Latest News

  • Prairie Precarity

    Jul 18, 2024

    In October of 2023, while driving in my hospice territory, I found myself on an unfamiliar stretch of rural North Dakota road. Suddenly, like a strange oasis in the desert, a dilapidated structure appeared to the southeast of me. My eyes fell on the building’s crumbling bell tower, and I knew instantly the structure had been a church. Looking at it, I couldn’t even begin to imagine when a congregation had last gathered there for worship or study; I certainly hoped it had been like an oasis, offering spiritual nourishment for thirsty souls on the often-harsh prairie. That October day, I didn’t have much time for daydreaming or exploration, but I did pull over to snap a picture on my phone.

  • Considering the Liberating Effects of Contemplative Care

    Jul 18, 2024

    In a world which is becoming increasingly smaller, spiritual care demands attention to a global population. July is minority mental health month. It is, therefore, a time set aside to emphasize the unique needs of those whose challenges do not fit mainstream paradigms. My twenty- year experience of providing spiritual care to a primarily minority population has motivated me to research and verify the peculiar contexts, concepts and concerns effective for individuals with unemancipated ancestors. The work engaged in these efforts has generated a contemplative approach. This strategy is applied as a means to facilitate internal liberation for individuals restrained by ancestral histories of enslavement.

  • BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month and ACPE Psychotherapy

    Jul 15, 2024

    In 2008, the US House of Representatives announced July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (also known as BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month). While growing up, Campbell was one of my mom’s favorite authors and a regular feature in her book club. I often waited patiently for her to finish reading a new book by the New York Times bestselling author before I quickly absorbed it into my own little library. Campbell’s first four novels, “Singing in the Comeback Choir,” “Brothers and Sisters,” “Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine,” and “What You Owe Me,” held me captive for days even after I finished them. Equally as captivating, however, was Bebe herself. She was beautiful and a staunch advocate for mental health due to her support for a family member.

  • Here To Serve

    Jul 1, 2024

    “Each of you should use whatever gift[s] you have received to serve others…” (1Peter 4:10)  A week after our annual conference concluded, I attended the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 2024 General Assembly. While giving his annual report and several other times during the week, Executive Coordinator Dr. Paul Baxley reminded us that CBF exists to serve. The idea of service is not a new concept to me. In my faith tradition, Scripture teaches that we should rather serve others than be served. There was not a time that he spoke that I did not think of my role in ACPE. I have just completed the sixth month as the Chair of the Board… and it has been a busy six months! I am here to serve.

  • ACPE Foundation Announces 2024 Justice, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Grants

    Jun 24, 2024

    At their May 2024 board meeting, the ACPE Foundation proudly unveiled the recipients of its 2024 grants aimed at advancing justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the ACPE community. These grants mark a significant investment in transformative projects, made possible by the generosity of our dedicated donors. "This year's grants exemplify our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable ACPE environment," said Brooks Heard, Board Chair of the ACPE Foundation. "We are thrilled to support initiatives that will enhance spiritual care education, research, and practitioner diversity across our network."