Anti-Racism and Healthy Boundaries Online Course

Course Description

This half-credit, two week online course will help to further equip clergy for pastoral leadership across ministry settings by addressing issues pertaining to boundaries and racism in the Church. The goal of the course is to facilitate authentic fellowship and communication with God’s people in congregational and denominational life. It is also intended to help students and clergy meet standing requirements regarding healthy boundaries and anti-racism.

The call to ordained ministry continues to be recognized by many persons to be a blessed and consecrated call. People of all ages, educational backgrounds, employment histories, and socio-cultural and linguistic backgrounds continue to hear and respond to the call to ordained ministry and to para-church and faith-based organizations, social /community agencies, heath care institutions, among others. Yet, many clergy feel unprepared for meeting the myriad of challenges they face as they lead congregations during times heightened by social, cultural, and religious change Therefore, the establishment and maintenance of healthy boundaries within diverse ministry contexts become an integral part of cultivating clergy wellness and congregational heath.

Moreover, racism, considered to be America’s original sin[1], has left an indelible mark on the soul of America, its people, and the Church. The importance of clergy, pastoral leadership, and congregations to grasp the gravity and severity of racism in one’s personal life, relationship with others, and with God is paramount to co-creatinghealthy anti-racist congregations that seek to heal the people of God and dismantle the racist structures that exist in society and in the Church.

[1] Jim Wallis, America’s Original Sin: Racism. White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America, (Michigan, Brazos Press, 2016), xix-xxv.