Know Yourself (Modules 1–3)

Why boundaries matter, how your family of origin and unmet needs shape your ministry, and the self-care and Sabbath practices that sustain it.

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Pastoral Relationships (Modules 4–8)

Sacred trust and power, dual relationships, transference in pastoral care, the ethics of the pulpit, and sexual ethics, attraction, and touch.

Everyday Practice (Modules 9–12)

Digital life and social media, money, gifts, time and confidentiality, safeguarding and repair, and writing your own Healthy Boundaries Covenant.

About the Course

Healthy boundaries are the foundation of ethical, effective ministry—yet many clergy struggle to maintain them amid complex relationships and competing demands. This interactive online course is specifically designed for ordained and commissioned ministers, pastors, and ministry leaders who want to move beyond understanding policies to actually living out healthy boundaries in their daily work. You'll develop deeper self-awareness of how your personal experiences influence your ministry relationships, learn to distinguish between appropriate boundaries and harmful crossings, and practice ethical decision-making through real-life scenarios. More importantly, you'll discover how to integrate self-care and spiritual formation into a sustainable ministry that protects both you and your congregation. Through interactive lessons, guided reflection, and practical tools, you'll gain the awareness, understanding, and skills to navigate power dynamics, build trust, and foster a culture of healthy boundaries in your leadership. Ready to transform your ministry and well-being? Enroll today to start your journey toward sustainable, ethical leadership.

Rev. Dr. Carolyn Treadwell-Butler

About Your Instructor

I'm Rev. Dr. Carolyn Treadwell-Butler, an ordained minister and pastoral counselor with 40 years in learning and development and 10 years in ministry. Healthy boundaries are not about restriction; they are about faithfulness, trust, and care. I am honored to offer this course as a supportive and practical space for clergy and ministry leaders to explore healthy boundaries as an essential part of faithful, ethical, and sustainable ministry. This course provides a thoughtful and accessible foundation for understanding healthy boundaries in faith-based settings. Through reflective and practical learning, we will explore how boundaries support trust, protect relationships, and sustain long-term ministry within your faith community.

Curriculum

12 Chapters · 12 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      The Iceberg: Why Boundaries Matter

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Knowing Your Own Family of Origin and Unmet Needs

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Self-Care, Sabbath and Sustainable Ministry

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Sacred Trust

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Relationships and Dual Relationships

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Transference, Countertransference and Pastoral Care

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      The Pulpit

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Sexual Ethics, Attraction and Touch

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Digital Life: Internet, Texting and Social Media

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Money, Gift, Time and Confidentiality

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Safeguarding, Accountability and Repair

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      My Healthy Boundaries Covenant

Ready to Strengthen Your Ministry?

Build the self-awareness and practical skills to serve with integrity and sustain your ministry for the long haul. Enroll today and begin with Module 1: The Iceberg.

Enroll Now