Testimonials
"CPE helped me learn how to express myself more effectively and to be more self accountable. Gifts that I had were affirmed and I have developed new tools also for more effective listening. I leave changed and I know the growth process will continue. I thank God and Ecumenical Institute for this opportunity."
Karol Gafken, Class of 2008
Parish nurse at Bethany Lutheran in Spencer
"I enrolled in CPE because it was a requirement by my denomination but it has evolved into a very helpful experience. It also created more awareness in my parish about the importance of pastoral caregiving. My competency in listening has improved greatly especially in the area of hearing and accepting other people’s feelings."
Terry Pollard, Class of 2008
Pastor at Alta-Schaller United Methodist Church
"One of the key things I learned was that we’re not all the same, but we’re not as different as we think. Also, I now prepare more purposefully for a pastoral visit. Instead of offering solutions, I learned to offer comfort and connection to the Christian community."
Kollen Queener, Class of 2008
candidate for clergy from United Methodist Church, LeMars
"CPE has helped me to understand myself better and that is freeing. My church was glad that I wanted to learn new ways to be a more effective pastor and has been very supportive. I appreciated the extra skills I learned in the art of listening. So much ministry can be accomplished when a person just takes the time to really listen."
Craig Cummins, Class of 2008
Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Alta
"I understand myself and my family legacy better so that I am able to communicate more effectively in ministry."
Stephanie Prince, Class of 2008
Lay woman from Spencer’s Dayspring Assembly of God
"I have grown personally especially in my understanding of grief and loss. I also have expanded my understanding that offering my “presence” is a gift of ministry. I have become more aware of the power of prayer and to offer prayer as appropriate when I minister and remember to pray afterwards so as to lift the caregiving concerns to God and release the burden that I can feel."
Karen Borchers, Class of 2008
Lay woman from St. Paul’s Lutheran (ELCA) in Holstein and Executive Director of EI
"CPE awakened in me gifts for ministry that I did not know I had."
Hollie Holt-Woehl - Class of 1990
"It was the CPE group dynamics that laid the best foundation for just listening and being human in need of God's healing Spirit in the moment."
Father Miles J. Barrett - Class of 1981
"The EI staff helped me to find myself, my fears, my weaknesses and strengths. They helped me live outside myself and my narrow views. Their honesty, frankness, and humor helped me through a lot."
Pastor Al Walck - Class of 1975
"CPE was very valuable and I would recommend it to anyone. I will always remember the time spent in the group sharing devotions, lunch and most importantly the verbatims. I really enjoyed hearing the perspectives of my classmates on what they thought of the way I listened as well as how I communicated with others. I would definitely think about doing this again sometime."
Bob Holtrop - Class of 2007
"CPE has given me new insights during home visits and care center visits."
Harvey Hanson - Class of 2007
"I know the Holy Spirit was in control for me to be in the right place at the right time to receive this training. I use it every day as a lay leader in my church. Also, after being on a bus trip and seeing some wonderful sights, people were talking about what was the most meaningful part of the trip. I was amazed that they said the theological discussions in the back of the bus were the highlight. My training was the key in my knowing how to facilitate these discussions."
Ron Ellefson - Class of 2007
"I became a Christian in 1997 and wanted to share my faith with other Asian people. I found that to have the credibility which I needed to become a pastor, this training was vital for me to be ordained."
Soriya Roeun - Class of 2007
"I learned to listen better rather than just focusing on what question I was going to ask next. It helped me to think about tough questions and ultimately be more effective in my ministry."
Bonnie Wallace - Class of 2007
"CPE training at the Ecumenical Institute has provided much in preparation for a ministry of pastoral care. First, it has helped me to understand who and where I minister from, enabling me to remain as healthy as possible and minimizing the attempt to do ministry with my own agenda. Additionally, the variety of people and backgrounds in the class helped me to have a better realization of the diversity in the people I seek to provide ministry to. Most importantly, it has helped me to understand God in a deeper way. Each person is made in God's image and that alone is reason to value everyone that we come into contact with."
Rick Van Ravenswaay - Class of 2007
"Taking the Ecumenical Institute CPE training helped me to enhance and develop the skills I had and to have the confidence to do what I now do and I love it."
Ardith Wynja - Class of 2006
"My CPE experience opened a door to a future beyond anything I would have imagined for myself."
Wende Douglas - Class of 2000
"That summer of my CPE training proved to be the greatest learning experience of my entire life."
Father John Cain - Class of 1970
"I count CPE in the top three most meaningful events in my life."
Linda Winkelbauer - Class of 1986
"CPE gave me the confidence, courage, and comfort to put my arms around the elderly - to not only meet their physical needs, but also to meet their spiritual needs as I walk along side them through the really difficult times."
Karen Konz - Class of 2006
"The CPE classes gave me the opportunity to affirm again some of the gifts that I use in my ministry. They also empowered and challenged me to look at some of the areas I feel are weak in my own ministry call."
Julie Walding - Class of 2006
"CPE was a time of personal reflection and growth for me. It has allowed me to be really present and walk alongside the people I minister to. CPE enabled me to refine my therapeutic communication skills which I use on a daily basis."
Connie Kneip - Class of 2006
"I enjoyed the CPE experience. It was a great help in recognizing the various family-like structures within a church."
Carl Benge - Class of 2006
"Regarding my CPE experience, I still think about things I learned and still make applications in my life now. I would recommend this kind of continuing educational experience to anyone whose career involves helping others."
Matt Wentz - Class of 2006
"I feel that what I gained from my time in CPE more than made up for the 'lost day' each week."
Dale Fopma - Class of 2006
"I wish I could have known what I learned in CPE before I had kids so that I could have communicated at a deeper level with them sooner. Sometimes I don't understand how God is using me in this way, but I try to be open to how God wants me to serve Him."
Dawn Freese - Class of 2005
"My CPE training has been a great help and resource. When a new situation or crisis arises, I refer to my CPE materials to better help in that situation."
John Jensen - Class of 2005