Chaplaincy: What in "H" Was I Thinking?: A Champion of Cpe & Self-Discovery

By Susan R. Street-Beavers D.Min.

For many, the route of coming into and through CPE and the process of self-discovery is mysterious and puzzling, fraught with fear and uncertainty. With amazing clarity and insightful wisdom, Dr. Susan Street-Beavers demystifies the CPE process. You are guided step-by-step with humor, poetry, prayer, scripture, and thought provoking questions through the story of Dr. Susie's journey to wholeness. Whether you are a nurse, social worker, therapist, pastor, elder, leader in your church community, or already a chaplain or just thinking and praying about it, this book offers skills to enhance self-awareness, growth in interpersonal relationships, and the strengthening of your ministry. An absolute must read for seminary students, church leaders and all who might consider participating in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and desire their experience to be a journey of wholeness. -Dr. Frank A. Thomas

In this book, Dr. Susie gives the reader a view of her personal journey through the clinical pastoral education (CPE) process. From this book, the reader will learn that many people become chaplains, as a result of going through the CPE process. Whether one becomes a chaplain or serves in another ministry, the self-reflection and growth experienced from the CPE process help make us better people. Dr. Susan Street-Beavers shares that the growth that she experienced caused her to write, "What in "h" was I thinking?" The "h" means heaven. The benefits gained by going through the CPE process can help to aid the CPE journeyer in her/his walk with God as we strive to share divinity with those that we are called to serve. -Dr. James A Nooks

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504961448

Susan R. Street-Beavers D.Min.

Dr. Street-Beavers invites the reader into her personal journey as she decided to enter the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) process as a student in CPE. Her experience makes it clear that this was not simply a process of professional development – it was a faith journey. She invites the reader to his or her personal faith journey in exploring CPE. She facilitates this journey with helpful exercises that encourage personal soul searching. Her gift of story and poetry convey the faith that guides and sustains her. Though each CPE student’s story of the CPE journey is unique to that student, Dr. Street-Beaver’s book provides a rich resource for those seeking to better understand and make CPE part of his or her journey. Orin Newberry, Ph.D.

Book preview

CHAPLAINCY:

What in H Was I Thinking?

A Champion of CPE & Self-Discovery

Susan R. Street-Beavers, D.Min.

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201 5 Susan R. Street-Beavers, D.Min. All rights reserved.

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Published by AuthorHouse 12/02/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-6143-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-6144-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015918843

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Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Chapter One What in H Was I Thinking?

Chapter Two Why Enter Into The Mysterious, The Unknown? The Call

Chapter Three Starting the Journey: Different Paths to Pursue

Chapter Four Examining the Lay of the Land: Going Forth

Chapter Five The Passage of Questioning and Self-Discovery

Chapter Six Try, Wait, and Accept the Pathway

Chapter Seven Understanding the Roadmap

Chapter Eight The Scenic Route

Chapter Nine Life and Learning on the Journey

Chapter Ten Sacred Moments along the Journey

Chapter Eleven The Crucible and Fear

Endnotes

Bibliography

References

About the Book

About the Author

I would like to dedicate this book to my children. To my oldest daughter, Whitney Lynn, I am thankful for your continued inspiration. Your having been in my life has made me a better person and has taught me to hold on to my faith. To my son, James Christian, you are my hero. Without you I would not have learned to be persistent and determined to pursue with passion the endeavors set before me. To my youngest daughter, Sydney Renée, you are a model of depth, precision, and fortitude, an anchor of hope that encourages me to act in love and to strive to be love. All of you have helped me toward my goal of being a vessel that is FAT: faithful, available, and teachable.

To the Veterans of America, I thank God for you and I pray for your spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. We must do more to thank you for your sacrifice.

To the readers of this story, may you search your heart to experience not only what is written, but discover the joy and love between each line of pain and glory. Enjoy!

