Reflective Practice: Formation and Supervision in Ministry

Accompanying Disability: Caretaking, Family, and Faith - by Topher Endress

Mychal B. Springer — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Reviewed by MychalB. Springer

Cultivating Competence: The Ministry of Leadership Development Sarah B. Drummond

Dorothee Tripodi — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Reviewed by Dorothee Tripodi

Sustaining a Healthy Ministerial Workplace by Barbara Sutton and Victor Klimoski reviewed by Susan Mac-Alpine-Gillis

Susan Mac-Alpine-Gillis — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Book Review

Reframing Trauma: A Psychospiritual Theory and Theology. M. Jan Holton and Jill L. Snodgrass, eds.

Mi Young Choi — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Reviewed by Mi Young Choi

The Learning Cycle: Insights for Faithful Teaching from Neuroscience and the Social Sciences Muriel I Elmer and Duane H. Elmer

Deborah Anderson — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Reviewed by Deborah Anderson

Ministering to Families in Crisis edited by Jennifer Ripley, James N. Sells, and Diane J. Chandler

Robert Moya — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Reviewed by Robert Moya

Tending Call: A Liberation Theology of Vocation Callid Keefe-Perry

Sung Hee Chang — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Reviewed by Sung Hee Chang

ACPE Theory Presentation of the Year

Rodney W. Seeger — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Theory Presentation of the Year is introduced.

Theory Presentation by Allie Ulrich

Allie Ulrich — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Theory Presentation of the Year Award

John E. Senior — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

COMPLETE LIST OF ARTICLES AND BOOK REVIEWS

SECTION 1: HOLY GROUND: PLACE, PRESENCE, AND FORMATION FOR MINISTRY

John Senior — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

ARTICLES WRITTEN BY AUTHORS FROM ACPE, ATFEAND ARPTE

Editor Introduction to Volume 46

John E. Senior — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PLACE, REFLECTIVE PRACTICE, AND FORMATION

VOLUME 46 (2026)

The Land Has Memory: Reflections on Origins and Place

Bonnie Lemelle Abadie — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Land Has Memory: Reflections on Origins and Place. Reflections on experiences.

Exploring Holiness and Worship and Places Near and Far

Katrina Bentsen — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This article examines worship and holiness across Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the
United States. Drawing on site visits to ancient temples, Byzantine churches, and
Ottoman mosques, it explores how worship sites, their orientation, and their architecture
shape religious experience, concluding that holiness resides less in buildings than in
community, nature, and the presence of God.

The Geography of Waiting: Becoming the Way Prepared

Jill Y. Crainshaw — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

“The Geography of Waiting: Becoming the Way Prepared” reflects on an Advent morning
when spontaneous dance in a sanctuary reimagined waiting as a living, participatory
hope. Blending poetry and prose, the piece invites readers to see both the places they
inhabit and their own lives as the geography where divine light and justice take root.
Through breath, movement, and embodied waiting, the reflection reminds us that we
ourselves are sacred places where participatory hope takes root and where God calls us
to become the way prepared.

When Place Becomes a Main Character

David Degler — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Place or setting of a non-fiction or fiction story can become a main character with its own supporting cast. Field education students should consider this possibility when evaluating the impact of place in their experience and story. The context of a national park provides an example of this potential.

Becoming Formed by Place

Gianni Francisco-Passarella — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This reflection from a chaplain resident explores how chaplaincy is formed by place. Drawing on experiences in hospital rooms, hallways, and staff spaces, it considers how the sacred emerges in unexpected settings. Formation unfolds through attentive presence, silence, and listening, revealing the hospital itself as holy ground for spiritual care.

The Meaning of Place in Ministry and Learning

Antwon C. Lewis — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This reflective essay explores the theological and formative significance of place in ministry, drawing from lived experiences in hospice chaplaincy, parish ministry, military service, and contextual theological education. Through scriptural reflection and pastoral encounters, the author argues that place is not merely a backdrop for ministry but an active participant in spiritual formation. Hospice rooms, parish sanctuaries, hospital corridors, and military tents become sacred spaces where divine presence is discerned through vulnerability, community, and accompaniment. The essay emphasizes that God’s presence precedes the minister’s arrival and that transformation occurs at the intersection of location, learning, and faithful presence.

Every Context Tells a Story: Teaching the Art of Listening to People and Place

Lisl Heymans Paul — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Every context tells a story, and listening to people and place is an essential skill that emerging ministry practitioners must learn in order to engage in transformative and sustained ministry practice. This article presents a field education curriculum at GarrettEvangelical Theological Seminary grounded in a hermeneutic of accompaniment. Through Gemba walks, listening conversations, power analysis, asset mapping, and communal storytelling, students learn to listen to people and place, joining the story God is already unfolding in their ministry context.

