and delegate other things that are not your forte. Commit to sermon prep time, visiting time, administrative time, etc. and time to be "off the clock" (Sabbath). You will be healthier, your work will be more focused, and your congregation will come to appreciate you as a well organized professional.
Posted in: Beyond Words
Staci (and Alissa),
Thanks for posting this thoughtful reflection on the value of CPE, especially for those who are thinking of preparing for chaplaincy (or the parish ministry, but want to be better prepared to do quality pastoral care). The combination of intense pastoral care exposure and repeated reflection with a supervisor and small group has a remarkable ability to grow one's self-awareness and effectiveness as a pastoral caregiver (aka: agent of God's love in difficult situations). And thanks to John for broadening the perspective from a different personality type. I hope some of our current and/or prospective CRC chaplains see this and comment on their CPE experiences.
Posted in: Classis Renewal - The Momentum Builds
Karl,
Interesting discussion (as always), but I am baffled at how you (and maybe Paas) choose to move from empowering the mid-level judicatory (classis) to empowering spiritual leaders, including possibly a high level functionary (bishop). One usually inhibits or erodes the other. A review of the long discussions that took place at the constitutional convention at the beginning of the U.S. history could remind us all that a system of checks and balances is not just the product of " Dutch fondness for careful low-risk decision making," but a well developed understanding of the corruptibility of human nature. When too much authority is invested in one leader (or group of leaders) it has seldom turned out well in the history of states or of the church. Our U.S. system has begun to shift toward giving more and more power to the executive branch for the same reason you imply -- the cumbersome and inefficient nature of balanced alternative. We may regret it as a nation and we should avoid it as a church.
Posted in: Classis Renewal - The Momentum Builds
Karl,
We've all observed or been part of those situations where things go bad in a church and there is no easy exit process (short of Art. 17). It usually gets ugly. Couldn't we consider vesting more authority (opportunity) in the classis structure to address these situations and help arrange a solution? I guess the lack of ability to move from one classis to another via this approach would be an issue.
Hopefully, the currently-in-development structure for more frequent and comprehensive assessment and career guidance provided to those in seminary and at transition times in their ministry may begin to address this -- not from a position of command but from one of counsel and advice based on match of gifts and awareness of all the ministry opportunities available.
Posted in: When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Amen! Well articulated and a necessary reminder.
Posted in: Clogged System
Norm,
The numbers are interesting. I've done a similar calculation while wondering whether this is why a growing number of ordained individuals (Ministers of the Word and Commissioned Pastors) are applying for endorsement as a chaplain. A further key factor in the numbers is to recognize that if 10% of our current pastors take a call each year (after staying an average of 10 years), this creates over 100 vacancies that would occur every year and require no new pastors; just allowing for shifting of current pastors. To move every five years, the system would require (or produce) twice this many vacancies. In this scenario those twelve net new pastors each year would accumulate from year to year, explaining the current growing backlog of seminary graduates who do not get calls.
Ron Klimp, Director of Chaplains
Posted in: Mark Stephenson Recognized for Network Blogs
Mark,
Congratulations and keep up the great work. You are a strong and clear voice for many who would otherwise not be heard.
Posted in: You Write the Caption!
No, we're not the three wise men. I'm Curly, he's Larry, and he's Moe.
Posted in: You Write the Caption!
Shadrach, Mechach, and To-bed-we-go!
Posted in: "Grief Counselors Will be Available to Meet With Students..."
Having been both a griever (in the loss of a wife and daughter) and a grief counselor (chaplain), the lessons learned in CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) training and in CISM (Critical Incident Stress Managment) training have lead me to appreciate the value of several basic things to remember in coming alongside individuals who are impacted by sudden loss or tragic events: 1) Enter this holy space with caution and awareness of your own fears and inadequacies, but with a prayer-full effort to be as non-anxious as possible in order to quietly exhibit the peace and love of God. 2) Ask for (or simply listen for) facts -- what happened to whom and how did they learn of it or observe it. 3) Only after listening to the facts and establishing some rapport ask what did this person(s) do, feel, think when this occurred? 4) Then move to what are they feeling right now? 5) Only then should you suggest -- or better ask -- how you may be helpful (with a focus on resources -- material, emotional, and spiritual -- beyond yourself and the current moment. 6) Never overlook the power of a simple, sincere prayer for God to surround and indwell the crisis with His love and grace -- whether prayed with the person (if appropriate and welcomed) or after leaving them with assurance that you will personally continue to hold them up to God's throne.
Posted in: Gospel Culture or Salvation Culture
I just finished reading Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard in which he uses the term "Gospel of sin management" repeatedly in describing how Christians on both the right and the left have gone wrong. In a footnote to a sentence on p.42 he credits “Demythologization— Crisis in Continental Theology,” by Peter Berger, in European Intellectual History Since Darwin and Marx, edited by W. W. Wagar [New York: Harper Torchbooks, 1966], p. 255; where Berger uses this term. Hard to tell who got it from whom, but interesting concept.