Northern Lights Region Training Policy
Healthy Boundaries Training: Beginning in 2020 all active clergy, both ordained and commissioned, are required to complete six hours of Healthy Boundary Training for Clergy every four years. Approved training is provided by the Northern Lights Region. Other options may be: courses offered by other regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), member denominations of Churches Uniting in Christ, or trainings approved by the Commission on Ministry on a case by case basis.
Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Training: Beginning in 2018 all active clergy, both ordained and commissioned, are required to complete six hours of Anti-Racism training every four years. Approved training is provided by the Northern Lights Region. Other options may be: courses offered by other regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or trainings approved by the Commission on Ministry on a case by case basis.
Active clergy, including active retired, both ordained and commissioned, who fail to complete either of the required trainings in the year they are due may have commissioning/standing removed, not for cause. Commissioning/standing may be reinstated after training is completed.
Special Circumstances:
- In-care candidates seeking ordination, commissioning or standing should complete the trainings as they are offered and must complete Healthy Boundary training prior to approval for ordination, commissioning or standing.
- Pastors transferring standing from another region should enter the training cycle at the earliest opportunity. The pastor must also either have completed a Healthy Boundary Training within the past 4 years, or complete an approved course within one year.
- Inactive retired clergy are not required to complete these trainings. However, inactive retired clergy who wish to re-enter active ministry must enter the training cycle at the earliest opportunity. If the pastor has not participated in a Healthy Boundary training within the past 4 years, an approved course must be completed within one year.
You may access this information at any time by going to https://northernlightsdisciples.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Section-8.1-Clergy-Healthy-Boundary-Anti-Racism-Training-Policy-2019.pdf. It is the responsibility of each active clergy person to register for and complete training in the year it is required.