Candice' Comments

I’m going back to school! And I’m excited!

On September 10, I begin taking classes to earn a Pastoral Care Specialist Certificate, offered by The Institute for the Practice of Ministry at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center. WOW! That is a mouthful!

The Pastoral Care Specialist Program is a competency-enhancing two-year program designed for the professional development and renewal of pastors, chaplains, and other persons involved in ministries of pastoral care. The program provides an enriching blend of psychology and theology, as well as theory and practice, while encouraging the sharing of learned lessons.

Participants meet once each month to learn about areas critical to effective pastoral care, and to receive support, encouragement, and consultation on their work. Participants can solidify what they already do well and integrate new knowledge and skills into their ministries.

Some of the topics to be addressed include:

· Forgiveness

· Addictions and Co-Dependency

· The Spirituality of Children              

· Stress among Church Leaders

· Pastoral Care for Depression

· Trauma and the Body

· Loss and Grief

· Renewing the Spirit

This year’s program begins the second Tuesday of September (September 10, 2013) and runs through the second Tuesday of June (June 11, 2014). Classes are from 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Former students in the program list as things they found valuable:

· Presentations by specialists

· The opportunity to ask questions

· Suggested reading lists

· Writing reflection papers

· Feedback on reflections

I appreciate the congregation’s support and encouragement as I begin the Pastoral Care Specialist Program. The tuition is $600/year. The readings and reflection papers will require approximately four hours per month.

I look forward to continuing to grow in knowledge and faith as I participate in this program. Thank you for walking with me on this journey.

Blessings,

Candice