Commission on Ministry, Christian Church in the Upper Midwest
POLICY: To assure consistent training for, and build community with
ministers regarding clergy sexual, ethical, racial and ethnic, and
financial boundaries
This Policy will become effective August 1, 2011.
BOUNDARIES TRAINING
PROCEDURE:
Initial training:
Within two years of a minister receiving standing in, or re-locating to the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest, the minister will complete six hours of training related to clergy sexual, ethical, racial and ethnic, and financial boundaries. The Region will sponsor this basic course at least once every year.
If a commissioned or ordained minister with standing does not complete this training within two years, their standing will be suspended, not-for-cause, until s/he completes the training.
If a minister transfers from another region and has completed boundary training approved by that region within the previous 12 months, that training will fulfill this requirement.
Alternative courses to the regionally-sponsored course need to be pre-approved by the Commission on Ministry or their designee.
Active retired (aR) ministers who function in any ministerial capacity (pulpit supply, officiating at weddings or funerals, etc.) are required to participate in this initial training.
On-going training:
Within three years of initial training and every three years hence, all commissioned and ordained ministers will complete on-going boundary training. The Region will sponsor or designate the training that will qualify for this requirement. This training will be offered at least once every year.
If a commissioned or ordained minister with standing does not complete this training every three years after the initial boundary training, their standing will be suspended, not-for-cause, until s/he completes the training.
Active retired (aR) ministers who function in any ministerial capacity (pulpit supply, officiating at weddings or funerals, etc.) are required to participate in this on-going training.