CPE at Pacific Health Ministry

Pacific Health Ministry was developed to serve the needs of Hawai'i's diverse people and to provide learning opportunities for clergy, religious professionals and persons training in theology and ministry practice. From its beginning, PHM has conducted Clinical Pastoral Education at hospitals, long term care facilities and other institutions that assist people who are dying, grieving, incarcerated, mentally ill, infirmed elderly, homeless or emotionally struggling. The religiously, culturally and ethnically diverse State provides a unique opportunity to learn spiritual care service.

Hawai'i has many cultures and races living closely together who have come from various backgrounds. There are Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Pacific Islander, northern European, African, North and South American people who have brought their traditions and customs to their new home. Each has developed unique ways of understanding life and death. Each group practices healing and gives care to people in special ways. Learning to minister to all people as they face common life crises is a central focus of CPE at Pacific Health Ministry.

Part of the uniqueness of CPE at PHM is that training groups are intentionally diverse. Since its beginning in 1988 students have come from many cultural groups and nationalities. Students have come from more than 30 nations from all the world’s continents. Religious and gender diversity are important aspects of each training group.

The CPE Program gives strong emphasis to direct clinical practice to enhance spiritual care skills and provide opportunities to experience people from many backgrounds. Like all CPE programs, learning happens in a small group seminar setting that includes review of pastoral practice, group dynamics, didactic presentations and experiential events with Hawai'i institutions and community organizations. The Supervisors put a strong emphasis on developing individualized learning programs to fit specific needs. The goal is to craft a training program that will prepare students for ministry service following their CPE experience.