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. Sessions can be attended in person or online via zoom.

10. Conscientious Practice: On what basis do you choose to break the law? (25 May)

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 - 4:00pm

Where: Whitley College, 100 Albion Road, Box Hill 3128

Cost: $20 per session

Past PSW's

1. Pastoral Identity & Power (7 March)
Presented by : Rev. David Devine and Rev. Andy Mitchell
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 (14 March)
Presented by : Rev. Alison Sampson and Adam Foster
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. Cultural Safety (21 March)

Presented by : Rev. Andy Mitchell, Charlene Delos Santos and Aunty Rev. Patricia Courtenay
Creating Culturally Safe Environments
Responding to the new 11 child safe standards and requirements for cultural safety it will consider how we engage in culturally safe practices.

4. The Pastor as Part of the BUV (28 March)

Presented by : Rev. Beth Jackson
How our relationship works
This session will look at ethical relationships with Pastoral colleagues and with the Denomination.

5. Healthy Practices and self-care (18 April)

Presented by : Phil Weekes and TBC
How to create resilience in ministry
This session will look at the role of self-care and healthy boundaries to ensure well-being in ministry

6. The Pastor and Their Family (27 April) *

Presented by: Rev. Jonathan and Mandy Stark and family together with Pastor Khoi Karen Doan
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?
Note this workshop is on a Thursday

7. Dealing with Difference and Conflict Resolution (2 May)

Presented by: Rev. Meewon Yang and Rev. David Devine
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?

8. The Pastor & The Law (9 May)
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. Handling Money Wisely (16 May)

Presented by: Rev. David Devine & Jessen Yeoh
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.