Reflective Practice: Formation and Supervision in Ministry

INTRODUCTION TO VOLUME 44

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Volume 44 is introduced to the readers. The overall theme of this volume is "Formation and Supervision at the Margins". Authors from clinical pastoral education and field education share their experiences and their programs that are on the margins of has been typical and traditional in these two fields of teaching and education.

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Complete listing of articles and book reviews in volume 44.

SECTION 1: ACPE

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Seven articles written by ACPE educators describing their professional work in ACPE in challenging areas.

Friendship as Formation Across Cultures, Centering the Marginalized

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In this article, we share authentically from our own experiences of tasting” heaving on earth,” centering the margins as a place of richness and weaving in scholarly work with practical implications. The margins are experiences, encounters, exploration of spiritual development that occur organically. Usually, they are an afterthought during formal education and spiritual formation, and yet they are spaces where divine and human energies meet. We hold up friendship as an illustrative example. We would go so far as to posit that the “margins” are often labeled as such because those who do not belong to or understand it have exerted power (and in some cases, injustice and oppression) by giving a name for that which is not their primary domain. Yet in our Christian tradition, heaven is described as a place where “every tribe and tongue and nation” worship God together. Moreover, Christian discipleship has been predicated on the friendship of the first apostles, and through apostolic succession extended to the entire human race through friendship with and from Christ.

Queering CPE in Central Pennsylvania: An Embodied Womanist Approach to Learning

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The growing awareness in clinical pastoral education is the importance of students' ability to reflect on their cultural identity. The purpose is that a student's ability to be in a relationship with another person is directly impacted by how the student is in a relationship with oneself. Spiritual care clinicians and educators are calling for a decolonized approach to learning that centers the body as the focus of learning. This type of learning invites us to pay attention to our Be-ingness in relationship to self and others. The focus is on how being a black, queer, and woman influenced my supervisory relationship with my students and the environment where I work as an educator. It demonstrates the theories utilized to engage students who don’t have the context of this style of learning. Ultimately, discovered that certain persons and environments are on the margins of queer, and liberating thinking. This article aims to invite certified educators and certified educator candidates to reflect on how their social location impacts their relationship with their students.

The Psychology of a wounded Healer: Exploring Key Considerations to Foster Growth and Effectiveness as Black Pastoral Caregivers

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The role that self identity, self care, wounded healers, and wrestling with ones own beliefs inform growth and effectiveness as Black pastoral ccaregivers.

Living the Muslim-Enough Reality as a Muslim Woman Chaplain

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Basic understanding of Islam and basic knowledge of Fiqh [jurisprudence].

Formal classes in the Islamic sciences to gain basic working knowledge of [creeds, jurisprudence, prophetic biography], Qur’an Memorization, & Hadith studies [studies of the statements and actions of Prophet Muhammad]. We recommend [two institutions].

Mentorship with an experienced Healthcare Muslim Chaplain

Hermeneutics as a Tool for Pastoral Counseling Theory

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Hans Georg Gadamer once described hermeneutics as, "The art of being able to listen." As a field that is taught in religious education around the world, hermeneutics may have theoretical and practical significance for those whose occupation is in pastoral care and counseling, as this field hinges on listening to people effectively. This article revisits the ideas of Charles Gerkin's Living Human Document: Re-Visioning Pastoral Counseling in a Hermeneutical Mode, which set forth a vastly underappreciated vision for pastoral counseling, incorporating the spirit and philosophy of hermeneutics. The author applies some of Gerkin's principles to his own lived experience as a hospital chaplain.

The Development of Emotional Intelligence in United Methodist Clergy

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Learning about, understanding, developing Emotional Intelligence. The role Emotional Intelligence plays in being an effective clergy person. How Emotional Intelligence can be developed and utilized in effective ministry.

Clinical Pastoral Education is Evolving with an Intact Soul

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The categories for the ACPE Revised Outcomes and Indicators adhere to traditional values in CPE and expand on those values. The skill development that previously began in Level II CPE begins immediately in entry-level CPE. This evolution of the CPE Outcomes better serves students seeking to learn to offer spiritual care, and better serves care recipients. The Revised Outcomes raise a deeper question: do the members of ACPE believe the processes of CPE can and should evolve? This article makes a positive case for such evolution.

SECTION 2 - ATFE and ARPTE

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Introduction to Section 2 which focuses on ATFE and ARPTE - Members Engaging Marginality

The Three Voices: An Embodied Modality of Pastoral Supervision

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This article outlines and sets forth an integrative model of pastoral supervision which marries embodiment and narration. After outlining the origins of the model in the work of Jonathan Chambers, embodied supervisory approaches are explored and theological considerations offered. The effectiveness of the model, through which individual and group reflective processes generate transformative insights in challenging team situations, is expounded.

Exploring Weaving Stories: A Narrative Way of theological Reflection in Field Education

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This article delves into the meaning and method of narrative in theological education, articulates the significance of connecting various stories – biblical, personal, congregational, and cultural – in theological reflection, and proposes an interdisciplinary narrative way of theological reflection based on the story-weaving work by two Asian American female theologians.

Finding Ourselves at the margins: The Integration of Self-Care Reflective work into contextual Education

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Formation for ministry has long been a focus of study within theological education. Essential to ministry formation is the development of self-preserving practices that promote renewal and flourishing. Seminary students experience increased self -knowledge and cultural sensitivity when contextual education requires self-care reflective work.