Dr. Street-Beavers invites the reader into her personal journey that began when she decided to enter the clinical pastoral education (CPE) process as a student. Her experience makes it clear that this was not simply a process of professional development—it was a faith journey. She invites the reader to his or her personal faith journey in exploring CPE. She facilitates this journey with helpful exercises that encourage personal soul searching. Her gift of story and poetry convey the faith that guides and sustains her. Though each student’s story of the CPE journey is unique to that student, Dr. Street-Beaver’s book provides a rich resource for those seeking to better understand and make CPE part of his or her journey.

Orin Newberry, PhD, director of the Pastoral Care Department for Grant Medical Center, Doctors Hospital, and Dublin Methodist Hospital

In this book, Dr. Susie gives the reader a view of her personal journey through the clinical pastoral education (CPE) process. From this book, the reader will learn that many people become chaplains as a result of going through the CPE process. Whether one becomes a chaplain or serves in another ministry, the self-reflection and growth experienced from the CPE process help make us better people. Dr. Susan Street-Beavers shares that the growth that she experienced caused her to write Chaplaincy: What in H Was I Thinking? A Champion of CPE and Self-Discovery. The H means heaven. The benefits gained by going through the CPE process can help to aid the CPE journeyer in her or his walk with God as we strive to share divinity with those we are called to serve.

Dr. James A Nooks, BCCC, staff chaplain, Ohio Health, and author of You Answer the Call or You Die: Let the Women Preach in the Black Baptist Church

Dr. Susan Street-Beavers’ book, Chaplaincy: What in H Was I Thinking? A Champion of CPE and Self-Discovery, is an excellent guide on spiritual discernment in consideration of chaplaincy as a ministry vocation. Dr. Street-Beavers shares her personal journey with a deep conviction of faith and trust in God. Her story is very engaging and offers helpful and insightful counsel regarding the clinical pastoral education process. Dr. Street-Beavers has written outstanding devotional materials with scriptures to assist readers in their personal discernment. Her book is extremely helpful for those who are considering the CPE process.

Dr. Susie states in her book, The journey of ministry is not easy, yet it is during [those] times … that I served as a liaison between God and God’s people. As a regional pastor for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), I have the privilege of walking with persons who are discerning their call to ministry. I plan to recommend this book as a must read for anyone in ministry or anyone discerning a call to chaplaincy.

Dr. William H. Edwards, regional minister and president of the Christian Church in Ohio

For many, the route of coming into and through CPE and the process of self-discovery are mysterious and puzzling, fraught with fear and uncertainty. With amazing clarity and insightful wisdom, Dr. Susan R. Street Beavers demystifies the CPE process. You are guided step by step with humor, poetry, prayer, scripture, and thought-provoking questions through the story of Dr. Susie’s journey to wholeness. Whether you are a nurse, social worker, therapist, pastor, elder, leader in your church community, already a chaplain, or just thinking and praying about it, this book offers skills to enhance self-awareness, growth in interpersonal relationships, and the strengthening of your ministry. An absolute must read for seminary students, church leaders, and all who might consider participating in clinical pastoral education (CPE) and desire their experience to be a journey of wholeness.

Frank A. Thomas, PhD, D Min, Nettie Sweeney and Hugh T. Miller Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary

There's an oft stated cliche that everyone has as least one good book in her, and quite frankly, some books are best if they remain in the author. Just because someone has lived a narrative ought not to be the standard for penning it, and others should be under no obligation to read it. Dr. Susan Street-Beavers grand text is a formidable and interactive hermeneutic that reads the reader as the reader readers the text. By definition, all hermeneutical engagements are subjective and has the capacity to interpret the reader as the reader interprets the text. Her integration of narrative with sound heremeneutics, exegesis and constructive theology ensures the reader's participation in not just a read, but an event. From the very first word she takes you on her journey in such a way that you have no choice but to see yourself on her pages. This is authentic praxis at its best: the marrying of practice and theory in a way that promotes interaction and (re) invention. Unwittingly, perhaps, Street-Beavers has accessed a new way to talk about the ethics of empathy and care in a world that finds religious terms like compassion and love fatiguing.

