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Chapter 5: Expectations

Clergy in the Missouri Conference of The United Methodist Church are expected to fulfill the following requirements:

      • Attend quadrennial Boundaries training. The training, addressing clergy sexual ethics and other boundaries issues, will be under the leadership of the Cabinet, assisted by representatives from the laity, the Board of Ordained Ministry, the Conference staff, the Chairs of the Orders of Elders and Deacons and the Chair of the Fellowship of Local Pastors.   

      • Participate in Safe Sanctuaries training and certification with criminal background check at least once a quadrennium (or more often as determined by the Safe Sanctuaries Authority).

The Bishop will consider compliance to the expectation of Boundaries training attendance, Safe Sanctuaries certification and complete criminal background check as a condition of appointment. When a pastor is unwilling to fulfill this requirement, the Bishop will refer the matter as an administrative complaint in accordance with ¶362 of The 2004 Book of Discipline.