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Rostered Ministers, Synod Authorized Ministers, & Vicars:
On February 10th, the Synod Council passed this resolution:
"To require rostered ministers, synodically authorized ministers, and interns who are availing themselves to congregations within the Southwestern Texas Synod as a worship leader, regardless of frequency or interval of partnership with congregations, to submit for, and individually maintain background checks; must engage synodically-required Boundary Training(s) annually; must engage clergy ethics training which includes subject matter surrounding children, youth, and vulnerable adults training triennially, to resource protections for the most vulnerable Siblings whom we are called to lead, minister to, and engage with as a rostered minister, synodically-authorized minister, or intern within the Southwestern Texas Synod."
What does this mean? For leaders who are actively working in congregations (including those who are retired, transitional, and/or exclusively supply preaching), we have great power, but with it comes great responsibility. So we need to take responsibility and ensure we are up to date with clergy ethics and background checks. We also have a responsibility, as in any profession, to serve our people to the best of our ability, with the most up-to-date information, and to recognize that some groups of people need more specific and informed care. This is why we as a synod have agreed to annual boundary training to include racial justice, gender justice, and clergy/professional ethics.
For Clergy/Professional Ethics: please click the button below to begin. This must be done every three years.
For Background Checks: if you are in a congregation, you must do the background check through your congregation and give the Synod the date it was completed. This must be done every three years. If you are a supply pastor, you will receive a link inviting you to complete the necessary forms. For our valued Vicars, we expect your partnered congregations to offer support to you for the completion of these trainings while you are in our Synod; both freeing up time and funds for you to be able to faithfully participate.
For Racial Justice and Gender Justice Training: Stay tuned for announcements from the Office of the Bishop for both online and in-person opportunities.
All fees from the training and background checks are the responsibility of the leader. If you have continuing education funds or professional expense funds, consider using them. For supply pastors, if this is a hardship, please contact Deacon Darcy Mittelstaedt.
For questions about Racial Justice/Gender Justice training, contact Pastor Katy Miles-Wallace. For questions about Clergy/Professional Boundary Training and Background Checks, contact Deacon Darcy Mittelstaedt.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation and for putting in the work to make the Church a safe and loving place!
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