"The Art of Pastoral Care took me on a wonderful journey of exploring the 'art
of listening' and being a 'compassionate presence' and helped me build a stronger
skill set. I often reflect on the course with gratitude for what I learned because
'being truly present' is important in all aspects of life!"
- Kären is T-Touch Certified Practitioner.
"It was the beginning of a journey that had been brewing over the years through
circumstances, career, friends, and most profoundly, the Lord's gentle prodding.
--- I continue to be surprised by the process."
- Kate has continued her education and finished additional units of CPE.
"The AOPC class was an incredible journey. ….I discovered my own strengths
and my own woundedness. Then Kathy and Don taught us how to use the combination
of the two to truly be compassionate, empathetic, and, most of all, present
for others in pain."
- Michael continues to use his skills as a Pastoral Care Specialist in a local
hospital & works with Goodwill Industries to help train and place people in
jobs who have special needs.
"It (AOPC) was an intensely rewarding journey of self-exploration and healing
that not only equipped me to be a pastoral caregiver but also transformed the
way I approach everyday relationships and interactions. A unique group experience
of trust and true communion that connected us through our vulnerabilities and
wounds and created a sacred space that was filled with grace."
- Jonathan continues to be part of a pastoral care giving team for his congregation.
"The Art of Pastoral Care was a slow process that opened me up to myself. I
learned more about my better self than I ever thought possible. But
I had to wait until several months after the course ended to see the results.
AOPC II continues that journey."
- Nancy continues to be active in congregational leadership and serves as a
volunteer chaplain in a local hospital.
"Being out of chaplaincy for many years, AoPC was a wonderfully rewarding reentry. The class helped me clarify what I "see" as my pastoral presence while offering excellent feedback as to how others experience that presence. Practicing skills was revealing and a good vehicle for both didactic and self-learning. But our class cooperative spirit and the excellent supervised hospital visitation were perhaps the most fulfilling elements of the course. I am blessed with greater insight into my pastoral identity and a vast appreciation for my AoPC classmates who have touched and taught me."
- Beth continues to provide chaplaincy services in a local hospital.
"... The skills developed, under the kind and thorough teaching of Kathy and
Don, the class interaction, the reading and work, and the practicum, have been
put to much use in everyday life, in bringing Stephen Ministry to my church,
and now in my position as lay pastor of congregational care. What a blessing
it has been, not just personally, but also to others."
- Jeannette is actively
involved in the Stephen Ministry in her congregation.
"What a huge relief: I no longer had to fix it for others. [It] Took a huge
weight off of my shoulders. --- A life transforming experience."
- Ann is active in the congregational care of her worship community.