Rich metaphors can be intrusive and overabundant, but Street-Beavers uses metaphor to invite you into a hermeneutic, an interpretation of life that begins with pain and ends with God's embrace. Even if you have never suffered loss to the extent that she has, you get a sense of what it means to be in shared-community with those who have. By sheer historical accident she was visited with the deepest of human tragedies, and most of us weren't. But what is impressive is that her writing method, depth of research, intensity of analysis and fearless of critique gives you permission to do the same—indeed to fight for those who are in no position to wage war on their own behalf.

This book extends beyond CPE. It is a necessary read for all pastors and ministry workers who seek a praxiological approach to the Kingdom of God, rather than the chatter of mediocrity and non-presence. Each of us, Street-Beavers dares us to see, has a narrative that needs appreciation in the lives of those who find themselves at a point in time with their backs against the wall. Her interactive hermeneutical strategy helps us identify our own story in her pages so that we can offer a hortatory response to those who need care. I recommend this praxis of empathetic care to anyone who takes seriously, though searching, what it means to follow Jesus into loss.

David Augustin Hodge, Sr., DMin., Ph.D

Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion

Florida Memorial University

Chaplaincy: What in H Was I Thinking? A Champion of CPE and Self-Discovery by Dr. Susan R. Street–Beavers is a book written about a unique contribution of clinical pastoral education. We educate and train the person as well as the profession of the participant. There has been very little written about the CPE process from the student’s perspective. Dr. Street-Beavers has caught the excitement, mystery, and fear of beginning a process that causes all involved to take a new look at themselves and their ministry.

For anyone thinking about this training or anyone who is in the middle of it, or in the middle of ministry and trying to understand its mysteries, this book can be a companion and guide. The training did not come easily to Dr. Street-Beavers, and her experience lends authenticity to her words.

Educating the student’s person as well as his or her profession is a duality fraught with mystery and risk. Dr. Street-Beavers has experienced that duality and written a book that will help others deal with it as well.

Dr. Dennis E. Kenny, author of Promise of the Soul: Identifying and Healing Your Spiritual Agreements and The Book of Weeks (a weekly process guide to CPE), and regional director of the East Central region of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education

Dr. Susan Street-Beavers is to be congratulated on her endeavor to share her journey into ministry and pastoral care. She has presented information about her experiences in a candid manner that can be easily understood. Her desire to answer some of the questions that are raised concerning how to become a chaplain is commendable. She helps the reader to see through her eyes and to feel the experience through her stories and poems.

Jacqueline D. Kelley, director of pastoral care and CPE (ACPE Supervisor at Jackson Health Systems, Miami, Florida); APC BCC

Dr. Susan Street-Beavers’ Chaplaincy: What In H Was I Thinking is a refreshing and welcomed help to the many challenges ministers face in their own world of kingdom work. In our efforts to bless others we fail to engage the strength and power we need in staying focused and empowered. The book also gives some very helpful suggestions how the ministry of grief can be more effective by understanding those things that help us move on. Thank you my sister for enduring and blessing us with this book. I encourage all to read, not only those in ministry, but those who are just looking for an encouraging word.

Rev. Cornelious Potter,

Sr. Pastor, Antioch Baptist Church

Tulsa, Oklahoma

I have been in the church all of my life and Dr. Susie’s book, Chaplaincy: What in H was I Thinking? opened my perspective of how I am to serve as a Lay Chaplain. A Lay Chaplain to me can be anybody called to strengthen their own personal journey as they are called in service to others. One of my favorite takeaways from the book is the exhortation for us to walk in faith and trust the discernment within you. I believe all who serve God would benefit by reading this book.

