Testimonials
“When you begin CPE at The School of Military Spiritual Formation, you are about to begin one of the most meaningful events of your ministry life (and quite possibly your life). I knew I would be stretched and challenged. I wasn’t aware to what extent and how strengthening that would be to my faith, my family, and my overall life and ministry fitness. I learned to be comfortable with discomfort, calm in the face of challenges and confrontations, comforting in others’ pain, and how to be still. I learned to listen. Then I learned how to listen better. CPE has impacted my life and work by making me a better listener to God. I am a better listener to my spouse and child. I am a better listener and minister to my soldiers and clients. I am a better listener to people who are in pain. I am a better listener to people of different faith traditions. I am a better listener to people of different life choices and preferences. I am a better listener to people with whom I disagree. I am a better listener to people I do not like. I ask better questions. I hear deeper responses and reflections. I share life with people. I am more comfortable with pain, shame, grief, sadness, anger, and loneliness. I am more comfortable with myself.”
Lance Sellon
LTC, Army National Guard lieutenant colonel
“I did not have high expectations for CPE. I had heard stories about CPE being degrading to the conservative thought and challenging everything I believed about ministry. I was indeed challenged to contemplate why I believed what I believed, but The School of Military Spiritual Formation fostered an environment where all theological positions are respected. I have worked in the local church for two decades, and my tendency was to speak quickly in defense of my theology. At SMSF, I was given the opportunity to express my thoughts, consider the basis of my own positions, and seek new ways to find solid ground for my beliefs while also gaining an awareness of how I communicate and hear the spiritual stories of others.”
Andy
Student
“In theory, we all know that we are works in progress, but CPE has helped me realize how true that is. The feedback I received from my peers helped me gain a clearer understanding of my blind spots and how they impact the people God has called me to help as they discover where God is and what He is doing in the midst of suffering. Sometimes the feedback was hard to hear, but it was necessary and helpful. The best advice I can give is to enter CPE with an open mind, a teachable spirit, and to give the material 100%. I find myself using what I have learned daily.”
Drew
Student
“I have been in ministry since 1991as a pastor. I avoided CPE for thirty years due to the horror stories I had heard from other conservative evangelical pastors and chaplains; however, CPE with the School of Military Spiritual Formation has impacted my life and ministry in more ways than I can name. It wasn’t always fun. CPE brings out the gamut of human emotions. At times, I was angry, frustrated, and exhausted. But I received encouragement and critique along the way, and I can truly say I am better from the experience.”
Daryl Hamaker
Lt. Col. Air National Guard
“I expected CPE to be a class with a ton of busy work. But CPE is about who you become in the process of ministry. I came in thinking that I knew everything needed to be a chaplain, but quickly learned how little I truly knew.”
Barnabas
Student
“I expected CPE to be another series of classes. I did not expect CPE to dig
into the essence of myself and my counseling. CPE asked me tough questions
about myself as a person and as a counselor – questions that I was either
trying to avoid or did not know to ask.”
Pablo
Student
“Coming into CPE, I was told that the focus was on those who were dying. That perspective was completely upended in the first few weeks. Instead, I learned how to go on an authentic and compassionate journey with others as they find healing on their own terms. CPE at The School of Military Spiritual Formation has taught me to not rob people of their own discoveries by pretending I know or have all the answers.”
Michael
Student
"I am grateful to have been a part of this pilot program. The chaplains who go through this program are not only well-formed spiritually, but professionally and practically trained for the diverse mental health landscape we face in the military. I have personally seen how it is creating and energizing the next generation of mentors and menders.”
Paul Barnett
CH (COL)