The Christian Church in the Upper Midwest
(Disciples of Christ)
Policy on Boundary Training
revised 1/1/2020
Committee 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
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 provide new clergy with opportunities to complete the training.
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 they 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 Committee on Ministry or their designee.
Active retired (RA) ministers who function in any ministerial capacity (officiating at weddings or funerals, pastoral care, etc.) are required to participate in this initial training.
On-going training:
Once clergy have completed their initial training, they will be expected to complete a recertification during Upper Midwest Boundary Training years (2020, 2025, 2030, 2035, etc.)
If a commissioned or ordained minister with standing does not complete this training during the Upper Midwest Boundary Training year, their standing will be suspended, not-for-cause, until they complete the training.
Only Inactive Retired clergy (RI) are exempt from this requirement.