Partnering with churches and denominations
Many seminaries look for ways to partner with churches for on-going education and support. At the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Doug Powe says they work with many denominations and congregations, offering training through affordable online courses in a series called “Keeping Our Sacred Trust,” which touch on matters related to abuse of power.
Understanding Clergy Sexual Ethics – The first, foundational course in the Lewis Center’s Keeping Our Sacred Trust series of online courses that deal with issues of ethical boundaries in ministry. This course is designed to help prevent clergy sexual misconduct by creating awareness of what constitutes misconduct and how issues of misconduct typically arise. It addresses the relational dynamics, internal motivations, and vulnerabilities that can lead to misconduct and the positive steps that can be taken to help prevent misconduct or the appearance of misconduct. The goal is to help course participants develop a strong and reliable “internal compass” that will help them to steer a safe course even in confusing or difficult situations.
Maintaining Boundaries in a Digital Age – Course explores issues of clergy ethics in an era of instantaneous, electronic communication. It helps spiritual leaders stay healthy and attentive to appropriate boundaries amid new challenges. It builds on the first course in the Keeping Our Sacred Trust series, Understanding Clergy Sexual Ethics, which is a primer on preventing clergy sexual misconduct.
Assuring Financial Integrity – Course explores what it means for church leaders, both clergy and lay, to maintain trust and transparency in matters related to giving and congregational finance. The course is designed to help prevent fraud or financial misconduct by: 1) sharing a vision for financial integrity as a sacred trust shaped by the Christian imperative of stewardship; 2) outlining best practices for maintaining financial integrity; and 3) providing an overview of issues to be considered if financial impropriety occurs.
