History
History of Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI)
The Origins of Clinical Pastoral Education
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) emerged in the early twentieth century as theological educators began exploring ways to combine classroom learning with real-world ministry experience. Rev. Anton T. Boisen, a Presbyterian minister and pioneer of clinical pastoral training, emphasized learning through engagement with what he called “living human documents”—the real experiences of people facing illness, crisis, and spiritual struggle.
In 1925, at Worcester State Hospital in Massachusetts, Boisen began supervising theological students who served as hospital attendants during the day and gathered for reflection and seminars in the evening. Around the same time, Dr. Richard Cabot of Harvard Medical School introduced a case-study model for clinical training that emphasized observation, documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Together, these early efforts helped establish the foundation for modern clinical pastoral education.
Development of the CPE Movement
In 1930, leaders in theology and medicine formed the Council for Clinical Training to support and organize this new approach to ministerial education. Over the following decades, several organizations developed clinical training programs for clergy and pastoral caregivers.
By 1967, many of these groups united to form the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) which helped standardize CPE training across hospitals, correctional institutions, congregations, and other ministry settings. Additional organizations later emerged, reflecting the growing diversity and global reach of chaplaincy education.
The Founding of CPEI
Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI), Inc. was established in 2018 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to high-quality clinical pastoral education. From its founding, CPEI sought to:
- welcome students from diverse faith traditions
- provide rigorous, life-transforming clinical pastoral education
- offer accessible programs through innovative educational models
CPEI’s programs combine experiential ministry with online and hybrid learning, allowing students to participate in accredited CPE programs while serving in hospitals, hospices, correctional institutions, congregations, and community ministries.
Accreditation and Institutional Growth
In 2020, CPEI receives accreditation through the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), affirming the organization’s commitment to recognized standards in continuing education and professional training.
In 2024, CPEI becomes accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Expanding Recognition
In recent years, CPEI has achieved several important milestones that strengthen professional pathways for its students and graduates:
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognition allows eligible veterans and service members to use VA education benefits for CPEI programs.
- National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains (NAVAC) acceptance of CPEI’s CPE units supports chaplains pursuing ministry in VA medical centers.
- Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) / Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. (BCCI) approval recognizes CPEI as a provider of CPE toward board certification.
- Evangelical Board of Certified Chaplains (EBCC) provides a clinical chaplain certification for evangelicals serving in health care settings.
- National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) recognition of CPEI’s CPE units expands certification pathways for Catholic chaplains.
Looking Ahead
Today, CPEI continues to advance clinical pastoral education through accredited programs, professional credentialing, and innovative learning environments. Guided by its mission to provide inclusive and life-transforming pastoral education, CPEI equips chaplains and spiritual care professionals to serve with compassion and competence in diverse ministry settings around the world.
Together with our students, faculty, and partners, CPEI continues advancing the practice of spiritual care; equipping professionals who listen deeply, serve faithfully, and bring healing presence to the places where it is needed most.