Help! I need to find a Boundary Training class as soon as possible! Does this (fill in the blank) training count for my requirements? – March 2025 Featured COMma Article

Help! I need to find a Boundary Training class as soon as possible! Does this (fill in the blank) training count for my requirements?

Calls and emails like these come to the MESA team fairly frequently, and they highlight a couple of different needs from our Committees on Ministry and ministry partners. The first is clarity around expectations for maintaining good standing. Each Committee on Ministry determines these requirements and can specify not only how often Boundary Training must be taken, but also the content and length of time for a qualifying training. Some COMs have requirements for MIDs to participate in Boundary Training classes, and some COMs have a requirement for a “101” level foundational course, followed by topical or cohort-specific courses. Some COMs have adopted a “module” approach to continuing education, with Boundary Training being one component along with Anti-Racism Training and other classes. The Manual on Ministry and the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers emphasize life-long learning, recognizing that while a minister’s initial training provides a foundation for ministry, all ministers need to continue to expand our gifts and skills throughout the arc of ministry.  

The second need that these questions reveal is the need for greater communication throughout the denomination about the open Boundary Trainings and other types of online learning available. As MESA works toward a webpage with that information, we’re providing a few links to webpages in conferences that frequently offer online trainings open to the wider church. These range in content, cost, and length of training. As MESA moves toward the development of the webpage, please send links to where trainings are listed in your Conference communications that would welcome neighbors to attend by completing this form.

MESA offers twice-yearly Boundary Trainings for Retired Ministers and Ministers Serving in Specialized Settings.  These are considered “200” level courses, and are between 3-3.5 hours in length. MESA is also available for periodic in person full day Boundary Trainings for culturally specific cohorts or for ministers serving in cross-cultural contexts.  

Questions for further reflection: 

1. What are your COM’s expectations and continuing education requirements for maintaining standing?  
2. Do they include Boundary Training? If so, what are your parameters for what qualifies for fulfillment of that requirement?  
3. How do you communicate the availability of online Boundary Trainings and other continuing education opportunities to your authorized ministers?