Ecumenical Institute

To provide quality pastoral education through an accredited training center by certified personnel on an ecumenical, non-discriminatory basis in compliance with all local, state and federal laws and to provide these services primarily on behalf of the people of Northwest Iowa. Special concern is directed to meeting the needs of rural communities and to serving as a public trust in all matters related to the financial support of these educational services.

Ecumenical Institute (EI) was started in 1968 and has operated as a charitable organization since 1993. Its goal is to mobilize pastoral care for the residents of Northwest Iowa. Ecumenical Institute’s vision is to provide care for humans in all conditions of life and offer spiritual training to those who assist in that care.

Due to Covid 19 the need for online training increased. EI has been providing online training prior to Covid 19. Ecumenical Institute (EI) now serves Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) students throughout the United States.

Ecumenical Institute mobilizes pastoral care throughout Northwest Iowa by:

• Providing Certified Pastoral Education (CPE) to individuals committed to Northwest Iowa through classes, workshops, and seminars.
• Mobilizing pastoral care by networking together with leaders from congregations, civic organizations, businesses, and community service providers.
• Empowering pastoral caregivers to “pass it on” within their own spheres of influence, from congregations to the workplace to the community a large.