On Sacred/Civic Placemaking: Rooting the Questions of Vocation in Space

Daniel Pryfogle — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This article introduces sacred/civic placemaking, which is the practice of reimagining underutilized religious properties for social impact, as a means of discerning vocation. Drawing on appreciative inquiry and Benedictine stability, the author argues that sacred/civic placemaking reframes the conventional questions of discernment by rooting vocation in space.

Retreat Space: Sustainability for Our Well-Being and Formation

Emily Rova-Hegener — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Purposeful retreat time away functions as a threshold space that enables the integration of body, mind, and spirit in ways that daily ministry cannot.

Sacred Circles and the Making of Place: An Interfaith Theological Reflection

Nathan H. Scherrer — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This interfaith theological reflection examines sacred circles as adaptive practices of place-making amid a declining trust in inherited religious traditions. Drawing on participant-observer experience, pagan orthopraxy, and Christian theological resources, it argues that sacred circles function as pedagogical technologies that train attention, redistribute authority, and form moral imagination. When read through a Christian interpretive perspective offered by C. S. Lewis, these practices may offer concrete resources for reflective practice and leadership formation in plural and disrupted contexts.

Formation for Religious Leadership: A Reflection on the Formation of Pope Leo XIV

Christina R. Zaker — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This article examines how place shaped the formation of Pope Leo XIV by exploring his experiences at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and as a missionary in Peru. Through interviews with two formative colleagues, the author considers how proximity, reflective practice, and orthokardia—the cultivation of a "right heart"—form religious leaders.

SECTION 2 ACPE: THE STANDARD FOR SPIRITUAL CARE AND EDUCATION

Michael Washington — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Articles submitted by ACPE educators and chaplains.

Editor's Introduction

Michael K. Washington — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Editor introduces the ACPE articles.

The Abyss: A Tale

James M. Clapper — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The author reflects on how place shapes pastoral formation within health care chaplaincy. The story explores the transformation of death’s domain into a sacred place through presence, ritual, and compassion, revealing how meaning emerges where human connection converges with divine mystery.

Teaching Clinical Ethics for Professional Chaplaincy: A Curriculum Development Process

Craig D. Katzenmiller — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

How well does this clinical pastoral education (CPE) program equip students, particularly chaplain residents, to enter the world of professional chaplaincy? Reflecting on this question, the author of this paper shares elements of an ethics curriculum development project carried out during the 2023–2024 academic year. Flowing from a two-part needs assessment about clinical competency, both theory and practice, the author shares the content, goals, strategies, and implementation experiences of the adapted curriculum, as well as the lessons learned from the curriculum development process. Initial evaluation of the revised curriculum indicates that it is preparing students to address ethics-related professional chaplaincy competencies.

Integrating a Culture of Safety into Clinical Pastoral Education: Methods, Theory, and Practice

Lynne M. Mikulak — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The author, an ACPE Certified Educator and BCC, proposes a group method, ACPE standards language revisions, and organizational change practices to integrate culture of safety into clinical pastoral education and to dialogue with chaplain cognate groups.

Integrating Culture of Safety into Clinical Pastoral Education: Narrative That Demonstrate a Need for Healing and Change

Lynne M. Mikulak — Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Culture of safety, Physical safety, Psychological and emotional safety, Narrative, CPE horror stories, CPE history, Chaplain cognate groups, Relationship repair, Ethics, Clinical pastoral education

Inner Relationship Focusing

Mary L. Parks — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Inner relationship focusing builds on the tools of internal family systems and nonviolent communication by providing a different type of model for self-exploration. Whereas internal family systems and nonviolent communication both generally employ the intellect, inner relationship focusing encourages us to lower our attention from the “comfort zone” of the rational mind and look for clues in bodily sensations, thus equipping us to provide a more contemplative and healing experience for others.

Spiritual Discernment in Chaplaincy Practice: Seeking Guidance in Life's Choices

William P. Selig — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This reflective essay emerges from hospital chaplaincy practice. Through bedside encounters and conversations with families, spiritual discernment is explored as a slow, relational process shaped by presence, listening, and accompaniment. It honors vulnerability, shared meaning, and human dignity.

SECTION 3: Association for Theological Field Education (ATFE) and Association for Reflective Practice in Theological Education (ARPTE)

John E. Senior — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction to Section 3

Surveying the Inner Landscape: Self-Understanding, Supervision and Formation for Ministry

Lee Beach — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This article argues that self-understanding is fundamental to ministry effectiveness. It examines barriers to self-knowledge – fear, perfectionism, cultural resistance, and time constraints – and identifies practices that cultivate it: intentional reflection, engagement with others, the arts, spiritual direction and counseling. It then describes how McMaster Divinity College's field education program structures these practices for student formation.

