The College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy is a theologically based covenant community, dedicated to "recovery of the soul" and promoting competency in the clinical pastoral field.
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As I flew home from Raleigh, North Carolina; where the 2007 CPSP Plenary was held I began to reflect on the experiences I had over the last several days. As in previous years, it is the small group meetings that hold the most significance for me. It is during these meetings that I am given a time to share, to heal and to hope. Where else can one encounter a phenomenon such as this? It never ceases to amaze me that year after year I can sit in a room with people who are virtual strangers and in a short amount of time they become my confidants. This experience always offers me a sense of renewal.
A sad point this year occurred when I discovered that for the second year in a row Myron Madden, our plenary chaplain would not be able to join us as we gathered. However, I remembered his words from the previous year; they left a mark on my soul. Myron wrote, “I have struggled to make my ministry one of bringing blessing to the lives of others. But you can never be sure if you have succeeded unless it comes back in a form of some real human affirmation from others. You as a group in CPSP have so affirmed me that I can go in the strength of that gift even as the body stretches toward sundown.”
Is this not a struggle we each tend to bear? Yet, real human affirmation is what I gain from these gatherings and I think it would be fair to say the majority of our members journey back home with a similar feeling.
Further affirmation came as I listened to each of the three exceptional speakers who joined us this year; Dr. John Kinney, Dr. Esteban Montilla, & Dr. Carol Schweitzer. I would like to direct you to read Kathy Martino’s reflection on the Pastoral Report (PR); since her words echo my own. A tremendous thanks is extended to each of our speakers; your words inspired and transformed.
This year we were privileged to have The Rev. Dr. Chris Swift, the President of the College of Health Care Chaplains in the UK join us as we gathered. Dr. Swift joined a small group during his visit and later commented that his experience was a bright point during the conference. Chris affirms the value of these small group meetings. Be sure to watch the brief video on the PR, where Chris makes his closing remarks; his words speak to the true value of the work we do as chaplains.
Jim Gebhart, our President, addressed the community with passion as he spoke of issues facing our world: the war, the economy, the health care system and global warming. Jim’s words brought to mind a quote by Norman Cousins, “Nothing is more powerful that an individual acting out of his conscience, thus helping to bring the collective conscience to life.” Your words have enlightened us, Jim. Thank you.
Our General Secretary, Raymond Lawrence spoke about the evil winds blowing in the clinical pastoral movement. His words brought us up to date in relation to who and where we are as a community. As always, Raymond offers an exceptionally distinctive point of view. Be sure to look for both of these addresses in the PR, they will be published soon.
Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to create this outstanding gathering, especially John Edgerton who planned the 2007 CPSP Plenary and who served as our host. Our Annual plenary gifts each of us with an opportunity to look more deeply at who we are; giving us an occasion to gather and grow. As a community we are truly set apart.
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at April 12, 2007 6:41 PM