Sylvia M. Smith Trotter

Teacher & Servant of God

Martindale Church of Christ

Indianapolis, IN

Those who have sought to understand if their purpose is to pursue God’s calling as a spiritual care-giver will empathize with the struggle of discernment. Dr. Street-Beavers speaks honestly of the struggle and joy of responding to that call. Through her self-revelation and ability to draw from the Judeo-Christian heritage Dr. Street-Beavers escorts the reader from the mundane to accept the transcending role of a spiritual care-giver. By willingly entering the sacred space of another one becomes able to understand the importance of a person’s and one’s own back story. Such accomplishments are achieved by those willing to enter the theological and emotional journey provided by CPE. I recommend Chaplaincy: What in H was I Thinking? A Champion for CPE & Self-Discovery seeking to understand the importance of discerning the call through CPE.

Robert Myers-Bradley

Chief, Chaplain Service

Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC

Foreword

I thank God for Dr. Susan Street-Beavers (Dr. Susie) and her book, Chaplaincy: What in H Was I Thinking? A Champion of CPE and Self-Discovery. I was privileged to be able to serve with Dr. Susie in one unit of clinical pastoral education (CPE) at Grandview and Southview Hospitals in Dayton, Ohio. I observed her passion for learning and her commitment to the CPE process. Dr. Susie has a love for God and people, she is a committed and called servant, and she seeks to better herself through personal reflection.

In this book, Dr. Susie gives the reader a view of her personal journey through the clinical pastoral education (CPE) process. From this book, the reader will learn that many people become chaplains as a result of going through the CPE process. Whether one becomes a chaplain or serves in another ministry, the self-reflection and growth experienced from the CPE process help make us better people. Dr. Susan Street-Beavers shares that the growth she experienced caused her to write Chaplaincy: What in H Was I Thinking? A Champion of CPE and Self-Discovery. The H means heaven. The benefits gained by going through the CPE process can help to aid the CPE journeyer in her or his walk with God as we strive to share divinity with those whom we are called to serve.

In the book, the reader is invited to share in Dr. Susie’s journey as she experiences 1) Why Enter into the Mysterious, the Unknown? The Call, 2) Starting the Journey: Different Paths to Pursue, 3) Examining the Lay of the Land: Going Forth, 4) The Passage of Questioning and Self-Discovery, 5) Try, Wait, and Accept the Pathway, 6) Understanding the Roadmap, 7) The Scenic Route, 8) Life and Learning the Journey, 9) Sacred Moments Along the Way, and 10) The Crucible and Fear. Dr. Susie also shares some sample devotions and scriptures to help the reader and those who journey with her through the CPE process.

In Chapter Two, Dr. Susie asks, Why Enter into the Mysterious, the Unknown? The Call. Dr. Susie shares her experience of being called and how important that call experience has been in her life. Dr. Susie shares that God knew that she would need to rely on supernatural incidents to be able to hold on and make it through the trials of her life. The ordinary things of life would not be effective in sustaining her, so God gave her HOPE: heritage of previous experience. Dr. Susie encourages the reader to embrace the mysterious and unknown diversity of gifts that God has given the called people of God.

Chapter Three is entitled Starting the Journey: Different Paths to Pursue. In this chapter, Dr. Susie explains that there are many paths that could be pursued in ministry. While the CPE process can help in many service areas, it is a requirement if one chooses to be a chaplain. Dr. Susie explains the various ways that a person can obtain clinical pastoral education units and certification, and she shares a definition of CPE.

Chapter Four is entitled Examining the Lay of the Land: Going Forth. In this chapter, Dr. Susie encourages the person considering CPE to visit websites and facilities that they may be considering being a part of. She also suggests that journeyers need to examine themselves to determine if they are prepared and called to serve at a particular facility. She uses the analogy of numbers 13 and 14 to illustrate that an examination prior to embarking on a journey is important.

The Passage of Questioning and Self-Discovery is the title of Chapter Five. In this chapter, Dr. Susie shares some questions that she was asked in the application and interview process. She also shares questions that she asked. Dr. Susie shares examples of answers that she provided to questions. In the application process the facility will want to know about important events and people that have influenced your life as well as information about your family of origin. In the interview process, those applying for CPE experience will be asked about their life experiences and why they have chosen to participate in the CPE process.

