Healthy Boundaries 101 Training Continues

Chicago, IL – On February 1, 2018, seven IMC pastors gathered at Living Water Community Church for healthy boundaries 101 training.  Pastor Kristin Jackson, certified training through FaithTrust Institute and pastor of Living Water, led the training.

This marks the third HB 101 training since the IMC Church Life Team instituted a new policy requiring all IMC credentialed pastors, who are active in ministry, to complete this training. There will be one more training (March 8 at the Mennonite Church of Normal) prior to the June 1, 2018, deadline for completing this training.

The purpose of the training is to provide an introduction to healthy boundaries in ministry. The training covers topics such as;

  • Boundary Basics for Clergy
  • Dating, Friends, Dual Relationships, and Gifts
  • The Pulpit, Transference, Touch, and Intimacy
  • Preserving Boundaries through Personal and Professional Health

Of the 67 credentialed persons who are required, under the policy, to complete the training, 39 have taken the training, 15 are scheduled to take the training on March 8, and 4 have provided proof of similar content training in another professional capacity (chaplains, counselors, etc.). If you are not doing the math, 58 of 67 credentialed leaders have completed the training.  We have had two persons complete the training that are not credentialed but wanted to learn the content and one pastor from another conference.

IMC partners with neighboring conferences who offer the same training through a certified trainer. Pastors are required to take advanced boundary training every three years.

If you would like your Elders, Board, or Pastor/Congregation Relationship Committee to take this training, please contact Michael Danner. He has led a shortened version of the training, called Taking it Home, in one congregation and is open to doing this in others.  You can take advantage of Michael’s presence in your congregation on a Sunday morning, to provide this training during Sunday school or in a special session during or after lunch. 

Training Healthy Pastors

Illinois Mennonite Conference is committed to supporting and equipping healthy pastors for local Anabaptist/Mennonite Congregations. Part of that support and equipping is helping pastors maintain healthy boundaries as they navigate the maze of relationships within a ministry. On May 10 and 11, pastor Kristin Jackson (Living Water Community Church) and CEM Michael Danner (IMC), are attending training in Kansas City, MO for this task.

This training is led by FaithTrust Institute, in conjunction with MC USA. FaithTrust Institute leads the way in helping churches create safe spaces for all persons in the church. This two-day training will equip Kristin and Michael to lead the Healthy Boundaries 101 and 201 events for IMC pastors.  In January 2017, the IMC Church Life Team adopted a policy that makes this Healthy Boundary training a requirement for all credentialed leaders within IMC.

This two-day training will equip Kristin and Michael to lead the Healthy Boundaries 101 and 201 events for IMC pastors.  In January 2017, the IMC Church Life Team adopted a policy that makes this Healthy Boundary training a requirement for all credentialed leaders within IMC. By training Kristin and Michael, we will be able to provide this training regularly and in a cost-effective way within the conference.

The next Healthy Boundaries training will be October 14, 2017, at First Mennonite Church of Champaign-Urbana. This training is free for all IMC credentialed leaders. Others are welcome to attend for the cost of course materials and lunch. (around $25).

Please email the conference office with questions, or to sign up for this event.