Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is an experience in process education that has been honed over several decades, and remains responsive to cultural developments that facilitate pastoral growth. The heart of CPE is ministry with the sick, injured, and dying, and learning from that ministry. CPE students learn through reflection, discussion, and evaluation, and are able to apply their learning in future ministry experiences. This type of adult learning is accomplished with other CPE students and a certified CPE supervisor (or associate supervisor) in a dynamic, small group setting.

The focus of learning in CPE is gaining new skills and tools for ministry while identifying particular gifts for ministry. Many gifts for ministry are embedded in the students’ own personal histories that include their joys and suffering. The group dynamics are supplemented by presentations from the Hopkins interdisciplinary team in order for CPE students to familiarize themselves with the healthcare environment, as well as lectures using behavioral sciences and theological reflection. CPE at Johns Hopkins is based upon adult learning theories that allows the student to direct the educational process. CPE students work in collaboration with their learning/peer group and certified CPE supervisor as well as the staff chaplains to achieve their goals.

The Johns Hopkins Health System has the only accredited Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), Inc. CPE programs in Maryland.  Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and Sibley Memorial Hospital all have CPE.  While formerly a satellite of Johns Hopkins Hospital, The Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center was fully accredited in April 2011.  Sibley Memorial Hospital CPE has a long history, with programs in existence for over 25 years.  For information on the particular CPE programs by location you may check the ACPE website. 

Information about Johns Hopkins Hospital CPE and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center CPE may be found under Types of CPE Programs on this website.  All of the Johns Hopkins CPE programs meet the Standards of ACPE, Inc.,  located at 1549 Clairmont Road, Suite 103, Decatur, Georgia 30033. Telephone: (404) 320-1472.   ACPE, Inc. is recognized as an accredited agency in the field of clinical pastoral education by the U.S. Secretary of Education, through the U.S. Department of Education.