A wide variety of people take CPE at Lancaster General for a wide variety of reasons.

• The age of students range from mid-twenties to late fifties, although there is no age limit.

• Currently more women are taking CPE than men, approximately 60% to 40%.

• Our students have been almost entirely from a Christian framework. However, students from other faith traditions are welcome. Amongst Christians, students have come from approximately twenty different denominations.

• About fifty percent of our students are seminarians. Twenty-five percent of our students are seminary graduates who are engaged in professional ministry in congregations or institutions. The remaining quarter are lay people, who work as nurses, counselors, teachers, homemakers, and other professions.

• Most of our students are from European descent. Students from South American, Asian, and African descent have enriched our program. 

• Some students know what type of ministry they plan to do in the future and view CPE as preparation for their goals. Others are exploring ministry options and utilize CPE to clarify their call. Still others avail themselves of the training to enhance their current ministry.