Formative AI Pedagogy: Designing for Depth in an Age of Efficiency

L, Callid Keefe-Perry — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This article proposes a formative AI pedagogy for theological education, rejecting the use of technology for mere efficiency. It introduces the ANCHOR framework to ensure AI tools extend student capacity, scaffolding deep learning and vocational formation rather than replacing human agency and meaning-making.

The Story of the First Nations Version Project

Terry M. Wildman — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This paper shares the story behind the development of the First Nations Version (FNV) Bible translation project through the ministry journey of Terry Wildman. The project grew out of years of work among Native communities, where commonly used English Bible translations often did not connect well culturally. Early efforts to retell Scripture in ways that reflect Native ways of speaking turned into a strong desire for a more meaningful and relevant translation.Because many Native people today primarily speak English rather than their tribal languages, the FNV was developed as an English translation shaped by Native cultural thought and storytelling patterns. What began as a grassroots effort developed into a collaborative project involving a diverse indigenous translation council and community review process. The FNV New Testament was published in 2021, followed by Psalms and Proverbs in 2025, with work continuing on the full Bible. As the first known English translation created by Native North American people for Native people, the FNV serves as both a ministry resource and a contribution to broader Bible translation efforts.

Tracing the Threads from Classroom to Community: Braiding Theological Imagination for Sustained Justice Work

Dietra Wise Baker — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Braiding is a restorative, creative act of care within African American culture, utilizing either natural hair or added extensions to achieve a specific vision. In this reflection, I argue that establishing a shared definition of social justice and leveraging local grassroots movements are the “essential threads” for sustaining justice beyond educational placements. Chaplains and educators can begin “braiding their own hair” by fostering collaborative definitions of justice that actively engage both students and community partners. In an even greater act of care, institutions can “add hair” by intentionally designing contextual education through a social justice lens. This approach deepens relationships between students and organizations, building the theological imagination necessary to propel students toward a sustained practice of vocationally integrative justice work.

SECTION 4: ACPE THEORY PRESENTATION OF THE YEAR

Rodney Seeger — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Annual presentation of the ACPE Theory Presentation of the year award.

ACPE Theory Presentation of the Year

Allie Ulrich — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Theory Presentation of the Year award - Allie Ulrich

Reflective Practice: Formation and Supervision in Ministry

Accompanying Disability: Caretaking, Family, and Faith - by Topher Endress

Cultivating Competence: The Ministry of Leadership Development Sarah B. Drummond

Sustaining a Healthy Ministerial Workplace by Barbara Sutton and Victor Klimoski reviewed by Susan Mac-Alpine-Gillis

Reframing Trauma: A Psychospiritual Theory and Theology. M. Jan Holton and Jill L. Snodgrass, eds.

The Learning Cycle: Insights for Faithful Teaching from Neuroscience and the Social Sciences Muriel I Elmer and Duane H. Elmer

Ministering to Families in Crisis edited by Jennifer Ripley, James N. Sells, and Diane J. Chandler

Tending Call: A Liberation Theology of Vocation Callid Keefe-Perry

ACPE Theory Presentation of the Year

Theory Presentation by Allie Ulrich

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: HOLY GROUND: PLACE, PRESENCE, AND FORMATION FOR MINISTRY

Editor Introduction to Volume 46

The Land Has Memory: Reflections on Origins and Place

Exploring Holiness and Worship and Places Near and Far

The Geography of Waiting: Becoming the Way Prepared

When Place Becomes a Main Character

Becoming Formed by Place

The Meaning of Place in Ministry and Learning

Every Context Tells a Story: Teaching the Art of Listening to People and Place

On Sacred/Civic Placemaking: Rooting the Questions of Vocation in Space

Retreat Space: Sustainability for Our Well-Being and Formation

Sacred Circles and the Making of Place: An Interfaith Theological Reflection

Formation for Religious Leadership: A Reflection on the Formation of Pope Leo XIV

SECTION 2 ACPE: THE STANDARD FOR SPIRITUAL CARE AND EDUCATION

Editor's Introduction

The Abyss: A Tale

Teaching Clinical Ethics for Professional Chaplaincy: A Curriculum Development Process

Integrating a Culture of Safety into Clinical Pastoral Education: Methods, Theory, and Practice

Integrating Culture of Safety into Clinical Pastoral Education: Narrative That Demonstrate a Need for Healing and Change

Inner Relationship Focusing

Spiritual Discernment in Chaplaincy Practice: Seeking Guidance in Life's Choices

SECTION 3: Association for Theological Field Education (ATFE) and Association for Reflective Practice in Theological Education (ARPTE)

Surveying the Inner Landscape: Self-Understanding, Supervision and Formation for Ministry

Formative AI Pedagogy: Designing for Depth in an Age of Efficiency

The Story of the First Nations Version Project

Tracing the Threads from Classroom to Community: Braiding Theological Imagination for Sustained Justice Work

SECTION 4: ACPE THEORY PRESENTATION OF THE YEAR

ACPE Theory Presentation of the Year