Essence Seeing in Reflective Practice

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This article probes the question “What is essential in the program of supervised ministry to help students develop as reflective ministers?” The author employs Richard Osmer’s reflection method to describe and reflect upon theological field education in San Antonio, Texas, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Language of Exile: Ministerial Formation in the Post-Christian Context

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The Babylonians decisively invaded Ancient Israel in 587 BCE and sent many of the leading citizens of Judah off to exile in Babylon. This marginalizing act demanded that the people of Israel adapt their faith and the practice of it to a new and challenging set of circumstances. While the experience of the church in North America is very different than that of ancient Israel it is facing a time of moving from near the center of cultural influence to a place nearer to the margins. The experience of ancient Israel can inform the life of the church today. The prayer language of Israel found in the book of Lamentations and a number of Psalms can provide perspectives that will inform practices for ministerial formation in these challenging days.

A Profile in Resiliency: One Student’s Growth in a New Neighborhood Engagement Program

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Cultivation of resilience is a key aspect of a new experiential program for students at Bethany Seminary, located in east central Indiana. In a case study of one student’s initial reluctance and poor choices, practices of accountability fostered growth.

SECTION 3: LILLY ENDOWMENT PATHWAY GRANT REFLECTIONS

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Each school takes on the particularities of its own denomination’s or school’s traditions or tenets. Another common thread is the collaborative effort at the heart of these programs. Each program is student centered. Another common thread is the collaborative effort at the heart of these programs. Field education is a collaborative educational pedagogy. Each of these innovative and broad-thinking grants are still unfolding. Each article in this section offers specific insights which can inspire adaptations and adjustments that might just lead you around the next bend in theological field education.

Bethany Seminary Pathway Grant Reflection

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Dan Poole continues his reflection begun in Vol. 43 of the unfolding story of their institution's Lilly Pathway Grant implementation.

St. Mary Seminary, Cleveland Pathway Grant Reflection

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Fr. Andrew Turner continues his reflection begun in Vol. 43 of the unfolding story of their institution's Lilly Pathway Grant implementation.

Vancouver School of theology Pathway Grant Reflection

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Steven Chambers continues his reflection begun in Vol. 43 of the unfolding story of their institution's Lilly Pathway Grant implementation.

SECTION 4: PRACTITIONEERS, PRACTICAL THEOLOGIANS, AND POETS

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INTRODUCTION to Section 4.

Formation and Supervision at the Margins

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Campus ministries have long been at the forefront of building responsive and resilient Christian communities through creative worship, faith formation, and servant leadership development. This article offers wisdom from the field, naming ways the church, and the Gospel, might respond to the myriad crises facing young adults at this moment.

Loneliness of the Pastor

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In this convergent mixed methods study, I sought to mitigate pastoral loneliness using centering prayer. I examined the isolation experienced by clergy, citing data before and during the recent pandemic. From the data gathered in my four-week intervention, I found a correlation between decreased pastoral loneliness and centering prayer.

Testimony of a Spiritual Director

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This article introduces the calling and practice of Spiritual Direction and the contemplative benefits for those in ministry and chaplaincy. The author then discusses how persons on the margins of our community benefit from this ancient practice, encouraging the offering to those who otherwise would not have the opportunity.

The Rebel Jesus and Trauma Therapy with the Divine Child Within

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Reflections on the connection between the archetypal aspects of Jesus’ birth story and the therapeutic work the author engages in. It expands its reflections on these insights with implications for individuals, communities, and societies.

Most Remarkable Move

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Reflections on working with a young woman in a therapeutic way over an extended period of time.

We are here

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Poem about when feeling discourged and frustrated, remind oneself of all that is inspiring and affirming. Existence included affirmations alongside daily challenges.

Good Morning

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Russion Poem from a mother.

SECTION 5: ACPE THEORY PRESENTATION OF THE YEAR

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Introduction of the concept of ACPE Theory Presentation of the year and its history. Also names the 2024 recipient, Benjamin Paul Allward-Theimer

Kicking Around Sacred Connection: Coaching a "Soccer Team" of ACPE Learners

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ACPE Theory Presentation of the Year Award 2024. Benjamin Paul Allward-Theimer

Theology in Practice: A Beginner's Guide to the Spiritual Life, by Roch A. Kereszty and Denis Farkasfalvy

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Reviewed by Bryan Kromholtz

Ministry in Context: A Guide to theological Field Education and Ministry Internships in Australia and New Zealand, edited by Richard Trist

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Reviewed by Susan MacAlpine-Gillis

Holy Friendships: Nurturing Relationships that Sustain Pastors and Leaders, by Victoria Atkinson White

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Reviewed by Chelle Huth

Group Supervision: Notes for Beginners, by Michael Paterson and Liz Crumlish, reviewed by Matthew Rhodes

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Reviewed by Matthew Rhodes.

What Makes You Come Alive: A Spiritual Walk with Howard Thurman, by Lerita Coleman Brown, Reviewed by Carolyn A. Wright

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Reviewed by Carolyn A. Wright

Post-Traumatic Jesus: A Healing Gospel for the Wounded, by David W. Peters, Reviewed by Joshua T. Morris

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Reviewed by Joshua T. Morris

Rethinking Normalcy: A Disability Studies Reader, Edited by Tanya Titchkosky and Rod Michalko

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Reviewed by Angela L. Swain.

Casting Indra's Net: Fostering Spiritual Kinship and Community; Wisdom from Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and More, by Pamela Ayo Yetunde reviewed by Jurgen Schwing

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Reviewed by Jurgen Schwing

one long listening: a memoir of grief, friendship, and spiritual care, by Chenxing Han

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Reviewed by Lilu Chen

Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care in the twenty-First Century: An Introduction, by Wendy Cadge and Shelly Rambo, reviewed by B. Lokelani Wilson

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Reviewed by B. Lokelani Wilson

Claiming Your Voice: Speaking Truth to Power, by Norvene Vest, Reviewed by Andrew Turner

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Reviewed by Andrew Turner

LOOKING AHEAD: THEME FOR VOLUME 45 THE 2025 ISSUE

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Next Issue, Volume 45