The 2018 Bishop’s School of Ministry – scheduled for Sept. 4-6 at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel – is a continuing education event for all active and retired clergy.
This year’s theme – “Doing No Harm: Keeping Sacred Trust” – encompasses teachings on sexual ethics and misconduct, safe sanctuaries, church security, and how the church ministers to people in crisis.
Registration for this event has closed.
Rev. Melton
The Rev. Joy Melton, chief resource officer of The United Methodist Property and Casualty Trust, will be the keynote speaker each day. She is the author of the “Safe Sanctuaries” series of books and resources published by Discipleship Resources of the United Methodist Church.
Rev. Melton is a recognized national leader in the area of development of ministry protection and abuse prevention policies and is uniquely qualified to understand both the legal and ecclesial issues involved with cases of abuse within the church.
Workshops include:
Sexual Ethics Training – Ministry is a sacred trust, as cited in Paragraph 364 of the United Methodist Book of Discipline, and those serving in set-apart ministry must be able to exercise the basic obligations of this trust without harming others.
Presenter: Rev. Cathy Joens, congregational specialist, South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Safe Sanctuary Policy – Since 2007, S.C. churches have been seeking to provide and implement safe sanctuary practices. Our commitment is to resource and support churches seeking to be safe places where disciples of Jesus Christ are made for the transformation of the world.
Presenter: Melanie Gordon, director of ministry with children, UMC Discipleship Ministries.
What is the Response of the Church? – How does the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church respond to a crisis in need? How does the church minister to the people involved?
Presenter – Rev. Mary Teasley, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Anderson.
Church Security – A sanctuary is a welcoming place of refuge and safety. In today’s increasingly violent world, however, even our churches have come under attack. We no longer live in a time when we can ignore this fact and we must now find ways to protect our church families. Where do we start?
Presenter: Southern Mutual Church Insurance.
Sexual Misconduct in the Church – Sexual misconduct by clergy is a serious violation of trust and, in many states, the law.
Presenter: Rev. Mel Arant, registrar, Division of Elders, South Carolina Conference Board of Ordained Ministry
Participants who attend all scheduled events will be awarded 1.5 continuing education units.
