Ministerial Training

Introduction

Our ministerial training program prepares prospective ministers with a comprehensive understanding of the lived experiences of trans, gender non-conforming, and intersex individuals – and the skills to be effective, compassionate leaders within the community.

Training

The core of the program is reading Trans Bodies, Trans Selves (or a similar, updated work by and for trans people). This comprehensive guide provides essential insights into the experiences, needs, and resources for gender-diverse individuals.

Prospective ministers also go on a journey of self-reflection – exploring their reasons for wanting to serve, ensuring they are committed to upholding our values. This may involve journaling, discussions with other members, and guidance from the lead minister and board.

Training includes common safety skills: how injections are administered and how to use naloxone. This is harm-reduction training – ministers are not medical practitioners, but are prepared to provide support when traditional care is not immediately available, such as responding to an overdose at a community gathering.

Prospective ministers will practice public speaking, both for addressing the congregation and for navigating complex questions from outside the church. This includes learning to make clear, compassionate statements of support for our trans colleagues.

Finally, prospective ministers are asked to reflect on whether they want to focus on evangelism, supporting existing members, or both.

Professional Boundaries

We are committed to maintaining professional boundaries in all aspects of our ministry. It is strictly prohibited for ministers to engage in romantic or sexual relationships with prospective ministers in training. The board may grant exceptions for pre-existing relationships, but the minister involved must recuse themselves from the candidate's training. Violations result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the ministry.