Toolbox for Ethical Pastoral Leadership - Professional Standards Workshops

Focusing on the themes and issues encountered in ministry practice: self-care and healthy practice, boundaries, conflict, change, supervision, codes of conduct, ministry ethics the following sessions are offered at Whitley College and all sessions are recognised as a BUV Professional Standards Workshop.

1. Pastoral Identity & Power (3 August)
Presented by : Rev. David Devine
How the Pastor is positioned in a congregational system
This session will focus on the various forms of power Pastors hold and how that power should be exercised in ways that are respectful of others. It will include some reflection on cultural dimensions of power and authority

2. Boundaries, Safety and Risk (10 August)
Presented by : Dr. Lynn Moresi
Walking the Sexual Harassment Tightrope
The focus of this session will be on physical boundaries and safe vs risky environments. It will consider the warning signs associated with ‘moral failures’ by pastoral leaders and suggest ways to avoid risky situations.

3. The Pastor as Part of the BUV (24 August)
Presented by : Rev. Jonathan Stark
How our relationship works
This session will look at ethical relationships with Pastoral colleagues and with the Denomination.

4. Resilience in Ministry (31 August)
Presented by : Rev. Dr. Mark Conner
How to stay the course and finish well
As the previous Senior Minister of CityLife Church, Mark Conner has learnt the skills and life-practices that have enabled him to lead with resilience for over 32 years. He is a gifted leader, speaker, and author who will share valuable insights into the pastor’s self-care and personal development.

5. The Pastor and Their Family (7 September)
Presented by: Rev. Jun Tan & Sui Ping together with Rev. Jonathan & Mandy Stark
How to Maintain a workable family/work balance
This session looks at ways in which Pastors can exercise care of their families. What are our priorities in regard to family and ministry?

6. Dealing with Difference and Dissent (14 September)
Presented by: Rev. Katrina Lambert
This session will look at healthy Pastoral responses, both personal and systemic, to those who express dissent. How might Pastors resolve feelings of anger? How might churches provide for respectful discussion of differing views?

7. Handling Money Wisely (5 October)
Presented by: Rev. David Devine & Rev Dr Marc Chan
The ethics of good financial management
This session focuses on some of the challenges Pastors face in handling money with integrity and wisdom, both at the personal and congregational levels. It will include some reflection on cultural dimensions to this.

8. The Pastor & The Law (12 October)
Presented by: Rev. Jonathan Stark and Brenda Williams
What is my duty of care?
This session will include information on various laws affecting Pastors and churches and reflection on the implications of these for Pastoral practice.

9. Conscientious Practice: On what basis do you choose to break the law? (19 October)
Presented by: Rev. Tim Costello and Rev Alan Marr
When is it appropriate to break the law?
This session will cover On what basis do you choose to break the law? What should Pastoral Leaders do when the Law of the Land is in direct opposition to their moral and ethical values?

Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Where: Whitley College, 50 The Avenue, Parkville VIC 3052

Cost: $20 per session