Boundary Awareness Training
UPDATE:
Boundary Awareness Training
“You may be current with yours (five years), but tell a colleague. This is very important to an authorized minister's Good Standing” -Metropolitan Association, New York Conference, United Church of Christ, Registrar, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For the Metro Association - Boundary Awareness Training is required for any form of ministerial authorization toward ordination (dual standing, licensed, and privilege of call) and Members In Discernment in the Metropolitan Association of the New York Conference, United Church of Christ.
Any active authorized minister (including retired ministers who make themselves available for weddings, funerals, supply preaching, interim work, etc.) who has failed to take this training will be considered NOT “in good standing” should a certificate be formally required. BAT is good for five years with a one-year grace period to renew.
What is "Boundary Awareness Training?" As described in a UCC Mission Moments, "A Safe Church for All": "Boundary Training helps clergy be aware of the power dynamics in pastoral relationships, provides a safe place to raise questions about appropriateness, heightens awareness of boundary issues in congregations, and educates about safety practices.
"Boundary issues are much more complex and encompass much more of a pastor's life than sexual misconduct. They include, for example, the holding of power of attorney for an elderly parishioner or ethical issues for retired pastors. Boundary Training helps clergy understand those who cross boundaries, the victims of abuse, congregational trauma, interventions that help, and the importance of self-knowledge, self-care, and clarity about role."
Topics covered in this training might include:
Elements of Ethical Analysis
What are Boundaries, and Why Do They Matter?
Respect and Love for Self and Others
Complexities of Touch in Ministry
Dual Relationships - Mixing Personal and Professional
Minister's Relationship with God, Family of Origin Issues, Religious Abuse
Upcoming BAT classes:
The New York Conference
Boundary Awareness Training Goes Virtual
Click registration link below
ATTENTION ALL AUTHORIZED MINISTERS & MEMBERS IN DISCERNMENT:
Beginning April 2021, all Members in Discernment (MID) and authorized ministers can satisfy their Boundary Awareness Training (BAT) requirement from the comfort of your own living room. We are taking our program virtual! Any authorized minister who needs BAT can register for an online training session through the conference website. Linked below is the schedule of BAT sessions that will be offered via Zoom through 2021. Every attempt has been made to offer online BAT sessions at varying times and days in an effort to accommodate as many as possible. Some Associations may still offer a few in-person BAT sessions. Please contact your Association Registrar for information on in-person training. [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 718-898-0001 ext. 202]