Mid unit lessons

1. Myself as a pastor: I am learning that my theology, denominational background, and family history have a profound effect on my experience and practice of being a pastor. That being said, I have found that I also have the ability to adapt to the different situations and theologies that are present in the clinical environment. This ability to adapt to the situation was something that I had not really considered prior to the CPE experience—but has become an enjoyable aspect of the job. Likewise, I have been surprised that I am comfortable entering into a number of situations that I had expected to be sources of anxiety.

I have found that prayer and worship have been the most powerful tools in my daily life of a CPE Chaplain. Self care has been an important aspect of the experience as well. I feel that areas I still need to work on include: time management, relating more to healthcare staff, active listening and appropriate response, engagement with individuals that do not have a strong faith tradition, and finding a healthy balance between ardor and order.

2. Myself as a person: I have learned that, as a person, I sometimes shirk away from confrontation. I often try to mediate conversations and come up with an appropriate solution to problems—sometimes when this is not my assigned role. I like to see some sort of progress being made in any situation—and I feel that I sometimes prohibit the expression of feelings and concerns that are legitimate emotional responses from others by trying to problem solve. I like organization and become frustrated when there is a serious lack thereof—but I have also learned that there is no way to “organize” a large portion of the CPE learning experience; some things must be learned by heart. I have also been reminded that I appreciate direction and critique that is short and to the point.

3. Peer observations (and at the same time these are introspective observations into my own ministry--hence the "DS" throughout):

DS has a strong pastoral presence and is comfortable expressing his faith in theological language. He is a thoughtful and caring CPE chaplain who is approachable and dedicated. He could probably benefit by verbalizing his thoughts and feelings more often, to the group.

DS brings valuable experience and knowledge to the CPE experience. He is a good listener and provides good feedback to the CPE students. DS has a good sense of what is important in the summer CPE experience and what is important to pastoral ministry in general. He could benefit by becoming more knowledgeable about the Seton Healthcare Network.

People seem to naturally open up to DS. He is a nurturing and trustworthy CPE chaplain who makes time for his patients. DS is a good listener who has a strong pastoral presence and who seems to have a affinity to some aspects of Liberation Theology. He could probably benefit by finding ways to be more comfortable using theological language in the pastoral setting.

DS is personable and caring towards his peers and towards his patients. Already this summer, he has been a peaceful presence to several families during times of crisis. His outgoing personality and well formed theology have served him well in both ordinary patient visits and those he has performed while on call. He contributes to the group’s dynamics by addressing thoughts and ideas straightforwardly. DS is a level headed CPE chaplain who is both pastoral and approachable. DS could probably benefit by exploring some of the insights he gained into his role as a pastor among hospital staff and CPE peers—especially reflecting on the differences he experienced wearing a collar as opposed to street clothes. For the benefit of the group, he could also articulate more of his theological understandings during those times when he feels the theology of his faith tradition may differ significantly from that of other members of the group.

DS is a thoughtful and considerate CPE chaplain who has made conscious improvements to his active listening skills during the first half of this summer unit. He is quick to notice and identify major issues related to group dynamics and interpersonal relationships. He is easily approachable and appears comfortable in most settings (whether he is or not). He gets along well with both his peers and supervisors. DS has taken time out of each day to pray for his patients. He could probably benefit by utilizing his denomination’s prayer books, etc. For the benefit of the group, he could practice verbalizing his thoughts on the group’s dynamics in a fashion that prompts a greater depth of discussion.

DS is a warm and contemplative CPE chaplain who conveys a peaceful presence. He has strong communication skills and the ability to tell a good story. DS is an excellent listener and a deep thinker. He could probably benefit by getting in touch with his feelings—and by not always being so cerebral.

DS is a very capable and disciplined CPE chaplain who has a strong sense of sacramental theology. He expresses his feelings and thoughts openly and sincerely. His theological training shows forth in his pastoral practice as well as in his daily devotion. DS seems to have the ability to provide spiritual guidance to individuals from diverse backgrounds. He approaches the CPE chaplain experience with passion and energy that is refreshing and motivating. He could probably benefit by identifying “thinking out loud” as such, and by continuing to contemplate the “hard questions” that impact his ministry.