WORKSHOPS ON HUMAN SEXUALITY
ISSUES IN CONGREGATIONS
Preventing Sexual Abuse in the Congregation
Clergy and lay leaders will find
this workshop helpful in the development of congregational policies
that protect individuals and congregations from sexual harassment
and abuse. Participants will learn skills to provide respect
and model responsible touch behaviors. They will learn to create
ethical boundaries for everyone, from greeters to youth counselors.
At the end of the day leaders will have learned ways to eliminate
risks and congregational vulnerability, celebrated sexuality,
and learned what to do about past sexual secrets and registered
sex offenders in the congregation.
Sex at Church: Secrets & Shame,
Sanctuary & Ethics
This workshop is provided in response
to the majority of congregations who have had (or are now having)
conflicts about human sexuality issues. One in three congregations
has experienced the damage of sexual harassment or abuse. The
workshop affirms that we are fearfully and wonderfully made,
and celebrates sexuality. A presentation on the biochemistry
of sex normalizes attraction and behavior. Participants will
learn how to talk to each other about sexuality issues in congregations
and to protect the congregation from sexual abuse. Participants
also come away from the workshop with a better acceptance of
their own sexuality and awareness of ethical sexual boundaries.
Becoming People of Grace
Using the traditional hymn "Amazing Grace," participants
in this workshop will learn to grace themselves and others in
their families and congregations. Each section of the day will
involve participants in journal writing on themes from verses
of the hymn. Small group sharing will follow. The psychological
and interpersonal damage of shame will be explored. Ways that
shame affect creeps into our lives will be discussed and redressed.
Shame affect in the life of congregations will also be examined.
Christian theological perspectives and biblical materials that
focus on grace will be highlighted.
(Any workshop can be adapted for retreats, courses, or
keynote addresses)
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