As of 2020 all active clergy, both ordained and commissioned, are required to complete six hours of Healthy Boundary Training for Clergy every three years. Approved training is provided by the Christian Church in Nebraska. Other options may be: courses offered by other Regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), member Communions/Denominations of the Churches Uniting in Christ, or trainings pre-approved by the Pastoral Leadership Commission on a case-by-case basis (please contact the Regional Minister directly, and be prepared to submit a full schedule and syllabus of the training).
Cost: $49
Time: At your own pace (Online)
Understanding Clergy Sexual Ethics is the first, foundational course in the Lewis Center’s Keeping Our Sacred Trust series of online courses that deal with issues of ethical boundaries in ministry. This course is designed to help prevent clergy sexual misconduct by creating awareness of what constitutes misconduct and how issues of misconduct typically arise. It addresses the relational dynamics, internal motivations, and vulnerabilities that can lead to misconduct and the positive steps that can be taken to help prevent misconduct or the appearance of misconduct. The goal is to help course participants develop a strong and reliable “internal compass” that will help them to steer a safe course even in confusing or difficult situations.
Cost: $29
Time: In this 7-module, 2-hour course, we will take users through the top issues challenging today’s clergy and church leadership, and how they can navigate these ethical conundrums.
Module 1: Ethics and Boundaries.
Module 2: Ethical Challenges: Technology, Addictive Behaviors
Module 3: Ethical Challenges: Sexual Abuse and Misconduct, Boundary Awareness/Abuse Prevention.
Module 4: Ethical Challenges: Dual Relationships, Confidentiality, Accountability.
Module 5: Ethical Challenges: Plagiarism, Use of Resources, Abuse of Power.
Module 6: Ethical Challenges and Consequences.
Module 7: Conclusion and Final Exam.
Cost: $49
Time: 4 to 6 hours to complete (Online)
Maintaining Boundaries in a Digital Age is an online course offered by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary. It explores issues of clergy ethics in an era of instantaneous, electronic communication. It helps spiritual leaders stay healthy and attentive to appropriate boundaries in the midst of new challenges. It builds on the first course in the Keeping Our Sacred Trust series, Understanding Clergy Sexual Ethics, which is a primer on preventing clergy sexual misconduct.