New Boundaries Video Resource

News February 01, 2017

There is a new free, downloadable learning resource available that has been produced for Pastor Parish Relations Committees on clergy boundaries. The resource is designed specifically with lay leadership and paid and unpaid church staff in mind. Its purpose is to expand the circle of accountability and the establishment of healthy practices in our local churches.

The resource features David Olsen, co-author of “Saying No to Say Yes: Everyday Boundaries and Pastoral Excellence.” An ordained American Baptist minister and the current executive director of the Samaritan Counseling Center of the Capital Region, Dr. Olsen often consults with congregations on this topic.

This is a series of three, 45-60 minute video-based training sessions with accompanying conversation guides plus a short bonus episode. The resource can also be combined for a 3-hour training session for church leaders. The sessions include:

Session 1: What are Boundaries?
This session spells out the role of boundaries in life and the role of clergy professional boundaries, ministry as profession, and the complicated nature of the pastoral vocation.

Session 2: Boundaries in a Changing World
This session invites viewers to establish good practices and policies around aspects of local church life to help protect the emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual health of the pastor(s) and congregation.

Session 3: Saying No in Order to Say Yes
This session reframes the conversation around boundaries for Pastor Parish Relations Committees and their pastoral staff to one of support.

Bonus Conversation: Anxiety
This short bonus session addresses the connection between anxiety and boundaries.

Visit www.moumethodist.org/boundaryPPRC to download the videos and conversation guides. Additional resources on boundaries and clergy sexual ethics can be found at www.moumethodist.org/boundaryresources.