This training is based in an understanding that loving God with heart, soul, and mind and loving neighbor as self are the core principles that undergird all clergy ethics. It recognizes that God desires that each individual flourish and experience abundant living. Therefore, ethical living seeks to answer questions in a changing and complex world about how we can love God, love neighbor as self, and create space and opportunities for all individuals to flourish in all areas of life. Furthermore, it asserts that commissioned and ordained ministers are called by the community from within the community to serve and nurture it through leadership roles. Ministry is a vocation and professional ethical norms of other caring professions are the floor upon which clergy ethics are constructed. Undergirded by these believes, Choices for Abundant Living seeks to provide time and space for commissioned and ordained clergy to consider and discuss what it means for individuals:
To flourish as they establish healthy relationships built on empathy, kindness, mutual respect, and trust;
To engage in open communications that provides for problem solving, conflict resolution, opportunities to give and receive forgiveness;
To develop an understanding and respect of values, believes, and attitudes of others, even if they differ;
To acknowledge the independence and connectedness of each person.
Small group activities and discussion of case studies will allow commissioned and ordained clergy to reflect upon their values, their call to live within the standards set by My Code of Ethics of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the importance of boundaries as they seek to make ethical decisions and act in ways guided by the principles of non-maleficence, veracity, and confidentiality.
Registration due by February 10. $45 includes materials and lunch. Register online now>