PrairieFire: A Program of Spiritual Renewal and Formation

PrairieFire is designed for people who desire to live each day prayerfully and intentionally, who long to respond fully to God's call. All who seek companionship in their spiritual journeying are encouraged to apply. Current participants include clergy and chaplains, counselors and social workers, healthcare professionals, spiritual directors, parish nurses, Stephen Ministers, hospice staff, and lay persons.

PrairieFire is a two-year program that meets monthly, September through June, in Des Moines. Grounded in the Christian contemplative tradition, the classes will feature didactic and experiential elements. A new PrairieFire group is currently forming for fall 2012.

PrairieFire also offers an optional third year practicum experience leading to a certificate in the ministry of spiritual direction. Those participating in the practicum will make periodic visits to the Sophia Center, a well-established ecumenical program for spiritual formation offered by the Benedictine Sisters in Atchison, Kansas.

Kathy Reardon, RN, MS, and Kay Riley, MA, are the Co-Directors of PrairieFire.
Contact the Center to request an application packet or download the materials below.

PrairieFire Recommendation Form

PrairieFire Cover Letter

PrairieFire Application Form

PrairieFire Program Information

Speakers Bureau: Presentations for Adult Education Programs, Singles Groups, and Stephen Ministry Programs

The Speakers Bureau of the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center offers presentations on mental, emotional, and spiritual health topics presented in seminar style by Center staff. It is helpful to schedule months in advance to ensure the date you want will be available. With a few exceptions, there is typically no fee for this service, however, a contribution to the Center's Counseling Assistance Fund is encouraged. The presentations vary in length from 1 to 2 hours, although the length of the program can be negotiated. If an extended program is desired, a fee will be negotiated. Call Eileen Burtle at (515) 274-4006 for details. Click here for a list of topics.

Institute for the Practice of Ministry

The Institute for the Practice of Ministry of the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center provides a variety of opportunities for professional support and instruction to clergy and ministering professionals. The Institute consults with congregations, clergy, and church staff regarding collegial relationships and personal spiritual growth issues, offers an extensive list of topics for adult education programs within congregations, and evaluates clergy candidates.

Pastoral Care Specialist Program
This two-year program of professional development and renewal is designed for any persons involved in ministries of pastoral care. It provides an enriching blend of psychology and theology, as well as theory and practice, while encouraging the sharing of learned lessons. Participants meet monthly September through June to learn about areas critical to effective pastoral care, and to receive support, encouragement, and consultation on their work. See below for specific information about registration for this program or contact the Center (515) 274-4006 or info@dmpcc.org.

Ministry Staff Consultation
Ministry staff consultation provides church staffs with an opportunity to develop a better understanding of one another’s styles and theology of ministry. This facilitates better working relationships, with the end result being a more effective, collegial staff. A pastor or staff member of a church can contact Eileen Burtle at (515) 274-4006 to arrange a parish staff consultation. Fees vary.

Congregational Consultation
Just as families can develop conflict among their members, persons working closely together in a parish setting can experience tension and/or conflict. Congregational Conflict Consultation is a dynamic process of helping staff or congregation come to a better understanding and resolution of problems. A pastor, president of a board, leader of a denomination, or other person involved can call Eileen Burtle at (515 )274-4006 to arrange a Congregational Consultation.

Clergy Consultation and Coaching
The Center is a resource for clergy who desire confidential consultation regarding leadership, pastoral care and/or other aspects of their ministry, vocational discernment, or professional growth. Interested clergy may contact Ellery Duke at the Center, (515) 274-4006, for further information or to arrange an appointment.

Spiritual Direction and Group Spiritual Direction
The Center offers the opportunity, for clergy and/or laity, to confidentially share and reflect in the presence of a trained and experienced guide how God is at work in one’s life. Contact Kathy Reardon at the Center (515) 274-4006.

Clergy Candidate Evaluation
The Center works with a number of judicatories and denominational leaders in the process of cultivating and evaluating the gifts and graces of persons who are exploring a vocation in ministry. The process typically involves a combination of personal interview and psychological assessment instruments. Information regarding this process is available from Ellery Duke by email eduke@dmpcc.org or by phone (515) 274-4006.

Back to the top of the page

The Center is once again proud to offer the Pastoral Care Specialist Program, a competency-enhancing two-year program designed for the professional development and renewal of pastors, chaplains, and other persons involved in ministries of pastoral care. The program provides an enriching blend of psychology and theology, as well as theory and practice, while encouraging the sharing of learned lessons.

Participants meet once each month to learn about areas critical to effective pastoral care, and to receive support, encouragement, and consultation on their work. Participants can solidify what they already do well and integrate new knowledge and skills into their ministries. Seminar topics vary each year.

This year’s program began the second Tuesday of September (September 13, 2011) and runs through the second Tuesday of June (June 12, 2012). Participants meet from 8:45 a.m. to noon. Tuition for the program is $500 for each of the two years. Registration is limited.

For those who qualify, this program is designed to meet some of the requirements for certification by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors as a Pastoral Care Specialist. Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary also offers academic credit for participation in the program for those enrolled in its Doctor of Ministry Program in Theology and Leadership.

For additional information or to obtain a registration form, contact the Center (515) 274-4006 or info@dmpcc.org.

Pastoral Care Specialist Schedule for 2011-2012

Attachment and Love
Presenters: J. Jeffrey Means, M. Div., Ph.D.

Issues in End of Life Care
Presenter: Norma Hirsch, M.D.

Ministry to Persons in Rural Settings
Presenter: Lowell Houts, D.Min.

Developmental Stages of Children and Adolescents
Presenter: Doug Aupperle, Ph.D.

The Theology and Practice of Pastoral Care
Presenter: Ellery H. Duke, Ph.D.

Ministry to People Who Are Traumatized
Presenter: Lisa Beckwith & J. Jeffrey Means, M.Div., Ph.D.

Trauma and the Body
Presenter: Susan Ackelson, M.S.W., L.I.S.W.

Forgiveness
Presenter: Brian Post, Ph.D.

Knowing When and How to Refer
Presenter: Lisa Streyffeler, Ph.D.

Renewing the Spirit
Presenter: Kathy Reardon, R.N., M.S.

“The Pastoral Care Specialist Program provides valuable insights into dimensions and nuances of ministry for the practitioner. The casual professional setting allows for candid discussion among peers and experts. The course’s usefulness is evident for the novice as well as the seasoned veteran.”

“The Pastoral Care Specialist Program gives you a wider view of the struggle of God’s people and provides guidance on how we can better help our brothers and sisters as they respond to
life’s fragility.”

“What I found most valuable about the program:
~ Presentations by specialists
~ The opportunity to ask questions
~ Suggested reading lists
~ Writing my reflections
~ Feedback on reflections”

Back to the top of the page