In Chapter Six, Dr. Susie shares that the person on the CPE journey should Try, Wait, and Accept the Pathway. In the CPE process, applicants may not be selected by the facility that they would like to serve in. Dr. Susie prepares the applicant for the storm that may result in being disappointed by using the analogy of an eagle flying above the storm. She also encourages the reader/applicant that God has prepared a pathway for them.

Once you have been selected to be a part of a CPE process at a facility, there are several training sessions that you will need to participate in to be prepared to serve and learn. Chapter Seven is entitled, Understanding the Roadmap. There are codes of conduct and ethics that each facility will require you to follow. Dr. Susie reviews examples of activities that you will need to participate in, and subject matters that you will have to become familiar with as a CPE student.

In Chapter Eight, The Scenic Route, Dr. Susie shares her scenic route to obtaining five CPE units at three different facility sites. She received one unit from a College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP) site and the other four from Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) sites. Dr. Susie shares the experiences and growth associated with each facility that she had the opportunity to serve in. Dr. Susie states, In many ways life is like a journey, and the paths we choose are important. I believe the children of God don’t have to be fearful in deciding which path to follow, because the path of a righteous person is ordered. God will get God’s children where we need to be right when we need to be there. The key, however, is in remembering that the destination is not the most important thing; rather, the most important thing is the joy that results from the advantages and benefits we gain from the experience of selecting a path.

In Chapter Nine, Life and Learning on the Journey, Dr. Susie shares the activities and writings associated with the CPE process. This chapter shares a considerable amount of information. Dr. Susie explains the clinical, learning, and interpersonal group (IPG) requirements that are associated with the CPE process, and she provides personal examples of her writings to aid the reader of this book to prepare for their CPE journey.

Chapter Ten is entitled, Sacred Moments Along the Journey. Dr. Susie shares some of the sacred moments that she experienced with patients she served. Concerning sacred moments Dr. Susie states, "If you were wondering why I entitled the book Chaplaincy: What in H Was I Thinking? A Champion of CPE and Self-Discovery, here is my answer to you: The journey of ministry is not easy, yet it is during times like those previously described here that I served as a liaison between God and God’s people. There are those times when I stand in the gap on holy ground for something greater than you and I in ‘sacred space.’"

The Crucible of Fear is the title of Chapter Eleven. In this chapter, Dr. Susie discusses the fear that can affect the participation of people in the CPE process. Sharing and participation is a significant part of the CPE process. Each individual who participates in the CPE process brings his or her own unique life experiences into the interpersonal group (IPG) sessions. The clinical activities require team activities. In order for growth to occur, there needs to be sharing. Fear can prevent or inhibit the sharing that is required for growth. Dr. Susie shares some of her experiences and identifies how this process is supervised and how critical it is for healthy growth.

This chaplain was inspired by the book. I wish I had had access to the book prior to starting my CPE journey. Dr. Susie has shared her CPE journey to help those who are considering the CPE process as well as those already engaged in it. I admire her courage in sharing her personal experiences, and I thank her for desiring to help those that may follow the CPE path.

Dr. James A Nooks, staff chaplain, Ohio Health, and author of You Answer the Call or You Die: Let the Women Preach in the Black Baptist Church

Acknowledgements

I was encouraged by my clinical pastoral education (CPE) supervisor, Rev. Karen Morrow, and I received support from Rev. Osofa Atta, Dr. Cecelia Williams, Rev. Jacqueline Kelly, Dr. Patricia Wilson Cone, Marla Coulter-McDonald, and the awesome CPE leaders of the Racial Ethnic Multicultural Network (REM). I thank all of you for your prayers and your support of my journey and for helping me gain my voice back so I could complete this book.

I want to thank the following chaplains who were a part of my journey from my actual journey of CPE to my encounters with national and regional leadership that influenced my thinking and challenged me in many areas of growth: Rev. Elizabeth Price, Rev. Basharat Masih, Rev.